how to write cover letter in apa format

APA Cover Letter

Cover letter maker.

Embarking on the journey to find a job or a professional opportunity often starts with a cover letter . It sets the tone for your resume, articulating your fit and interest for the role, and is critical in making a strong first impression. One style of formatting that is common for academic or scholarly applications is the APA (American Psychological Association) format. This guide will help you understand the APA cover letter, give you the best examples, and provide step-by-step instructions to write one.

What is APA Cover Letter?

An APA cover letter is a job application document formatted according to the guidelines established by the American Psychological Association. It’s typically used for academic, scholarly, or scientific applications, and emphasizes clarity, precision, and inclusivity. The APA cover letter should be concise, professional, and clearly communicate the applicant’s qualifications and suitability for the position.

What is the Best Example of APA Cover Letter?

The best APA cover letter is one that adheres to APA guidelines, but also is tailored to the specific job or position for which you’re applying. Here is an example:

[Your Name] [Your Address] [City, State, ZIP Code] [Email Address] [Today’s Date]

[Employer’s Name] [Company’s Name] [Company’s Address] [City, State, ZIP Code]

Dear [Employer’s Name],

I am writing to apply for the position of [Job Title], which was advertised on [Job Advertisement Source]. I am currently a [Your Current Job Status or Education Status] with a background in [Your Field of Expertise], and I believe I have the necessary skills and experience for this role.

In my current role at [Your Current or Previous Workplace], I [Describe a Key Responsibility or Achievement]. I am confident that this experience, along with my strong [Mention a Key Skill Relevant to the Job], makes me a strong candidate for this position.

I am impressed by [Something You Admire About the Company] and would be thrilled to contribute to [A Company Goal or Objective].

Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the opportunity to further discuss my suitability for the position.

Sincerely, [Your Name]

The above example serves as a basic APA cover letter that you can modify to suit your specific situation and the job you’re applying for. Remember, it’s crucial to customize each cover letter to the job and organization to which you are applying. Show them you understand their needs and demonstrate how your skills, experience, and aspirations align with the organization’s goals.

Size: 28 KB

Free APA Cover Letters – Copy & Paste

Apa cover letter format.

Formatting is key in an APA cover letter. It usually includes four main sections: the header, the salutation, the body, and the closing. The header contains your contact information, the date, and the employer’s contact information. The salutation addresses the employer directly (if the name is known) or generally if not. The body of the letter contains an introductory paragraph, a middle paragraph (or two), and a concluding paragraph. Finally, the closing includes a polite sign-off and your name. Stick to a professional font like Times New Roman, Calibri, or Arial, in 12-point size.

[Introductory Paragraph: State why you are writing, name the position for which you are applying, and mention how you heard about the opening or organization.]

[Body Paragraph(s): Give some background about your education, experience, and qualifications. Tailor this section to the job you’re applying for and highlight your most relevant skills and achievements.]

[Concluding Paragraph: Reiterate your interest in the position and the organization. Thank the employer for considering your application and suggest a follow-up.]

Size: 27 KB

Apa Style Cover Letter Example

An APA style cover letter sticks to the guidelines of the American Psychological Association. It should be typed on clean, white paper, and include a header with the page number and shortened title in the upper right corner. The letter itself should be divided into concise paragraphs, each serving a particular purpose – introduction, body, and conclusion. Language should be formal, clear, and concise, avoiding any unnecessary jargon or complex terms. An APA style cover letter also requires the use of one-inch margins on all sides of the page, and a running head at the top of each page.

While APA cover letters are generally used for academic and scientific applications, their clear and concise nature makes them ideal for various professional contexts as well. Here is another example of an APA cover letter:

I am excited to apply for the [Job Title] position, which I learned about through [Job Advertisement Source]. As a [Your Current Job Status or Education Status] specializing in [Your Field of Expertise], I am confident that my background and skills align perfectly with the requirements of this role.

During my time at [Your Current or Previous Workplace], I have gained valuable experience in [Key Responsibility or Achievement]. I have developed strong [Key Skill Relevant to the Job] skills and have consistently demonstrated my ability to [Key Achievement or Task].

Your company’s commitment to [Something You Admire About the Company] resonates with my professional beliefs, and I am eager to contribute to [A Company Goal or Objective].

Thank you for considering my application. I am looking forward to further discussing how my skills and experiences align with the needs of your company.

Size: 188 KB

APA Cover Letter for Literature Review Example

Writing an APA cover letter for a literature review requires a slightly different approach. In this context, the letter often introduces your review to the editor of a journal, explaining the purpose, scope, and significance of the review. Here’s an example:

[Editor’s Name] [Journal’s Name] [Journal’s Address] [City, State, ZIP Code]

Dear [Editor’s Name],

I am submitting a manuscript for consideration of publication in [Journal’s Name]. The manuscript is a literature review entitled “[Title of Literature Review]”. This review provides a comprehensive examination of the current state of knowledge in [Specific Field of Study], drawing from a wide range of sources.

