10 Short Cover Letter Samples & Writing Guide for 2024
10 Short Cover Letter Samples & Writing Guide for 2024
Short and sweet—that’s the type of cover letters hiring managers want to see. Learn how to say more with less with our 10 best short cover letter samples.
When writing a cover letter, you might be tempted to create a long one. After all, you must tell the recruiter all about your skills, work history, and motivations. But sitting down for hours writing one document can be disheartening.
Fortunately, no law requires you to fill the entire A4 page of your cover letter. I will show you how to write a short cover letter that gets the job done.
In this guide, you'll see:
Why you should write a short cover letter
Five short cover letter samples for different career stages
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By examining data from over 500,000 documents produced within our tool, we discovered that:
- The most preferred cover letter templates among our users are Cascade, Cubin, Primo, and Classic. - The average resume creation time in ResumeLab is 21.28 minutes. - The typical user generates 2.36 documents in our platform's builder on average.
* The data comes from the last 12 months (August 2023-August 2024)
Why Should You Write a Short Cover Letter?
Writing a short cover letter offers several advantages. Recruiters are looking for any reason to reduce the pile of papers or the endless list of emailed resumes, and a brief cover letter can quickly convey your key qualifications without consuming too much of their time.
Also, succinct communication is a valuable skill in the professional world. A short cover letter showcases your written communication skills. You’ve definitely heard the quote, “If I had more time, I would’ve written a shorter letter.” I always try to keep it in mind when writing articles.
On top of that, a shorter format compels you to focus on the most critical aspects of your qualifications, ensuring that the hiring manager quickly grasps why you're the ideal candidate.
Now, before we move on to talking about cover letter writing tips, I'll show you some short cover letter samples so you get a better feel of what recruiters are looking for.
Let's start with some real-life basic cover letter samples. First, you’ll see 10 samples for inexperienced candidates.
Short Cover Letter Samples for Inexperienced Candidates
If you have little to no professional experience, crafting a shorter letter can be less overwhelming. It reduces the pressure to fill space and allows you to focus on quality over quantity.
Just like in my examples below:
Example #1 Short Cover Letter for an Internship
Tracy Tillman
Marketing Student
631-279-9265
tracy.tillman@gmail.com
Santa Barbara, October 20, 2021
Marion Sandoval
Content Manager
Metrico
1382 Par Drive
Santa Barbara, CA 93101
Dear Ms. Sandoval,
I am enthusiastic about the prospect of joining Metrico as a summer intern. Your company's innovative approach to content marketing aligns seamlessly with my academic background, and I am confident that my unique combination of experience and dedication positions me as an exceptional candidate for this role.
I am currently a Junior at the University of Illinois, pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Marketing with a minor in Communications. During my sophomore year, I was a research assistant for a project analyzing how marketing strategies differ across different cultures. This experience helped me to reinforce the idea that I wanted to get a Master’s degree in the future.
In addition to research work, I was Editor-in-Chief of my University’s newspaper, where I significantly developed my communication and leadership skills. For two years, I led a team of 10 other students, which also helped my project management skills and ability to meet deadlines.
Moreover, since high school, I have been volunteering at the local animal shelter, where I organized 2 fundraising events that helped raise more than $4.5K for shelter supplies.
I know that Metrico is in need of a person to support the content marketing department, and I believe that my skills and knowledge will be a great asset to your company.
I’d be thrilled to learn more about this position and show how I can help Metrico grow through a strategic content marketing effort.
Sincerely,
Tracy Tillman
Example #2 Brief Cover Letter for a High Schooler
Jaune Vandham
High School Graduate
539-258-0014
jaune.c.vandham@contact.com
Tulsa, April 7, 2022
Kiara Takanashi
Restaurant Owner
KFP
567 Main Street
Tulsa, Oklahoma 74169
Dear Ms. Takanashi
As a recent high school graduate eager to embark on my professional journey, I am excited to apply for the team member position at the KFP Restaurant.
My enthusiasm, strong work ethic, and commitment to providing excellent service make me an ideal candidate for this role. I am a quick learner, ready to absorb new skills and contribute to the vibrant atmosphere at KFP. In my high school activities, I developed effective teamwork and communication skills. Whether collaborating on group projects or participating in extracurricular activities, I have honed my ability to work harmoniously with others.
