Email Cover Letter Samples
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In today's competitive job market, your email cover letter is often your first and only opportunity to make a strong impression on a potential employer. Crafting a compelling cover letter can be the difference between securing an interview and your application getting lost in the shuffle. To help you put your best foot forward, we've compiled a range of real-life email cover letter examples and essential tips to guide you through the process.
These examples, adapted from real job seeker emails, showcase a variety of styles, from "salesy" to "direct and to the point," ensuring you can find a template that aligns with your personality and the specific job you're applying for. Remember to include these key elements as you tailor your email cover letter:
Etiquette for Any Email Cover Letter
Do:
- Mention the title of the position you’re applying for in the subject line and body of your email.
- Explain where you found the job posting or how you heard about the position.
- Conclude with a subtle call to action to remind the hiring manager of the action you’d like them to take, such as, “I look forward to hearing from you.”
- List your full name and contact information in your email signature block (not just on your resume attachment).
- If applicable, quickly explain any questions that your resume may raise. For example, if you’re from out of town but planning to move close to the job location, or you’ve been at your current position for only a short time.
Don’t:
- Don’t start your cover letter with your name. Instead, introduce yourself in the letter with a relevant qualification and connect it to the position.
- Keep your cover letter concise. Just like your resume, keep your document to just one page to entice hiring managers instead of overwhelming them.
- Avoid any spelling or grammar errors in your document. The smallest typo can ruin your chances at the job.
- Don’t address the wrong company name or the wrong company contact’s name. This could be seen as awful cover letter etiquette and indicate you’re not attentive to details.
- Don’t ever include your salary requirements unless otherwise directed by the potential employer.
Signature on Email Cover Letter
Without a signature at the end of your email cover letter, you could be missing out on incredible potential job opportunities. This quick snippet of your contact information makes it easy for recruiters and hiring managers alike to contact you.
When it comes to deciding between a physical signature and a name sign-off, there are benefits to either option. With a name sign-off, you can use a digital signature service like Eversign and RightSignature to give your cover letter that personal touch.
If you’d prefer to include just a regular email signature, make sure to include your full name, email and phone number. You can also consider adding a LinkedIn button so the hiring manager can have more insight on your experience and skill set.
How to Format an Email Cover Letter
Wondering how to format your email cover letter? You’re not alone. Once you’ve written your incredible cover letter providing more information on your expertise and how it relates to the job you’re applying for, it’s vital to format it correctly before sending it to any recruiters. If it isn’t formatted correctly, you could be missing out on the job opportunity.
Regardless of the cover letter template you’ve chosen, make sure to include these key components when formatting your email cover letter:
- Write a subject line that includes the position you’re applying for
- Address the company contact’s name in the salutation
- Clearly state what you’re hoping to accomplish in the first few sentences
- Summarize your strengths, skills and experience by connecting them to the job opportunity
- Use a font that’s easy to read
- Avoid typos in your message by proofreading
- Include a signature with your contact information
- Always send a .pdf file rather than a word doc or other format
Email Cover Letter Examples for Legal Professionals
Example #1: If you prefer to keep it brief.
Subject Line: Interest in Litigation Associate Position
To Whom It May Concern:
I am interested in the Litigation Associate position advertised on LinkedIn. I have attached my resume and cover letter for your review.
Thank you for your time. I look forward to hearing from you.
Best regards,
First Last Name
Phone
Example #2: If you’re relocating to the city where the job opportunity is located.
Subject Line: Expressing Interest and Relocating Near Litigation Secretary Position
Dear Hiring Manager,
I’m writing to express my interest in the Litigation Secretary position listed on Monster.com. My resume is attached for your review and consideration.
I am a fast learner, very dependable, organized, and computer savvy. I have extensive experience assisting firm attorneys and multiple paralegals, as well as supervising and managing an office. While I currently reside in Los Angeles, I will be moving to San Francisco at the end of the month.
I look forward to the opportunity to meet with you to learn more about your firm, its plans and goals, and how I might contribute to its continued success. I can be your ideal candidate if given this opportunity. Thank you.
Kind regards,
First Last Name
Phone
Example #3: If a colleague referred you.
Subject Line: John Mentioned Your Firm is Seeking a Litigation Secretary
Dear Sir/Madam:
I was referred to you by a mutual acquaintance, John Smith, who said you have an opening for a litigation secretary.
I have many years of experience as a litigation secretary, most of them working with managing partners. I am a professional looking for a career, not just a job. I am organized, reliable and self-motivated. I like being part of a team, but can also work independently.
Included with this e-mail is a copy of my resume for your review and consideration. Once you have had an opportunity to review my resume, please contact me if you have any questions or to arrange an interview. I look forward to speaking with you in the near future.
Thank you for your time,
First Last Name
Phone
Example # 4: If you’ve been at your current position for less than one year.
Subject Line: Experienced Legal Secretary Seeking Long-term Opportunity with Stable Litigation Firm
Dear Sir/Madam:
Please allow this introduction. My name is Jane Smith, and I have 12 years of legal secretarial experience working with managing partners of small, mid- and large-sized law firms. My current typing speed is 105 wpm from written form and 120 wpm from live dictation with the utmost accuracy. I am interested in the Litigation Secretary position advertised on your firm’s website.
I am currently working for a small civil litigation firm. However, after only 11 months in this position, the financial stability of the firm has significantly changed. Therefore I am seeking long-term tenure with a stable civil litigation firm.
Attached please find my resume and list of references. If you are interested in the professional skills and positive attributes I can contribute to your firm, please contact me at [phone number] at your convenience to schedule an interview.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Respectfully,
First Last Name
Phone
Example #5: If you want to dazzle the hiring manager with your qualifications.
Subject Line: Do you need a conscientious paralegal at your firm?
Dear Recruiting Administrator:
Do you need a hardworking, creative and conscientious paralegal to meet your firm’s needs? If so, I can help you. The following is a summary of my qualifications:
- More than ten years of progressively responsible legal experience;
- Bachelor’s Degree with Honors in Business Administration;
- Exceptional verbal, written and analytical skills;
- Advanced computer skills;
- Outgoing personality and “can-do” attitude.
I would like to meet with you to discuss how I might assist your firm in fulfilling its present needs.
My resume is enclosed for your review. If you need someone who is highly motivated, eager to learn, and willing to work hard to succeed, please contact me at [phone] or via email: [email].
Thank you for your time and consideration,
First Last Name
Phone
Now, start writing your cover letter!
They say the first impression is a lasting one — so make sure your digital introduction represents you well. Use your best judgment with each position you apply to; for an entry level position keep your cover letter more concise while going into further depth and providing more information with upper level positions.
These examples are meant to be a starting point only — add your own voice, style and experience to make your own standout (or at least solid) email cover letter.
Start building out cover letters that will help you stand out and land the job!