The literature review explores the following themes: [Briefly Outline the Themes/Topics Covered]. I believe it presents valuable insights and fills a notable gap in the current literature of [Specific Field of Study].

Thank you for considering my manuscript for publication. I look forward to your feedback and the possibility of publishing my work in [Journal’s Name].

Size: 26 KB

Professional APA Cover Letter Example

Writing a professional cover letter involves maintaining a formal tone, clarity, precision, and inclusivity as prescribed by the APA guidelines. It is also important to showcase your qualifications, skills, and experiences that make you a strong candidate for the position. Here’s an example of a professional APA cover letter:

I am writing to express my strong interest in the [Job Title] position at [Company’s Name]. I am a [Your Current Job Status or Education Status], specializing in [Your Field of Expertise], and I am confident that I am a suitable candidate for this role.

My experience at [Your Current or Previous Workplace] has equipped me with the necessary skills and experiences for this role. Here, I [Describe a Key Responsibility or Achievement]. My ability to [Mention a Key Skill Relevant to the Job] has been instrumental in my success and would undoubtedly be beneficial in this role.

Your organization’s dedication to [Something You Admire About the Company] aligns with my professional goals and values, and I am excited about the opportunity to contribute to [A Company Goal or Objective].

Thank you for considering my application. I am eager to further discuss my qualifications and how I can contribute to your team.

Size: 29 KB

APA Cover Letter for Business Example

An APA cover letter for a business position would look similar to other cover letters, but it would particularly highlight skills and experiences relevant to the business role you’re applying for. Here’s an example:

I am applying for the [Job Title] position at [Company’s Name], which was advertised on [Job Advertisement Source]. With my background in [Your Field of Expertise], and my experience in [Business-Related Experience], I believe I am well-suited for this role.

At [Your Current or Previous Workplace], I successfully [Describe a Business-Related Achievement]. This experience, coupled with my knowledge in [Mention a Business-Related Skill], makes me a strong candidate for this position.

I am particularly attracted to your company because of its commitment to [Something You Admire About the Company], and I am keen to contribute to [A Company Goal or Objective].

Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to discussing how my skills and experiences can meet the needs of your business.

APA Cover Letter for Internship Example

Internships are crucial stepping stones in your career path. An APA cover letter for an internship would emphasize your eagerness to learn and contribute, despite having less experience. Here’s an example:

I am writing to express my interest in the internship opportunity posted on [Job Advertisement Source]. As a [Your Current Education Status] majoring in [Your Field of Study], I believe this internship at [Company’s Name] would provide an invaluable opportunity to expand my knowledge and gain real-world experience.

During my time at [University Name or Previous Internship], I gained skills in [Mention Key Skills Relevant to the Internship]. This experience, along with my academic training in [Mention Academic Achievement or Relevant Courses], make me a strong candidate for this position.

I am particularly impressed with [Something You Admire About the Company] and I am eager to contribute to [A Company Goal or Objective].

Thank you for considering my application. I am excited about the prospect of joining your team and learning from professionals in the field.

APA Cover Letter for Job Example

An APA cover letter for a job would typically include your qualifications, experiences, and the reasons you are interested in the job and the company. Here’s an example:

I am writing to apply for the [Job Title] position at [Company’s Name], as advertised on [Job Advertisement Source]. As a [Your Current Job Status or Education Status] with a background in [Your Field of Expertise], I am confident that my skills and experience make me a strong candidate for this position.

In my current role at [Your Current or Previous Workplace], I have [Describe a Key Achievement]. I have developed a strong ability to [Mention a Key Skill Relevant to the Job], which I believe would be beneficial in this role.

I am particularly drawn to [Company’s Name] because of [Something You Admire About the Company], and I look forward to the opportunity to contribute to [A Company Goal or Objective].

Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the possibility of discussing my candidacy further.

APA Cover Letter for School Example

An APA cover letter for a school position, such as a teacher or administrator, should focus on your teaching philosophy, achievements, and the skills that make you a strong educator. Here’s an example:

[Principal’s or Hiring Manager’s Name] [School’s Name] [School’s Address] [City, State, ZIP Code]

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

I am writing to express my interest in the [Job Title] position at [School’s Name], as advertised on [Job Advertisement Source]. As a dedicated educator with [Number of Years of Experience] years of experience, I am confident in my ability to contribute positively to your school.

In my current role as [Your Current Job Title] at [Your Current or Previous School], I have [Describe a Key Achievement or Responsibility]. My commitment to [Key Aspect of Teaching or Education] has been a key factor in this success.

I am particularly drawn to [School’s Name] because of its commitment to [Something You Admire About the School], and I am excited about the prospect of contributing to this commitment.

Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the possibility of discussing my qualifications further.