I am drawn to KFP because of its reputation for fast and friendly service. I am confident that my positive attitude and eagerness to contribute will make me a valuable asset to your team.
I can’t wait to get the opportunity to start my career and gain valuable experience in customer service. I look forward to the possibility of contributing to the success of KFP. Could we schedule a call or a meeting to discuss this opportunity?
Example #3 Short Cover Letter for an Entry-Level Accounting Job
Claude Barrelwright
Junior Accountant
123-938-7498
barrelwright.claude@contact.com
November 12, 2023
Anna Fall
Head Accountant
Docucounting
3314 Howard Street
Wyoming, MI 49509
Wyoming, Dear Ms. Fall
I am writing to express my sincere interest in the entry-level accounting position at Docucounting. With a recently obtained bachelor's degree in accounting and a one-year internship experience, I am eager to bring my academic knowledge and practical skills to contribute to your esteemed team.
During my internship at MBK Financial Services, I achieved notable milestones:
Streamlined the accounts reconciliation process, resulting in a 12% reduction in reconciliation time and ensuring accurate financial reporting.
Implemented a cost-saving initiative by identifying and rectifying discrepancies, contributing to a 10% reduction in operational costs.
Played a key role in preparing the company for an external audit, ensuring compliance with regulatory standards and receiving positive feedback from auditors.
My academic coursework and internship experience have equipped me with a comprehensive understanding of accounting practices, financial reporting, and compliance standards. I am proficient in using accounting software, and analyzing and interpreting financial data.
I am confident that my quantifiable achievements, educational background, and dedication to accuracy make me a highly valuable candidate for this position.
I would welcome the opportunity to discuss how my skills and quantified achievements align with the goals of Docucounting.
Sincerely,
Claude Barrelwright
Example #4 Basic Cover Letter for a Warehouse Job
Kai Wood
Stocker
493-284-9203
wood.kai@contact.com
Dalton, March 12, 2022
Harrison Hall
Director of Logistics
Swift Logistics
3219 Kyle Street
Dalton, NE 69131
Dear Mr. Hall
As a diligent high school student with one year of hands-on experience as a stocker, I am eager to bring my strong work ethic and commitment to detail to Swift Logistics.
During my year-long role as a stocker at Servo Mart, I gained valuable achievements:
Implemented an organized shelving system, reducing the time taken to locate items by 15% and enhancing overall warehouse efficiency.
Conducted regular stock checks, contributing to a 10% decrease in inventory discrepancies and ensuring accurate records.
Collaborated effectively with team members to unload and organize incoming shipments, resulting in a 20% improvement in overall team productivity.
My experience, coupled with my dedication to maintaining a well-organized and efficient warehouse environment, aligns with the values of Swift Logistics. I am confident that my ability to handle physical tasks, attention to detail, and quick learning will make me a valuable addition to your team.
I would love the opportunity to discuss further how my skills can benefit Swift Logistics.
Sincerely,
Kai Wood
Example #5 Brief Cover Letter for an Entry-Level Receptionist
Melissa Townsend
Receptionist
847-283-2645
melissa.townsend@mail.com
linkedin.com/in/melissa_townsend
Dallas, June 6, 2021
Kiera Joyce
The Independent Planners
3291 Sycamore Circle
Dallas, TX 75234
Dear Ms. Joyce
I am writing to express my interest in the entry-level receptionist position at The Independent Planners. I am enthusiastic about the opportunity to contribute my skills to your team. As a student of Office Management, I maintained a consistent GPA of 3.8 while pursuing this degree.
In my volunteer work at H2H, I successfully organized and executed three major charity events, resulting in a 25% increase in funds raised compared to the previous year. I also implemented strategic promotional campaigns to attract a larger audience and enhance the organization's community impact.
Currently pursuing a degree in Office Management, I am actively developing a solid foundation in administrative tasks, effective communication, and office procedures. I applied theoretical knowledge in practical scenarios, achieving a 95% average in coursework related to receptionist duties, scheduling, and office software proficiency.
