Introduction
Even though we hear a lot about job cuts and companies shrinking, a report by MIDA or Malaysian Investment Development Authority affirms the fact that there are still plenty of career opportunities available in Malaysia. However, you need to stand out from the competition to land a good job. One of the best ways to do this is to prepare a strong cover letter!
To this date, a job application letter is still essential for making a good impression and showing how you are different from other job seekers.
Free cover letter templates are a fantastic resource for simplifying the process of writing a cover letter for a job application. This blog will explore some of the best free cover letter templates, discuss their benefits, and provide tips to make your application stand out.
What is a Cover Letter in a Resume?
A cover letter is a personalised document that accompanies your resume. It serves as an introduction to your application, providing additional context about your skills and interest in a specific job.
According to a study published in Business and Professional Communication Quarterly, 56% of recruiters prefer a cover letter and 83% of people believe a well-written cover letter can get you an interview, even if your resume isn’t perfect, as per a survey conducted by ResumeLab. This implies that it not only acts as a bridge between your resume and the job description but also helps you stand out from other applicants.
Now that you have got an idea of what is a cover letter, let us look at the examples for in-depth clarity.
Top 10 Cover Letter Templates With Examples
A well-crafted cover letter significantly enhances your resume by providing a personalised introduction. Here are 10 versatile sample cover letters for job applications that will catch the attention of your potential employers.
Template 1: Traditional Cover Letter Format
A. Opening Paragraph
1. Introduction and purpose of the letter
2. Mention the position you are applying
B. Body Paragraphs
1. Highlight relevant experiences, qualifications, and skills
2. Provide specific examples of achievements
3. Demonstrate knowledge of the company and enthusiasm for the role
C. Closing Paragraph
1. Mention the attached documents and keep the formal letter format for Malaysian professionals.
2. Express gratitude for considering your application
Example:
| [Your name] [Personal details] [Date] Dear [Hiring manager’s name], I am writing to express my keen interest in the [job title] position at [company name]. With [number] years of experience in [field], I am confident in my ability to contribute significantly to your team. I have completed my education from the XXX University, with a specialisation in marketing. Additionally, I also have a special degree in product marketing. Your company’s commitment to [company values] aligns perfectly with my career goals. I am particularly impressed by [specific achievement of the company that attracted you]. I have attached my resume for your review, which further discloses details about my qualifications and accomplishments. Thank you for your time and consideration. Regards, [Your name] |
Template 2: Creative Cover Letter Format
A. Introduction
1. A brief highlighting your unique qualities
2. Mention the position and why you are interested in it
B. Body
1. Showcase creativity and storytelling related to your career journey
2. Highlight specific achievements that demonstrate your skills
C. Closing
1. Summarise your enthusiasm for the role and company
2. Include a call-to-action for the employer to review your attached resume
Example:
| [Personal details] [Date] Dear [Hiring manager’s name], As a lifelong storyteller with a passion for turning ideas into reality, I was immediately drawn to your company’s reputation for groundbreaking creative work. Your commitment to pushing boundaries aligns perfectly with my aspirations. I am writing to express my keen interest in the job title position. With [number] years of experience in [industry], I have honed my skills in [mention skills]. My ability to think outside the box and develop innovative solutions has consistently exceeded expectations. I am eager to share my unique perspective and creative energy with your team. I believe my skills and experience make me a stronger candidate for this position. Thank you for considering my application. I have attached my resume for your review. Regards, [Your name] |
Template 3: Email Cover Letter Templates
A. Introduction
1. Include a brief highlight of your unique qualities while writing a simple job application email sample
2. Mention the position and why you are interested in it
B. Body
1. Keep it crisp
2. Highlight specific achievements that demonstrate your skills
C. Closing
1. Show your gratitude
2. Include a call-to-action for the employer to review your attached resume
Example:
| [Personal details] [Date] Dear [Hiring manager’s name], I was particularly drawn to the [job title] position at [company name] because of your organisation’s commitment to [company’s values]. My experience in [specific area] aligns closely with the requirements outlined in the job description. My past work experience will reflect the immense expertise I have in this field, where I can also show you how I handled a particular project in XXX company and executed it within a month. I have attached my resume for your review, which provides further details about my qualifications. I would be delighted to discuss how my skills and experience can contribute to your team’s success. Thank you for your time and consideration. Regards, [Your name] |
Template 4: Prospecting cover letter
A. Introduction
1. Introduce yourself
2. Acknowledge the company and the specific position you are interested in
B. Body
1. Highlight relevant skills and experience
2. Express your enthusiasm
C. Closing
1. Reiterate interest
2. Call to action while concluding the cover letter
Example:
| [Personal details] [Date] Dear [Hiring manager’s name], My name is [name], and I am a [your profession] with [number] years of experience in [industry]. I am writing to express my keen interest in exploring potential opportunities with [company name]. [Company name]’s reputation for [positive quality of the company] aligns perfectly with my professional values. I have been particularly impressed by the employee-friendly policies incorporated by you. I have a proven track record of [list of your key skills]. My ability to [highlight a specific quality] has consistently enabled me to [achieve results]. I would welcome the opportunity to discuss how my skills and experience could contribute to [company name]’s success. Please feel free to contact me at your earliest convenience. Sincerely, [Your name] |
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Template 5: Networking cover letter
