Cover letter examples: 6 complete samples for real jobs

Below are six complete cover letter examples you can copy and adapt: server, warehouse worker, security guard, registered nurse, a first job with no experience, and a career change from retail to office admin. Each is 250 to 350 words with a note on why it works, and there's a short email cover letter at the end.

How to adapt a cover letter example without copying it word for word

A template pasted unchanged is easy to spot. Use these as a frame, then make them yours:

• Fill every placeholder. Anything in [square brackets] needs your details.
• Swap in your own facts. The names, numbers and certifications belong to fictional applicants. Replace them with things that are true for you.
• Rewrite the "why them" paragraph from scratch. It's the paragraph that proves the letter was written for this employer.
• Mirror the job ad. Use its wording for the skills it stresses most.
• Add a header that matches your resume. The examples start at the greeting to save space.

For the full method, see our guide on how to write a cover letter.

Server cover letter example

Dear [Hiring Manager's name],

I'm excited to apply for the server position at [Restaurant name]. I have three years of experience in busy full-service restaurants, most recently at Riverside Diner, where I run a six-table section through weekend brunch rushes. I'd love to bring that energy and attention to detail to your team.

Good service is all about timing and reading the table. At Riverside, I've learned to spot when guests want to chat and when they just want their check, and to keep orders moving without anyone feeling rushed. I know our menu well enough to answer allergy questions confidently and suggest drinks and desserts, which regularly lifts my check averages. Managers often ask me to train new servers on our POS system and side work, and I've trained five new hires in the past year.

I'm also a strong teammate when it gets hectic. I run food for other sections, help the bar when it's backed up and always finish my closing duties before I clock out. I hold a current food handler card and I'm comfortable on my feet for long, busy shifts.

I've eaten at [Restaurant name] several times, and the way your staff make regulars feel at home is exactly the kind of service I enjoy giving. Your focus on [something specific, e.g. seasonal, locally sourced dishes] is something I'd be proud to talk about with guests.

I'm available evenings, weekends and holidays, and I can start right away. I'd welcome the chance to come in for an interview or a trial shift. Thank you for your consideration.

Sincerely,
[Your name]
[Phone number] · [Email address]

Why it works: it shows real restaurant know-how (timing, allergies, upselling) and offers a trial shift. Pair it with our server resume example.

Warehouse worker cover letter example

Dear [Hiring Manager's name],

I'm writing to apply for the Warehouse Associate position at [Company name], which I saw on [job site]. I've spent the past two years as a picker and packer at Harbor Logistics, a regional distribution center, and I'm forklift certified. I'm looking for a role where I can take on more responsibility in a fast-paced, safety-focused operation like yours.

At Harbor, I pick and pack orders with an RF scanner and regularly meet or beat my daily pick targets while keeping my accuracy high. On busy days I also cover receiving and loading, so I'm comfortable checking inbound shipments against purchase orders, labeling pallets and loading trucks in the right sequence. I flag discrepancies straight away rather than letting them pile up.

Safety is the part of the job I take most seriously. I've completed OSHA 10 training, I follow lifting and lockout procedures every time, and I haven't had a single safety incident in two years. Last year my supervisor asked me to help walk new starters through our safety induction.

I'm particularly interested in [Company name] because of [something specific, e.g. your new distribution center in Brookfield or your reputation for promoting from within]. I'm keen to keep learning, and over time I'd like to grow into a lead or inventory control role.

I'm reliable, I don't miss shifts, and I can work days, nights or weekends, including overtime during peak season. I can lift 50 lbs regularly and can start with one week's notice. I'd welcome the opportunity to discuss how I can contribute to your team. Thank you for your time.

Sincerely,
[Your name]
[Phone number] · [Email address]

Why it works: it covers productivity, safety and reliability, and names the equipment and certifications managers look for. See the matching warehouse worker resume example.

Security guard cover letter example

Dear [Hiring Manager's name],

I'm applying for the Security Officer position at [Company or site name]. I hold an active [State] guard card and have three years of experience in retail and residential security, most recently with Citywide Protective Services at a large apartment complex. I'm confident I can help keep your site, staff and visitors safe.

In my current role, I patrol the property on foot and by vehicle, monitor CCTV, control access at the main gate and respond to alarms and resident concerns. I write clear, detailed incident reports before the end of each shift, and property management has relied on them for insurance claims and police follow-ups. Before that, I worked in loss prevention at a busy department store, where I learned to spot suspicious behavior early and calm tense situations without confrontation.

Your ad describes customer service as a key part of the role, and I agree that's what good security is about. Most of my day is spent helping people: giving directions, signing in contractors and making sure residents feel safe. When situations do escalate, I stay calm, follow post orders and contact the right people quickly. I'm CPR and First Aid certified and trained in de-escalation.

I'm drawn to [Company name] because of [something specific, e.g. your contract with Riverside Medical Center or your training program for new officers], and I'd value working for a company that takes professional standards seriously.

I can work nights, weekends and rotating shifts, and I have a clean driving record and reliable transportation. I'd welcome the chance to discuss the role further. Thank you for your consideration.

Sincerely,
[Your name]
[Phone number] · [Email address]

Why it works: it leads with the guard license, proves report-writing and de-escalation skills, and treats customer service as part of the job. Compare it with our security guard resume example.

Registered nurse cover letter example

Dear [Hiring Manager's name],

I'm excited to apply for the Registered Nurse position on the medical-surgical unit at [Hospital name]. I'm a licensed RN in [State] with two years of experience on a busy med-surg floor at Lakeview Community Hospital, and I hold current BLS and ACLS certifications.