I am drawn to The Independent Planners for your commitment to undertake small community projects rather than big, commercial ones. I am confident that my passion for organization and my dedication to creating a positive and welcoming atmosphere align well with the receptionist position's requirements.
I would welcome the opportunity to discuss further how my skills and experiences align with the goals of The Independent Planners. I am available for an interview at your earliest convenience and can be reached at 847-283-2645 or melissa.townsend@mail.com.
Sincerely,
Melissa Townsend
Now, let’s move on to mid and senior-level applications:
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Short Cover Letter Samples With Experience
Short cover letters examples for experienced candidates provide a strategic approach to concisely presenting key achievements and qualifications. They are designed to capture attention quickly, making a compelling case for why you are an ideal fit for the position.
See the examples below:
Example #1 Short Cover Letter for an Office Job
Roxanna Moore
Office Coordinator
972-831-1503
roxi.moore@gmail.com
Dallas, April 19, 2021
Kimberly Barnes
HR Manager
Yahili
3282 Stoney Lane
Dallas, TX 75240
Dear Ms. Barnes,
I would like to express my sincere interest in the office coordinator position you have available. As an accomplished and enthusiastic professional with 3+ years of experience maintaining a workspace that promotes productivity, inclusivity, and creativity, I strongly believe that my skills and experience will allow me to contribute toward the success of your company.
My background includes providing excellent professional administrative and clerical service to colleagues and supervisors and top-notch customer service to external and internal customers.
Some of my key responsibilities and accomplishments as office coordinator include:
Processed bi-weekly payroll for 80 employees, including labor reports and vacation and sick time requests.
Interviewed, hired, and trained 25 new employees.
Answered and maintained 6 phone lines and responded to emails with excellent customer service while ensuring clear and prompt communication among all constituents.
Maintained a 97% customer satisfaction rate.
Received the 2019 Office Coordinator Award of Excellence.
I am confident that my proven success in creating a welcoming office environment and handling all administrative tasks with accuracy and a commitment to quality will contribute immensely to your company’s success.
Could we schedule an appointment to discuss how I can help your company reach its productivity, cost management, and efficiency goals?
Kind regards,
Roxanna Moore
Example #2 Simple Cover Letter for IT Jobs
Brenda Williams
Java Developer
425-390-0682
b.williams92@gmail.com
Seattle, July 5, 2021
Frank Corley
HR Manager
Lab Collab
2378 Ryder Avenue
Seattle, WA 98161
Dear Mr. Corley,
I am writing to apply for the senior Java developer position with Lab Collab. I bring 6 years of programming experience that I know will prove valuable to your company. I have honed my developing and problem-solving skills over these past years and have extensive experience developing system architecture and code design, implementation, installation and testing processes.
Some of my responsibilities, skills, and most important achievements include:
Engineered a scalable architecture for a web application, accommodating a 50% increase in user traffic without compromising system performance.
Optimized critical sections of a Java-based application, resulting in a 20% reduction in response time, enhancing overall user experience.
Implemented JDBC connection for retrieving data from Oracle database.
Strengthened application security by identifying and patching vulnerabilities, leading to a 40% decrease in security incidents and ensuring a more secure software environment.
Wrote interfaces and test clients in order to facilitate testing scheduled jobs.
Working with such a skilled team within a company that I truly admire would be an incredible opportunity for further growth, and I would love the chance to prove that I'm a great fit for the role.
Could we schedule a meeting or a call to discuss the prospect of joining your team?
Sincerely,
Brenda Williams
Example #3 Basic Cover Letter for a Managerial Position
Ronald Johnson
Account Manager
404-854-1414
r.johnson90@gmail.com
Atlanta, September 30, 2021
Aileen Summers
HR Manager
Insureb
1072 Stroop Hill Road
Atlanta, GA 30303
Dear Ms. Summers,
I was pleased to see your posting for a new account manager, as my set of qualifications and goals align with the ideal candidate you seek. In my previous role, I orchestrated and coordinated three major company events, achieving a 30% increase in attendance and positive feedback, enhancing company culture and morale. I am confident that I would make a valuable addition to your organization.