A. Introduction
1. Express your interest in the company and how you learnt about them.
2. Mention a mutual connection or shared interest.
B. Body
1. Highlight relevant skills and experience
2. Explain how your network can benefit the company. Elaborate on how you can leverage your connections to build relationships and generate new business opportunities.
C. Closing
1. Reiterate your interest and express your desire to learn more about the position
2. Call to action
Example:
| [Personal details] [Date] Dear [Hiring manager’s name], I am writing to express my keen interest in the [job title] position at [company name] as I learnt about this opportunity through mutual [connection name]. I have long admired [company name] commitment to company values. My background in [relevant field] has equipped me with a strong foundation in skills. Due to my extensive network within the [industry], I have developed strong relationships with key players in the field. My ability to connect with industry professionals can be of great value to [company name] as we seek to expand our reach and build strategic partnerships. Thank you for considering my application. Regards, [Your name] |
Template 6: Referral cover letter
A. Introduction
1. Introduce yourself and convey your interest
B. Body
1. Highlight relevant skills and experience
C. Closing
2. Convey gratitude and call to action
Example:
| [Personal details] [Date] Dear [Hiring manager’s name], I am writing to express my keen interest in the [job title] position at [company name], as advertised on [job board]. I was referred to this opportunity by [referrer’s name], a valued colleague. [Referrer’s name] spoke highly of your organisation and the professional growth within the department. I am particularly drawn to the Associate Product Manager post in your organisation. I have attached my resume, which showcases my years of experience in [relevant field]. With appreciation for your consideration, I look forward to the possibility of contributing to the success of [company name]. Regards, [Your name] |
2.7 Template 7: Cold contact cover letter
A. Introduction
1. Introduce yourself and state the position you are applying for
B. Body
1. Expand on your qualifications and explain how they align with the specific requirements of the job
2. Highlight relevant skills and experience
C. Closing
1. Express your interest in the interview and thank the recipient
Example:
| [Personal details] [Date] Dear [Hiring manager’s name], I am writing to express my interest in [position role] at [company name] as advertised on [website]. I have completed my Masters of Business Administration from XYZ University, with a specialisation in finance. I have also completed an internship as a trainee marketing associate at ABC company. Currently, I am looking for a managerial marketing position at an esteemed organisation. I read in a recent press release about your company’s mission and values, and I am particularly drawn to it as it aligns with my career goals. My strategies and experience will make a valuable contribution to the team. I have attached my resume for further assessment. I would welcome the opportunity to discuss how my skills can benefit [company name]. Sincerely, [Your name] |
Template 8: Career change letter
A. Introduction
1. Steer away from outdated greetings and keep the introduction concise
2. Keep the recruiter engaged by emphasising your present skills
B. Body
1. Discuss your transferable skills
2. Backup with reference to the projects you have done
C. Closing
1. End with a positive statement
Example:
| [Personal details] [Date] Dear [Hiring manager’s name], As a lifelong enthusiast of [applying company], I was thrilled to see your job ad as advertised on [website]. With [number] years of experience in [previous field], I am confident in my ability to successfully transition into a new field role and contribute significantly to your team. While my professional background may not fit perfectly with the traditional requirements for this position, I believe that my skills are directly transferable to this role. These skills and expertise have equipped me with the necessary tools to [desired outcome in the new role]. I am particularly drawn to [company name] because of its [positive attribute]. Enclosed is my resume, which provides further details about my career background. Thank you for your time and consideration. Regards, [Your name] |
Template 9: Industry-Specific (e.g., IT, Healthcare)
A. Introduction
1. Keep the introduction crisp to make you stand out in the competitive job market
