Standard Cover Letter Format You Can Use for Your Job Applications

A cover letter is one of the most important parts of your job application. It gives you the chance to show your personality, explain your interest in the role, and highlight key achievements that your CV alone might not capture.

Below is the standard cover letter format you can follow for any job application.

Basic Structure of a Standard Cover Letter

A good cover letter should be one page long, well-organized, and tailored to the specific job. It usually includes three to four short paragraphs;

• an introduction
• a body section that sells your skills
• and a closing paragraph that leaves a positive impression.

Clarity, relevance, and tone are essential.

Step-by-Step Format Breakdown for a Cover Letter

a. Header

At the top of the page, include your contact details (name, phone number, email, city) followed by the date and the employer’s contact information.

Example:

John Doe
[email protected] | 0801 234 5678 | Lagos, Nigeria
October 23, 2025

Hiring Manager
ABC Company

b. Greeting/Salutation

Address the letter to a specific person whenever possible, such as “Dear Ms. Adewale.” If you can’t find a name, use “Dear Hiring Manager.”

c. Opening Paragraph

Start by stating the position you’re applying for and how you found the opportunity. Briefly express your enthusiasm and introduce your background in one or two sentences.

Example:
“I’m excited to apply for the Finance Associate position at ABC Company. With three years of experience in accounting and financial analysis, I’m confident in my ability to contribute to your team.”

d. Body Paragraph(s)

Use this section to highlight your skills and achievements that are most relevant to the role. Focus on measurable results and how your experience aligns with the company’s goals.

Example:
“In my previous role at XYZ Firm, I managed monthly reports and improved accuracy by 20%. I also collaborated with cross-functional teams to optimize budgeting processes.”

e. Closing Paragraph

Reaffirm your interest in the job and thank the employer for considering your application. End with a polite call to action.

Example:
“I’d appreciate the opportunity to discuss how my background can support your goals. Thank you for your time and consideration.”

f. Signature

Sign off professionally with “Sincerely” or “Best regards,” followed by your name.

Final Tips to Help You Write an Impressive Cover Letter

See below additional tips to help with writing the best cover letter you can.

• Keep it concise, one page maximum.
• Customize each cover letter for the specific role.
• Use keywords from the job description.
• Proofread carefully before sending.

Sample Cover Letter Format/Template

See below draft of a sample cover letter you can use/adapt for your job applications;

[Your Name]
[Your Address or City, State]
[Your Email Address] | [Your Phone Number]
[Date]

[Hiring Manager’s Name]
[Company Name]
[Company Address or City, State]

Dear [Hiring Manager’s Name or Hiring Manager],

I am writing to express my interest in the [Job Title] position at [Company Name], as advertised on [Job Board/Company Website]. With [X years] of experience in [your field or key skill area], I am confident in my ability to contribute effectively to your team.

In my previous role at [Previous Company Name], I [mention a key responsibility or achievement that demonstrates your skills]. Through this experience, I developed strong [specific skills, e.g., financial analysis, project management, or client communication], which align closely with the requirements for this role.

What excites me most about [Company Name] is [mention something specific about the company — its mission, products, or culture]. I’m eager to bring my expertise in [your specialty] to help achieve [specific company or department goals].

Thank you for considering my application. I would welcome the opportunity to discuss how my background and skills can contribute to your team’s success.

Sincerely,
[Your Full Name]

You can also check out more cover letter templates