With over 8 years of experience as an account manager, I am adept at building key relationships with account management, strategy, and fulfillment departments. During my previous role at Lendent, I worked closely with sales strategy, finance, and marketing to implement the Annual Sales Strategy with Sales Volume and Net Revenue growth while balancing a trade accrual budget. I achieved +42% sales growth (+$5M) at Key Account for the past 3 years by increasing core SKU distribution, new item placements, and executing aggressive sales plans. All while managing the workloads of 15 employees and tracking and balancing account disbursements through Excel spreadsheets.
My proven ability to achieve and sustain my sales goals by prospecting new business and developing existing accounts to grow our overall brand and my solid problem-solving, analytical, and decision-making skills will contribute immensely to Insureb’s growth.
When would be a good time to meet or call to discuss how I successfully apply routine communication to establish relationships with clients to understand their business needs and goals?
Sincerely,
Ronald Johnson
Example #4 Short Cover Letter Sample for a Creative Job
James Valdez
Art Director
407-694-3810
JamesValdez@gmail.com
Orlando, November 20, 2020
Ida Shaw
HR Manager
Finession
2543 Grand Avenue
Orlando, FL 32810
Dear Ms. Shaw,
I would like to submit my candidacy for the Art Director position at Finession. As an experienced specialist with experience in creating concepts and designs to meet internally briefed requirements and a passion for photography, typography, layout, and digital and social ideation, I believe I have the skills and experience necessary to give your company the creative direction you need.
My background includes 7+ years in a similar position, where I gained critical skills for the art director role. I have worked with both external and internal clients and know their requirements and needs. I was responsible for designing in-store displays, digital executions, social assets, and print materials at a superb level aesthetically and technically. During my time at Delicity, I’ve processed, archived, and managed over 25,000 electronic art files. Apart from all these, I successfully led a team of 5 and directed the creation of visual assets with external contractors such as photographers, illustrators, and agencies.
Having a Bachelor’s degree in Marketing, I demonstrate great advertising and promotion knowledge and excellent communication, leadership, and management skills. I can handle long travel and stress associated with my work.
Working for a company like Finession, which constantly pushes the envelope, would be an honor and a privilege. I am convinced I am the right fit for your art director position.
When would be a good time to discuss how I can help your company solve strategic and creative issues while enhancing the client’s confidence in the agency?
Kind regards,
James Valdez
Example #5 Brief Cover Letter for a Finance Position
Christopher Elias
Financial Specialist
407-694-3479
contact.chriselias@mail.com
Orlando, November 22, 2022
Brian Tennyson
HR Manager
Stryker
983 Bland Avenue
Orlando, FL 32922
I am writing to express my interest in the Finance Manager position at Stryker, as advertised. With over 7 years of experience as a Senior Financial Specialist and a proven track record of managing substantial budgets and conducting intricate financial analysis, I am confident that I will contribute effectively to your Global Logistics Operations financial support team.
In my current role as a Senior Financial Specialist at Pacific Bay Financial Corporation, I implemented a financial planning method that resulted in an annual cost savings of over $220M. This experience, coupled with my role in overseeing tax filings and managing financial reports for the State of California, has equipped me with the skills to serve as a Controller for the GLO organization at Stryker.
One of my key achievements at Pacific Bay Financial Corporation was training a new team of financial specialists, reducing the company's turnover rate by 50%. This highlights my commitment to fostering collaborative partnerships and effective communication, skills crucial for success in the collaborative environment at Stryker. In addition to my financial expertise, I possess a Master of Finance degree from UC Irvine's Merage School of Business.
I am particularly drawn to Stryker's commitment to employee growth and development. I am eager to leverage my skills in financial reporting, template construction, and coordination to contribute to the success of the GLO team and support the company's goals.
I am excited about the opportunity to discuss further how my skills align with the needs of Stryker. Could we schedule a call or a meeting?
