10 Short Cover Letter Samples (+ Writing Guide)
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Writing a cover letter doesn’t have to be time-consuming. There’s a way to impress your future employer quickly and efficiently. Because who said you can’t write a short cover letter? No one!
See the finest selection of short cover letter examples to show you how to ace it in only a few sentences that won’t take too much of your precious time!
This guide will show you:
- Why short cover letters are the best cover letters.
- 10 free short cover letter examples that have “You’re hired!” written all over them.
- A simple cover letter template to use when writing your own.
Want to write your cover letter fast? Use our cover letter builder. Choose from 20+ professional cover letter templates that match your resume. See actionable examples and get expert tips along the way.
Generic Cover Letter for a Resume—See more cover letter examples here.
Why Write a Short Cover Letter?
Did you know that for every job opening that gets posted, there are usually 250 applications? No wonder why many recruiters prefer to get a simple cover letter sample instead of a two-page essay.
Here’s why writing a short cover letter might be a better idea:
- 56% of employers still expect cover letters. So you keep them happy, and you won’t annoy the other 47% with an unwanted and overly long document.
- Long cover letters are kryptonite for time-poor hiring managers. Nearly 70% of employers seek a brief, half-page cover letter or less.
- A short, snappy list of your most relevant achievements sells you as a candidate. It’s a concentrated burst of pure employability.
- They’re faster and more fun to write!
So without further ado, meet our lean, mean, basic cover letter team.
You’ll need to email a resume, too. Learn how to do it right with our guide: How to Email a Resume
10 Short Cover Letters Samples
You can write your short cover letter for thousands of job positions. They all differ from one another. Here we've listed some of them. You can use them as a template and build on them to create your unique, simple cover letter that's strictly for the position you're after.
1. Short Cover Letter Sample—Mid-Level Office Job
Dear June,
Attached you will find my resume with detailed work experience for the position of office manager. My most satisfying win has been cutting office supply costs by 50%. This success comes from my dedication to discovering new routes to efficiency and robust supplier contract management and negotiation.
As an Office Manager at Weyland’s Widgets Inc., I have a proven record of implementing cost-saving efficiencies and processes. My changes to office supply contractors saved $10,000 per annum, and my outsourcing of payroll saved the HR team 20 man-hours per month.
Joining the team at Schickley’s Sprockets would be an incredible next step in my career. I’d relish the challenge of joining a rapidly growing team, and your ethos of “progress through technology” is a perfect fit for my own professional values.
Could we please schedule a call so we can discuss how I can implement cost-saving process improvements at Schickley’s?
Sincerely,
Tony Gambino
P.S. I’d also be delighted to tell you how my implementation of a call overflow system reduced customer phone waiting time by 65%.
Office Manager
linkedin.com/in/zety_tonygambino
zety_tonygambino@gmail.com
541-555-5555
2. Short Cover Letter Sample—Creative Job
Dear Greg,
My resume is attached for the position of a senior graphic designer. I’ve had a number of satisfying career highlights, but my most notable to date is leading a team that was a winner in the 2018 Package Design Awards. This achievement was spearheaded by my dedication to meeting client requirements with fresh contemporary design solutions.
As a senior graphic designer at Edwards & Spinks, I designed a fresh layout for the new edition of the cookbook “Glorious Gluten” which led to the publisher signing a five-year contract worth $500,000.
Leading the graphic design team at Mountebanks & Co. is an amazing opportunity. I want to be part of your multi-award winning delivery of unique and functional web design to prestigious corporate clients.
Can we arrange a call so I can discuss how I led and developed a team of five junior designers while helping clients cut costs by an average of 15%?
Sincerely,
Maria Villanueva
P.S. I’m also keen to discuss how my design of the “Flight Comparator” app led to a 20% increase in conversions for the client compared to previous iterations.
Senior Graphic Designer
linkedin.com/in/zety_mariavillanueva
zety_mariavillanueva@gmail.com
701-555-5555
3. Short Cover Letter Sample—IT Startup Job
Dear Fatima,
Please see attached my resume for the position of a software engineer. My most recent achievement has been successfully managing code deployment to one of the largest ride-sharing platforms on the East Coast. This was driven by my expertise in transportation demand management software and my knack for reporting tool integration.
As a software engineer at Zoom! I implemented survey and data analysis functions that improved user behavior statistics and led to a 20% reduction in wait times for drivers during peak use periods with an accompanying 30% increase in client satisfaction.
