Cover letters are almost a thing of the past... but they're still here for now. Use them to your advantage!

1. COVER LETTER GUIDE
YOUR PERSONAL
BY OLIVIA JARAS

2. Congratulations on accessing my top performing compilation of
Cover Letters. Now, let me tell you a little secret regarding my
feelings surrounding cover letters… I despise them!
I really think they are a waste of time, primarily because they
rarely get read by your intended audience, but also because
they tend to sound so canned.
But alas, sometimes they are a necessary evil. So here I’ve
compiled a list of our top performing Cover Letters for you.
We cover the typical scenarios, and you’ll find that even if we
don’t specifically cover your current scenario, you’ll be able to
blend two or three of these letters to sound persuasive and to
influence behavior.
Take these letters and appropriate them… mix and match to your
heart’s content! Send them as an attached pdf with your header
and signature, or just past the letter into the body of an email.
But do yourself a favor and make sure you fill in all the blanks
and proof-read every last line before you send the letter off to
your intended reader.
W E L C O M E T O
Y O U R P E R S O N A L
C O V E R L E T T E R G U I D E

3. Dear (Insert name),
My name is (insert here) and I am thrilled to submit my resume for the
position of (insert job).
I am looking to further my career within the (insert sector or industry)
industry. From reading your position description, I believe my
background strongly aligns with what you’re looking for.
I am aware of your excellent reputation within the (insert: “local area”
or industry name) and I would be honored by the opportunity to
demonstrate that I could be an asset to (insert the company name).
Could we set up some time for a quick call next week?
Sincerely,
(insert your name)
L O O K I N G T O R E - E N T E R T H E W O R K F O R C E A F T E R A B R E A K#1
As you’ll see here, we don’t even think of mentioning your break
from working.
It’s all a mind game here- if you perceive it to be an issue (that
you’ve been out of the workforce for too long)... so will they.
And that’s why we don’t even bring it up.
Practice how to “pivot” from the dreaded question that they’ll ask
in your interview (for more on this hop over to
www.salarycoaching.com or email us at
ask@salarycoaching.com), but in this cover letter it’s not the time
or place to bring it up.

4. Dear (Insert name),
Are you looking for a dynamic (insert job title) professional? Search no
further, because I am ready for the job.
My name is (insert your name), I’m an experienced (insert what you’re
experienced in here) and I can offer over (insert number) years
experience in similar roles. I will step in and make an immediate
contribution to (insert company’s name) continued success.
You will no doubt be seeking someone who can proficiently (insert
description) as well as provide excellent (insert description pertaining
to role), and that is exactly what I am prepared to do.
As an accomplished (insert description) professional, I believe that
(insert something about the field, for ex: being able to anticipate the
needs of our clients) is fundamental in order to (insert insight relevant
to what you just mentioned, for ex: ensure long term client satisfaction
and retention). Though I’m a believer in the idea that we are never
done learning, I’ve dedicated much of my career at honing this craft
(you can mention the craft here, for ex: the craft of understanding the
needs of my clients).
Might you be up for a call next week? In the meantime, please find my
resume attached.
Sincerely,
(insert your name)
C O N F I D E N T , I N F O R M A L & A L I T T L E S P U N K Y .
Use this template when applying to less formal jobs- companies
that have a very laid-back culture and tend to not dig corporate
stuffiness.
Come across as cool and collected, make sure you “blend" in
with the culture.
#2

5. Hi (insert name),
My name is (insert your name) and I’m very excited about the
(insert name of role) role currently available at (insert company
name). I am confident that my professional experience has given
me the skills and tools I need to thrive at insert the name of the
company) in the capacity of (insert name of role).
Having held the role of (insert former/current title that is
relevant), I became very aware of (insert genuine description of a
valuable tool/insight you gained that will also be valuable to them).
From reading through your job posting, I think this will be a
valuable trait to bring to (insert name of company), because (insert
reason that anticipates the issues that are going unresolved by
virtue of having this vacancy).
In closing, I am confident that I can hit the ground running at
(insert company name) and I would like to discuss this position
further with you. Please feel free to reach me at your convenience
(insert your email) or my cell phone (insert your phone number).
Thank you very much for your time and consideration. I look
forward to speaking with you soon!
All the best,
(insert your name)
W H E N Y O U H A V E R E L E V A N T P A S T E X P E R I E N C E#3
olivia@salarycoaching.com

6. Dear (insert name),
My name is (insert your name) and I would like to express my
interest in the (insert position) at (insert company). I believe that my
passion for (insert description), strong commitment to (insert
description), and interest in (insert company name) make me an
ideal candidate to join you and your team.
As a candidate, here’s what I could immediately bring to the table:
An effective (Insert skill): (in one or two sentences quantify your
skill. For example, if your skill is Six Sigma, you could say: While
working at ABC Company, my Six Sigma training allowed us to save
$6000 per year in hand sanitizer usage)
A disciplined (Insert skill): (similar as above)
A passionate (Insert skill):(similar as above)
I look forward to contributing my skills and experiences to the
position at your company, might you have some time for a call next
week?
Sincerely,
(insert name)
W H E N Y O U D O N ’ T H A V E M U C H R E L E V A N T E X P E R I E N C E
This is the ideal template for when you don’t have as much
experience as your competitors, yet you have enough valuable
skills to make up for lack of experience.
#4