Sincerely,
Christopher Elias
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How To Write a Short Cover Letter
Writing a short cover letter isn’t dissimilar to creating a regular one, but there are several things you should keep in mind that you normally wouldn’t. Here's the list of my best tips:
1. Stay Concise and Relevant
In a short cover letter, every word counts, and there's limited space to convey your message. The length of your short cover letter should be around 200–250 words. So be ruthless in editing. Focus on key points, omit unnecessary details, and get straight to the most impactful information. Prioritize relevance. Highlight only the most pertinent skills, relevant experiences, and work achievements directly related to the job you're applying for.
You can help shorten your cover letter by including a list of bullet points rather than writing everything down in a paragraph format.
2. Create Engagement
You might think a short cover letter may struggle to capture the employer's attention. But it’s not about the quantity of your achievements, but the quality and where you put them. Craft an engaging cover letter opening sentence that immediately communicates your enthusiasm for the position. Use concise language that still conveys energy and interest.
What is the best way to grab the recruiter’s attention? Personalize it to the company as much as possible by using the hiring manager’s name and researching the organization's values and expectations.
3. Balance Skills and Achievements
It's easy to focus too much on either skills or achievements, neglecting a balanced representation of your qualifications. Aim for a harmonious mix. Highlight a key achievement or two and relevant skills to showcase your track record and capabilities.
End your cover letter with a strong closing statement expressing your eagerness for an interview or further discussion. Make it clear that you welcome the opportunity to discuss your qualifications in more detail.
So, now that you’ve seen some expert short cover letter samples and learned how to write your simple cover letter step-by-step, we have prepared one more thing for you. You can use a short cover letter template I created to help yourself a little.
Short Cover Letter Template You Can Copy and Use
[Your name]
[Your title]
[Your phone number]
[Your email]
[Your optional information]
[Full current date]
[Hiring Manager’s Name & Title]
[Company Address]
[City], [State] [ZIP]
Dear [Hiring Manager’s Name],
As a [Adjective] [Position name] with [X] years of experience in [Your field of work], I am the ideal candidate for the position of [Job position] at [Company name].
I excelled at my previous job, which I can prove with my extensive list of work achievements, among which are:
[List of 3-5 impressive, quantified achievements]
I am also a [2-3 adjectives that describe your skills] and proficient with [Something the company wants].
Working for a company such as [Company name], whose work culture I strongly admire, would be an invaluable experience. I would love to have the opportunity to prove that I'm an excellent fit for the role.
When would be a good time to meet or call to discuss [Something you could do for the company]?
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
With a short cover letter template like that, your application will certainly take the prime real estate in the hiring manager’s memory.
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Key Points
Applying with a short and simple cover letter is important to entice the recruiter to review your detailed resume and make a case for yourself. So when writing a basic cover letter, remember to:
Keep it Concise. Limit the short cover letter to three to four paragraphs. Each paragraph should have a specific purpose, and unnecessary details should be omitted.
Ensure each sentence serves a purpose. Be clear and specific in your language. Avoid vague statements and ambiguities.
Proofread meticulously. Given the brevity, there's no room for grammatical errors or typos. Use tools like spell check and seek feedback if possible.
Use the short cover letter samples and template above to write your simple cover letter. It’s going to go so much faster.
Thanks for reading! Still not sure about something to do with writing a short cover letter? Did you find my short cover letter samples useful? Let me know in the comments below!
Frequently Asked Questions about Short Cover Letters
Is it OK to have a short cover letter?
A short cover letter is perfectly OK as long as it conveys everything as a standard-length cover letter would. Many recruiters even prefer to receive a cover letter of about 250 words rather than a full-length one.
Can a cover letter be 200 words or less?
A 200-word short cover letter is excellent for entry-level workers without experience or achievements. Experienced candidates should ideally aim for more than half a page in length.
Is it unprofessional to not have a cover letter?
Yes, it is unprofessional not to attach a matching cover letter to your resume when applying for jobs. Even if the job ad doesn’t mention a cover letter, adding it to your application is still advised. You don’t have to do that when the job ad explicitly states not to include a cover letter.
Mariusz is a career expert with a background in quality control & economics. With work experience in FinTech and a passion for self-development, Mariusz brings a unique perspective to his role. He’s dedicated to providing the most effective advice on resume and cover letter writing techniques to help his readers secure the jobs of their dreams.