Joining the team at Moov is exactly where I want to be in my career. Helping you disrupt the current West Coast platform duopoly is a challenge I am made for.
Could we meet for a coffee and a chat about how my dedication to leveraging gamification played a crucial role in increasing user data recording?
Sincerely,
Helen Topley
P.S. I’d also be happy for you to learn more about how my optimized driver tracking feature pinpointed inefficiencies that, when resolved, resulted in cost savings of $750,000.
Software Engineer
linkedin.com/in/zety_helentopley
zety_helentopley@gmail.com
310-555-5555
4. Short Cover Letter Sample—Corporate Job
Dear Dane,
I have attached my resume for the position of business analyst. My professional achievements include saving $1M in costs by choosing a new cloud data warehouse solution. This was enabled by my superior negotiation skills, expertise in effective procurement, and ability to identify cost savings.
As a business analyst at Vantech, I leveraged a new procurement business process to ensure consistency across all teams leading to a saving of 500 man-hours, equivalent to $100,000. This consistent approach was the first of its kind in the company.
Getting on board with Vermillion as it rapidly scales its operations is an amazing opportunity for me to do what I do best, increasing efficiency in business processes and implementing value-rich changes to the organization.
Let’s arrange a quick chat to discuss how my ability to translate stakeholder needs into development goals can help Vermillion at this crucial time.
Sincerely,
Cyrus Johnson
P.S. It’d also be a great chance to discuss how my dedication to clear data visualization has improved communication between stakeholders and development teams.
Business Analyst
linkedin.com/in/zety_cyrusjohnson
zety_cyrusjohnson@gmail.com
224-555-5555
5. Short Cover Letter Sample—Candidate With No Experience
Dear Mr. Wilson,
I was thrilled to find out Chad’s Kitchen is currently looking for a waiter.
I am a communicative, hardworking, and fast-learning person. Getting a chance to gain my first working experience in my favorite restaurant would be my dream come true.
It would mean the world to me to the success of a business I love so much, reflecting my values. My family believes your restaurant provides not only the best food in our community but also the greatest service. The family atmosphere, the warm way with which customers are greeted and the friendliness that is seen among the workers is what every place should aim for.
I’d love to tell you more about myself and how my skills, personality, and love for your business make me the perfect candidate for the waiter’s opening. Would it be possible to meet this Friday, at 1 o’clock in your restaurant?
Thank you so much for your time and consideration.
Best,
Darren Bloom
P.S. I’ve recently found a very interesting book about reducing inventory time and expenses in small family-owned restaurants. I believe you might find it captivating, and I would love to share it with you!
Waiter
linkedin.com/D.Bloom
d.blooml@gmail.com
546-883-9334
6. Short Cover Letter Sample—New Graduate
Dear Dr. Bradley,
I recently graduated from Journalism at California State University cum laude with a 3.9 score, and I am looking for my first professional journalism job to provide your readers with exclusive insights and cover stories that your readers will find interesting.
During my studies, I was an editor-in-chief, supervising 10+ journalists at CSU Daily, a university newspaper. I conducted interviews with our alumni, covered two graduation ceremonies, and wrote articles on a daily basis regarding not only our university but also social matters, politics, and culture. Our article was also re-printed by National Geographic (February 2022).
I believe my passion for journalism, people skills, and excellent time management would make me a fine addition to Santa Monica Newspaper.
Would it be possible for us to discuss this opportunity next Tuesday at noon in the newspaper’s office?
Sincerely,
Frank Renton
P.S. While working at CSU Daily, I encountered an exciting startup founded by a fellow California State University student. It connects journalists with freelance photographers. I believe it might be interesting for Santa Monica Newspaper.
Journalist Graduate
linkedin.com/FRenton
frenton@gmail.com
532-997-5764
7. Short Cover Letter Sample—Internship
Dear Bill,
Attached you’ll find my resume for the position of a summer intern. My “Drill Instructor” augmented power tool add-on has just won the Northwest Student Award for Tech Innovation. That’s because I’ve had a passion for practical design since childhood.
Fazer’s commitment to mentoring the best young talent in the industry is a direct fit with my proven electronic engineering skills and studies.
I would love to improve my skill set to deliver even more cost-effective and industry-leading power tool and machinery solutions, just as I did with my award project.