On my unit, I care for five to six patients per shift, many recovering from surgery or managing complex chronic conditions. I'm confident with assessments, medication administration, wound care, IV therapy and post-operative monitoring, and I document accurately in Epic. I've learned to prioritize quickly when several patients need me at once and to escalate early when something changes. Recently, I recognized early warning signs of sepsis in a post-op patient, called the rapid response team and helped get treatment started quickly.

I also care about the parts of nursing that don't show up on a chart. I take time to explain care plans to patients and families in plain language, and I've precepted two new graduate nurses through orientation. Safe handoffs matter to me, so I use a structured report to make sure nothing slips between shifts.

I'm drawn to [Hospital name] because of [something specific, e.g. your nurse residency program, shared governance model or new orthopedic wing]. I'm looking for a unit where I can keep developing, and I'd like to work toward [specialty] certification.

I'm available for twelve-hour day or night shifts, including weekends and holidays on rotation. I'd welcome the opportunity to discuss how I can contribute to your team. Thank you for considering my application.

Sincerely,
[Your name], RN
[Phone number] · [Email address]

Why it works: license and certifications come first, one clinical story proves judgment, and precepting and handoffs show a strong colleague.

Entry-level cover letter example (no experience, first job)

Dear [Hiring Manager's name],

I'm applying for the part-time Crew Member position at [Store or restaurant name]. I recently graduated from Westfield High School, and while this would be my first paid job, I've spent the past two years volunteering every Saturday at the Riverside Food Bank, where I learned what it takes to work hard as part of a team.

At the food bank, I sort donations, stock shelves and help families find what they need, often during very busy mornings. I've learned to stay friendly and patient under pressure, to follow food safety rules carefully, and to ask questions when I'm not sure rather than guess. Last summer, the coordinator asked me to help train new volunteers, and I found I really enjoy helping others learn.

At school, I had excellent attendance and balanced my classes with varsity soccer, so I'm used to managing my time and showing up when people are counting on me. I'm comfortable handling cash from running the snack stand at home games, and I recently earned my food handler card.

I'd love to start my working life at [Store or restaurant name] because [something specific, e.g. your team is always friendly when I visit, or you're known for training and promoting young staff]. I'm eager to learn every station and to be someone my coworkers can rely on.

I'm available after 3 p.m. on weekdays and all day on weekends, and I can start immediately. I'd be grateful for the chance to meet and talk about the role. Thank you for your time.

Sincerely,
[Your name]
[Phone number] · [Email address]

Why it works: it treats volunteering, school and sports as real experience and backs up "reliable" with evidence. See how to write a resume with no experience to match.

Career change cover letter example (retail to office admin)

Dear [Hiring Manager's name],

I'm writing to apply for the Office Administrator position at [Company name]. After six years in retail, most recently as assistant manager at Brookside Home & Garden, I'm ready to move into an office role, and I'm confident the organizational and people skills I've built on the shop floor will transfer directly to your team.

Much of my current job is already administration. I build the weekly schedule for a team of 18, submit payroll hours, order stock from dozens of suppliers and reconcile deliveries against invoices. I keep our records in Excel and a shared Google Drive, and I recently built a simple spreadsheet tracker that made our stock counts much faster. I also handle customer emails and calls, so I'm used to being the first point of contact and staying professional under pressure.

To prepare for this move, I completed an online course in Microsoft 365 and I'm comfortable with Word, Excel, Outlook and Teams. I also pick up new systems quickly; when our store switched to a new point-of-sale and inventory system last year, I became the go-to person for questions.

I'm especially interested in [Company name] because [something specific, e.g. your growth in the local community or the variety of the role described in the ad]. Your ad emphasizes keeping a busy office running smoothly, and that's exactly the part of my retail career I've enjoyed most.

I'm available to start with two weeks' notice. I'd welcome the chance to talk about how my experience can support your office. Thank you for considering my application.

Sincerely,
[Your name]
[Phone number] · [Email address]

Why it works: it reframes retail management as the admin work the employer needs and shows concrete steps toward the new career.

Short email cover letter example

When you apply by email, the email is your cover letter, so never leave the body blank. Keep it to about 100 words, use a clear subject line such as Server application – [Your name], and attach your resume as a PDF (plus a full cover letter if the ad asks for one).

Dear [Hiring Manager's name],

I'd like to apply for the server position at [Restaurant name] that I saw on [job site]. I have three years of experience in busy full-service restaurants, a current food handler card and open availability for evenings and weekends.

Your [something specific, e.g. seasonal menu] is a big part of why I'd love to join your team, and I'd be proud to recommend it to guests.

I've attached my resume for your review and would welcome the chance to come in for an interview or a trial shift. Thank you for your time.

Best regards,
[Your name]
[Phone number]

Why it works: it's readable in seconds, and the specific detail shows it wasn't sent to every listing in town.

HiredResumeAI Premium can draft a tailored cover letter from your resume and the job ad, in the same design as your resume. Either way, start with a matching resume: browse our resume templates or start building for free.

Frequently asked questions

Can I copy a cover letter example word for word?

It's better not to. Hiring managers see popular templates again and again, and someone else's details won't describe your experience. Use an example for its structure, then replace the facts with your own and write the "why them" paragraph from scratch.

Should I put my cover letter in the email body or attach it?

If the ad asks for a cover letter, attach it as a PDF and write a short email cover letter in the body as well. If it only asks for a resume, the short email on its own is usually enough. Either way, never send an email with just an attachment and no message.

How do I write a cover letter with no experience?

Treat volunteering, school projects, sports, clubs and informal work like babysitting as real experience, with a specific example for each skill you mention. Focus on reliability, willingness to learn and availability, as the entry-level example above does.

Is an application letter the same as a cover letter?

Usually, yes, and the examples on this page work for either. Some employers use "application letter" to mean a letter sent without a resume, in which case include a little more detail about your work history.