B. Body
1. Highlight relevant skills and experience
C. Closing
1. End with a positive statement and call to action
Example:
| [Personal details] [Date] [Subject] Dear [Hiring manager’s name], Please accept this letter as an expression of my interest in [job role]. With a proven track record of [relevant skills], I am confident in my ability to contribute significantly to your esteemed organisation. During my tenure as [Your Previous Job Title] at [Previous Employer], I successfully led [specific project or initiative, e.g., “a cross-functional team that streamlined patient intake processes, reducing wait times by XX%”]. Apart from that, there are several other projects that I have led. These accomplishments have equipped me with the skills to ensure patient satisfaction and operational efficiency. Please take a moment to review my attached resume and credentials. I would greatly appreciate the opportunity to speak with you regarding my candidacy. Regards, [Your name] |
Template 10: New Graduate/Entry Level
A. Introduction
1. Write an attention-grabbing opening paragraph to stand out
B. Body
1. Mention your qualifications and your overall achievement
2. Describe your skills
3. Explain why you are the best fit for the role
C. Closing
1. Thank the recruiter and close the cover letter professionally
Example:
| [Personal details] [Date] Dear [Hiring manager’s name], I am writing to express my interest in the entry-level [job role] position with [company name]. As a recent graduate with a strong foundation in [field], I am confident in my ability to contribute meaningfully to your team. I have successfully completed my MBA in human resource management and have also completed an internship at XXX company for 6 months. During my internship tenure, I have assisted senior HR managers in streamlining the hiring process for the organisation. I am eager to apply my knowledge and enthusiasm to [complete responsibilities]. I have attached my resume for your review, which provides further details about my qualifications. Thank you for your time and consideration. Regards, [Your name] |
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Tips for Writing an Exceptional Cover Letter
Although cover letter examples for job applications have been provided, check these few tips and tricks on how to write a cover letter. Here is what you must do to stand out.
- Research the company and tailor your cover letter according to the job description. Pinpoint specific skills and directly address how your qualifications align with the organisation’s needs.
- Identify your strengths and mention what sets you apart from the other candidates. Use metrics to showcase your impact and create a positive image for the recruiter.
- Aim to keep the cover letter concise and keep it for one page or less. A majority of hiring leaders prefer a shorter letter. Mention your most relevant qualifications and stick to the essentials.
- Analyse the job description and extract keywords from the listing to stand out in the crowd. Use these terms naturally in your cover letter for the job application to demonstrate your fit.
- Use formal language and check for spelling or grammatical errors. Additionally, use a professional font and layout. Candidates without grammatical errors are more likely to get hired.
Conclusion
That’s all it takes! The simple guidelines can help you draft a compelling cover letter that showcases your skills and qualities. The cover letter provided will serve as a great starting point.
However, it is essential to remember that the key to success is a confident, concise and transparent approach. Good luck!
FAQs on Cover Letter For Job Application
Q1: Is it mandatory to include a cover letter in your resume?
A1: Although it is not mandatory, a cover letter creates a good impression of the candidate applying.
Q2: What is the cover letter format?
A2: Professional fonts, a subtle header, and a specific colour border will make your cover letter look polished.
Q3: Should I include a cover letter if the application mentions “optional”?
A3: It is a good idea to include a cover letter as it displays that you are willing to put in the extra effort.
Q4: Do I need different cover letters for different jobs?
A4: One size fits all is not a good approach when writing a cover letter for a job. A personalised letter will stand out in the eyes of the recruiter.
Q5: How should my cover letter be?
A5: The letter must be concise and contain the most relevant information required for the job.