I am incredibly excited about the opportunity to put my skills to work for you. Could we arrange a phone call to discuss how I can help Fazer gain even more industry plaudits.
Sincerely,
Monica Nesbitt
P.S. I’d also love to discuss how my volunteer work with the “Upcycle!” project is helping to teach electronic engineering and repair skills to the wider community.
Business Analyst
linkedin.com/in/zety_monicanesbitt
zety_monicanesbitt@gmail.com
302-555-5555
Want to learn more about sending email cover letters for a job application? Check out our guide: Email Cover Letters for Job Applications
8. Short Cover Letter Sample—Internal Position
Dear Justin,
Having a chance to fill the opening for the Marketing Manager in our company would realize a long-term dream of mine. It would also realize my plan of reaching this position at Crafty LTD. That was my goal all along.
I joined Crafty LTD 6 years ago and started a 3-month internship. It was then prolonged for another 3 months due to boosting our Instagram followers (60k!), increasing the CTR (by 1.5%), and taking the lead of all our social media channels. After the internship, I was offered Junior Marketing Specialist. I created 200+ blog posts and optimized the entire blog using the best SEO practices. Within a year, I got promoted to Senior Marketing Specialist and became the main content creator responsible for our blog, all social media profiles, and the entire content creation. I was also the right-hand man for our previous Marketing Manger, Kate. Please find her letter of recommendation attached.
Could we please schedule a meeting to discuss my plans for our Marketing Team and how I see I can implement them in the future?
Sincerely,
Gary Hill
P.S. I’d love to tell you more about what are the next SEO Practices I think can be helpful for optimizing our entire website!
Senior Marketing Manager
linkedin.com/GaryHill
g.hill@gmail.com
546-837-8374
9. Short Cover Letter Sample—Career Switch
Dear Ms. Brown,
I am thrilled to be applying for the position of Junior Copywriter at Content Stars.
Working as a secretary at Lylo SaaS startup has helped me develop skills I believe are necessary for a good copywriter. I had to juggle many responsibilities and manage my time excellently, i.e., during Global Meetings held annually at our HQ, during which I was responsible for organizing catering and accommodation for 100+ guests. I constantly talked with clients, which helped me improve my interpersonal and communication skills. Organizing 10+ parties for the global team taught me a lot about research. There were countless situations where problem-solving was a must-have skill to succeed! And all that had to be strictly reported, so I am also pretty data-driven. write short stories for Wattpad in my free time, so I know my way around pen and paper too!
Being aware of my different background, I would love to express my interest in this career switch. I believe my data-driven approach, which helped me be voted an employer of the year in 2022 will also make me a great addition to your company. Writing has always been my passion, and now I want to change this passion into a job. Becoming a junior copywriter at Content Stars will help me realize this dream. Would it be possible to discuss why I think I am a good fit for the job next Wednesday at 11 a.m.?
Sincerely,
Simone Smith
P.S. I also believe that finishing the HubSpot Inbound Marketing Certification Course, Brian Clark’s Copyblogger Copywriting 101, and AWAI’s Accelerated Program for Seven-Figure Copywriting will further prove my determination to become a copywriter!
Junior Copywriter
linkedin.com/SimoneSmith5
simone_smith@gmail.com
678-736-5263
10. Short Cover Letter Sample—Company With No Openings
Dear Mr. Malik,
I am a paralegal with 3+ years of experience in environmental law and a Bachelor’s in Legal Studies gained from New York State University. I know you currently don’t have any openings, however, I’m pretty convinced my candidacy will spark your interest.
While at Thompson & Potter, I’ve completed research and documentation for over 70 legal cases and improved litigation research time by 10% by using innovative investigative tools. I am passionate about the environment and learning about cases your company took part in. I decided that before I answer any other job openings, I will reach out to you to see if you’d be interested in my offer of becoming a paralegal at Benson & Willis. I always highly valued your company for your approach to environmental law and the extra work you put in helping reduce the carbon print.
Sincerely,
Gail O’Toole
P.S. I’d also like to tell you about the new client communication method I introduced to Thompson & Potter, which resulted in reducing administrative expenses by 25%. I think Benson & Willis will also benefit from that!
Paralegal
linkedin.com/GailOToole
g.o.toole@gmail.com
539-758-9338
Now that you’ve seen some amazing examples, let’s find out how you can write your own short cover letter.