7. Dear (insert name),
Perhaps you are in need of a talented and experienced (insert job
title) who is familiar with both (insert sector) and continuing
improvement. I have more than (insert number) years in the (insert
sector), and posses multiple qualifications.
My background in (insert sector), as well as my ability to learn
quickly and apply my knowledge effectively, would make me a
valuable addition to the (insert) department.
I would bring to any position first-rate communication skills - oral
as well as written - strong analytical talents, and knowledge of
(insert specifics). Just as importantly I would bring a dedication to
providing the utmost quality our industry expects.
I will call your office on (insert specific date a few days after this
letter will be read) to inquire about the possibility of meeting.
Sincerely yours,
(insert your name)
T H E S T A N D A R D S T U F F Y L E T T E R
Not gonna lie, I’m not a fan of this letter. At all. But my team
strongly suggested I include it because it’s your typical stuffy
cover letter. To me it sounds canned, but apparently there are
instances out there where canned is appropriate… though I
can’t think of any at the moment.
If I were you, I’d tweak the heck out of this to make it sound
more genuine- saying you’re a quick learner or that you have
excellent communication skills sounds trite… My vote is for you
to skim through this and quickly skip on to the next template:
THE NOT SO STUFFY STANDARD LETTER.
#5. 1
olivia@salarycoaching.com

8. Dear (insert name),
My name is (insert your name) and my interest was instantly piqued
when I came across (name the position and how you came across it).
It must be hard to (insert hardships they must be enduring by virtue
of having that vacancy go unfulfilled; use your words to touch and
empathize with their pain point- for ex: “juggle all the daily
operations of a restaurant when you don’t have enough staff to take
care of your customers”).
Having worked in the industry, I can completely empathize with
(reiterate their need- for ex: managing everything when
understaffed), and the sense of urgency that comes with filling the
role with someone who can (insert action, for ex: hit the ground
running to ensure operations can run smoothly. I believe that I can
hit the ground running at (insert company name) and help with (insert
variation of same action here).
Can we speak next week (insert specific date a few days after this
letter will be read)? I will email you a calendar invite over the next
few days, please feel free to suggest alternative times that might
work better with your schedule.
Alternatively, feel free to call my cell phone anytime: (insert your
phone number).
Sincerely yours,
(insert your name)
W H E N Y O U D O N ’ T H A V E M U C H R E L E V A N T E X P E R I E N C E#5. 2
This is how you raise your own standard.
* You’ll follow up in two days with a calendar invite to talk for 30 minutes on
the phone. Include a note that says: “Hi (insert name)! I’m following up on my
note, how does next (insert day) sound for a quick call? Looking forward to
connecting! Best, (insert your name)”

9. Dear (insert name),
My name is (insert your name) and (insert either: “I’m exploring a
career change”/ “I’m interested in learning more about your
career path”) and (insert either: “my research”/insert name of a
common connection) suggested that I connect with you.
Could I treat you to coffee net week to share some insights you’ve
learned about the (insert name) industry?
Sincerely yours,
(insert your name)
O P E N I N G A D O O R W H E R E T H E R E A R E N O O P P O R T U N I T I E S#6
Use this template if you are looking to connect with a
company where there are no current openings.
You are essentially networking your way into a position.
You’ll probably have to send out a good 10-15 of these (to
different companies) to start gaining some traction.
Don’t be discouraged if you don’t hear back from all of them,
or you don’t hear back immediately- with this strategy you
are playing the long game: there may not be any
opportunities available now, but you’ll be the first one they
think of once they get to know you.
*If coffee isn’t an option, you can also suggest a quick call.
olivia@salarycoaching.com

10. W H E N Y O U ’ V E G O T N O E X P E R I E N C E#7
So you’re fresh out of school and don’t have any work experience
yet or maybe you’re looking for a complete career change and
you’ve really got nothing to offer. This is where I want you to think
through your strategy and seriously consider giving away a free
month of your time to the company in question… with no strings
attached. It might require you to live very frugally for a month, but
I’ve seen it work with both seasoned professionals as well as total
workforce newbies.
In this letter you’ll want to capitalize on a basic sales principle-
people won’t buy something that doesn’t add value to whatever
their ultimate goal is. In your case, we want to turn this around by
adding value first, letting them built trust and confidence in your
abilities.
You don’t mention shadowing/assisting the individual in this letter,
that will just scare the heck out of them… remember you need to
build trust first. Meet them for coffee, have a phone call, ask them
a TON of questions, make them feel admired and respected but
don’t mention working for free yet. You are only allowed to send
email #B AFTER you’ve wrapped up the coffee or phone call.
A) Dear (insert name),
My name is (insert your name) and I’m interested in learning more
about the (insert name of the industry) industry. I’m reaching out
because my research suggests that you are very good at what you
do, and this is why I’d like to connect with you.
Could I treat you to coffee net week to share some insights you’ve
learned about the (insert name) industry?
Sincerely yours,
(insert your name)
olivia@salarycoaching.com

11. B) Dear (insert name)
Thank you so much for your time yesterday. I was really
impressed by (insert something genuine here). It really
sounds like a field I want to continue exploring. In fact, I
have to voice an idea that keeps circling in my head since
our conversation-
Might you consider allowing me to shadow you/assist you
for a few weeks? You wouldn’t need to pay me, I just want
to be useful to you, while learning your craft.
Your thoughts?
Most sincerely,
(insert your name)
C O N T I N U E D . . .
#7

12. For inquiries, please email us at ask@salarycoaching.com
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