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How to Write a Short Cover Letter
Short and simple cover letters are made for emails. No need for the hiring manager to click on an attachment. Just a few easy-to-read lines ready to go.
This formula has all those bases covered:
- Proper subject line
- Dear (hiring manager name)
- Paragraph #1: introduction and a big job-fitting achievement
- Paragraph #2: key skills and why you fit the job
- Paragraph #3: your passion + why you want in
- Paragraph #4: your call to action
- Formal closing
- Add a P.S. to add value
Every one of our fast and furious ten has followed that simple example. Next, we’ll break it down in brief.
1. Write the Right Subject Line
You want to make sure that your recruiters see your e-mail in their inboxes. And the first thing they’re going to see? The subject line. If it won’t tell them precisely what your email is about, they might just miss it.
Make the most of your subject line by including:
- Who you are,
- That you’re applying for a job,
- The position,
- The company name,
- Job ID (if applicable).
Let’s see an example of what a short cover letter subject line can look like:
Short Cover Letter Example—Subject Line
| RIGHT |
|---|
| UX Developer Seeks UX Developer Position with Bankello (ID:123456) |
Remember that the number of email subject line characters differs across operating systems and devices. That's why starting with the name of your position is crucial, so your recruiters know right away what recruitment process this email answers.
Don’t know how to find the hiring manager’s name? It’s easy. See our guide: How to Address a Cover Letter
2. Start Your Short Cover Letter Right
We’ve mentioned the power of personalizing your short cover letter by using the hiring manager’s name. That puts you in the elite. And since we’re going straight in for the kill, let’s start with a powerful introduction that’s tailored to the job:
Short Cover Letter Example—Introduction
| RIGHT |
|---|
Dear June, Attached is my resume with detailed work experience for the office manager position. My most satisfying win has been cutting office supply costs by 50%. This success comes from my dedication to discovering new routes to efficiency and robust supplier contract management and negotiation. |
It’s personalized, starts off by indicating the position he’s applying for, and then it cuts to the chase with solid achievement, eagerness, and key skills.
Find out more about winning short cover letter introductions in our guide: How to Begin a Cover Letter, so the Hiring Manager Wants More
3. Make a Short Cover Letter Middle
We’re off and racing in our short cover letter sprint. This is where we build momentum. For a magnificent middle, you need to show two things:
- Your experience and achievements.
- Your motivation and desire for this particular position.
Like here:
Short Cover Letter Example—Middle
| RIGHT |
|---|
As a senior graphic designer at Edwards & Spinks, I designed a fresh layout for the new cookbook “Glorious Gluten” edition that led to the publisher signing a five-year contract worth $500,000. Leading the graphic design team at Mountebanks & Co. is an amazing opportunity. I want to be part of your multi-award-winning delivery of unique and functional web design to prestigious corporate clients. |
This candidate is highly motivated and has done some research on the company and the role. It's all proved in just 66 words.
If you’re looking for more detailed pointers on cover letter formatting, click here: How to Format a Cover Letter
4. Seal the Deal With a Call to Action in Your Short Cover Letter
A CTA is a call to action. It’s the finish line of our short cover letter race. Do this right, and an interview is in the bag. Why?
Because you asked for it, and you did it in the right way:
Short Cover Letter Example—Closing
| RIGHT |
|---|
Could we meet for a coffee and a chat about how my dedication to leveraging gamification played a crucial role in increasing user data recording? Sincerely, P.S. I’d also be happy for you to learn more about how my optimized driver tracking feature pinpointed inefficiencies that, when resolved, resulted in cost savings of $750,000. |
The author of this cover letter has asked for the interview and given the hiring manager a reason to find out more about the potential value of this hire.
And then there's a P.S. that draws the eye like a magnet. It also lands a killer blow with an impressive achievement backed by numbers.
Lastly, remember about a formal close in the footer of your short cover letter. There’s nothing like a simple “Sincerely,” but there are others too. Stick to this list, and you’ll be set:
Cover Letter Closing Salutations
- Thank you,
- Best regards,
- Kind regards,
- Sincerely,
- With best regards,
Want to learn more about finishing a cover letter perfectly? Read our guide: How to End a Cover Letter
Plus, a great cover letter that matches your resume will give you an advantage over other candidates. You can write it in our cover letter builder here. Here's what it may look like:
See more cover letter templates and start writing.
Key Takeaways
You’re all set to write the best short application cover letter. Now let’s refresh your memory with a super short summary.
How to write a simple cover letter:
- Format it for sending as an email.
- Start off strong with a personalized intro that shows relevant skills and achievements.
- Make a middle that consolidates experience, achievements, and motivation that’s targeted to the job you’re applying for.
- Finish with a CTA incorporating an irresistible offer to get you the interview.
- Throw in a powerful P.S. to guarantee success.
Struggling to slim down your cover letter? Need more advice? Ask away in the comments section. Thanks for reading.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Short Cover Letters
How to write a short cover letter?
To write a short and simple cover letter, you must follow a basic cover letter outline:
1. Address your cover letter properly. Include your name, the position you're applying for, the company name, and job ID (if applicable).
2. Start your cover letter captivating. That way, the recipient of your email will read on with interest. Include a job-fitting accomplishment to impress the reader from the top.
3. Explain why you fit the job. Use not only your achievements but also your key skills that are probably mentioned in the job ad.
4. Make sure your short cover letter is tailored to the job you’re after. Use the company’s name to convince the recruiter you want this job, not just any job on the market.
5. Write why you want to work in that particular company. Express your passion, mention the values they believe in, and talk about their achievements. Some compliments won’t do any harm.
6. End your cover letter with a call to action. Offer a place and time for an interview. Include a PS with another impressive achievement.
7. Keep the right cover letter format. When it comes to the short cover letter, it should be sent via email, so you don’t have to work with margins, fonts, spacing, etc. It’s less formal, but it should still position you as a pro candidate.
Why should you write a short cover letter?
A short cover letter is a great way for busy recruiters to learn more about your passion, key achievements, and skills. It’s important to allow them to find out more about you within just a few seconds since many of them won’t spend much time looking at all the application documents.
You can also use a short cover letter to express interest in working for a particular company. It shows you haven’t written just another generic cover letter and that you’ve done your research.
Remember that a simple, basic, and short cover letter done right will highlight your most relevant accomplishments and sell you as a perfect candidate. Having a short cover letter is better than having none, and these are easier and quicker to write.
What do you write in a short cover letter?
Simple cover letters follow a basic formula, which includes the following cover letter parts:
- Proper subject line
- Dear (hiring manager name)
- Paragraph #1 with your introduction and a big job-fitting achievement
- Paragraph #2 with your key skills and why you fit the job
- Paragraph #3 with your passion and reason you want in
- Paragraph #4 with your call to action
- Formal closing with a professional sign-off
- A P.S. with added value
It should fit into a message you sent via email. There’s no need to attach an extra cover letter file. All you have to write about yourself should fit into those couple of lines.
Is it OK to have a short cover letter?
It’s OK to have a short cover letter. Many recruiters prefer to read a short form to long cover letters. It shows your ability to get to the point and to speak about your most relevant experience, achievements, and skills. Many recruiters will also appreciate you helping them save time in the always-busy application process.
How short can a cover letter be?
A cover letter can be between half a page and one page long. The standard cover letter length is 3 to 4 concise paragraphs with no more than 400 words but no less than 200 words.
Is a 300-word cover letter too short?
A 300-word cover letter is not too short. If you’re writing an entry-level cover letter, it can be as short as 200 words. The same rule applies to a career-change cover letter. And when it comes to a short cover letter, it can be as short as 150 words.
When should I use a simple cover letter?
You can write a basic cover letter if you:
- Change careers
- Have just graduated
- Apply for a job with no openings
- Apply for an internal position in your company
- Apply for an internship
- Have little to no experience
- Want to highlight only the most relevant skill or achievement
Mind that you can also write a regular cover letter for all these situations. However, remember that a properly written short cover letter can impress the hiring manager. And if there is no minimum word count set in the job ad, you can always choose between attaching a regular-length cover letter or writing a short cover letter in the form of an email message.
How to write a short cover letter fast?
To quickly write a short cover letter, use a cover letter builder. It will not only help you properly format it, but also give you tips for all the necessary parts. It will also help you decide whether you want to write a short cover letter or a regular one, and you will see that there is little difference when using the right online builder.
After you’re done, you can use the cover letter checker to pinpoint and fix every potential error. That way, your cover letter will be spotless and ready to send in no time!
![Cover Letter Outline as Suggested by Career Experts [+Tips]](https://cdn-images.zety.com/pages/cover_letter_outline_1.jpg?fit=crop&h=250&dpr=2)