APA 7th Edition Cover Letter Example

The 7th edition of the APA Publication Manual includes guidelines that can be applied to a cover letter. Here is an example:

[Recipient’s Name] [Company’s Name] [Company’s Address] [City, State, ZIP Code]

Dear [Recipient’s Name],

I am excited to apply for the [Job Title] position at [Company’s Name], as advertised on [Job Advertisement Source]. With my background in [Your Field of Expertise] and [Another Field of Expertise or Skill], I am confident that I would make a valuable addition to your team.

At [Your Current or Previous Workplace or University], I have been responsible for [Describe a Key Responsibility or Achievement]. This experience, along with my [Key Skill or Attribute], would allow me to make a significant contribution to [Company’s Name].

I am drawn to [Company’s Name] because of its commitment to [Something You Admire About the Company], and I am excited about the prospect of contributing to this.

APA Cover Letter for University Example

When writing an APA cover letter for a university position, focus on your academic and research experiences. Here is an example:

[Recipient’s Name] [University’s Name] [University’s Address] [City, State, ZIP Code]

I am writing to apply for the [Job Title] position at [University’s Name], as advertised on [Job Advertisement Source]. As a [Your Current Position or Field of Study] with a strong background in [Your Area of Expertise], I am confident that I would make a valuable addition to your team.

During my time at [Your Current or Previous University or Workplace], I have focused on [Describe Your Key Area of Research or Work]. I believe this experience would enable me to contribute effectively to [University’s Name].

I am particularly drawn to [University’s Name] because of its emphasis on [Something You Admire About the University], and I am excited about the opportunity to contribute to this.

How do you Write an APA Cover Letter?

Writing an APA cover letter involves several key steps

1. Contact Information: Include your name, address, phone number, and email address at the top of the letter. Also, include the date, the recipient’s name, and the company’s address.

2. Salutation: Always address the letter to a specific person if possible. If the job posting doesn’t include a name, try to find it on the company’s website.

3. Opening Paragraph: Introduce yourself, state the position you are applying for, and mention where you found the job listing.

4. Middle Paragraphs: Discuss your qualifications, experiences, and skills that make you a good fit for the position. Be specific and provide examples.

5. Closing Paragraph: Express your interest in the company and the role, and mention your eagerness to discuss your qualifications further in an interview.

6. Closing: End the letter with a professional closing like “Sincerely” or “Best regards,” followed by your name.

Tips for APA Cover Letter

1. Be concise: Keep your cover letter to one page. Your letter should be clear and concise, highlighting the most important information.

2. Use a professional tone: Avoid using slang or overly casual language. Be professional and respectful in your tone.

3. Customize each letter: Tailor your cover letter to each job you apply for. Highlight the skills and experiences that are most relevant to the job.

4. Proofread: Make sure your cover letter is free of errors. Proofread it several times, and consider having someone else look it over as well.

APA style cover letters are a professional and effective way to introduce yourself to potential employers. By following these guidelines, you can create a compelling cover letter that showcases your qualifications and demonstrates your interest in the role.

Text prompt

• Instructive
• Professional

Write a cover letter for a college student applying for an internship at an educational technology company

Form a cover letter for a high school student seeking a part-time job at a local bookstore.

Generate accurate APA citations for free

• Knowledge Base
• APA Style 7th edition
• APA format for academic papers and essays

APA Formatting and Citation (7th Ed.) | Generator, Template, Examples

Published on November 6, 2020 by Raimo Streefkerk . Revised on September 5, 2024.

The 7th edition of the APA Publication Manual provides guidelines for clear communication , citing sources , and formatting documents. This article focuses on paper formatting.

Generate accurate APA citations with Scribbr

Throughout your paper, you need to apply the following APA format guidelines:

• Set page margins to 1 inch on all sides.
• Double-space all text, including headings.
• Indent the first line of every paragraph 0.5 inches.
• Use an accessible font (e.g., Times New Roman 12pt., Arial 11pt., or Georgia 11pt.).
• Include a page number on every page.

Let an expert format your paper

Our APA formatting experts can help you to format your paper according to APA guidelines. They can help you with:

• Margins, line spacing, and indentation
• Font and headings
• Running head and page numbering

Table of contents

How to set up apa format (with template), apa alphabetization guidelines, apa format template [free download], page header, headings and subheadings, reference page, tables and figures, frequently asked questions about apa format.

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The AI-powered APA Citation Checker points out every error, tells you exactly what’s wrong, and explains how to fix it. Say goodbye to losing marks on your assignment!

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References are ordered alphabetically by the first author’s last name. If the author is unknown, order the reference entry by the first meaningful word of the title (ignoring articles: “the”, “a”, or “an”).

Why set up APA format from scratch if you can download Scribbr’s template for free?

Student papers and professional papers have slightly different guidelines regarding the title page, abstract, and running head. Our template is available in Word and Google Docs format for both versions.

• Student paper: Word | Google Docs
• Professional paper: Word | Google Docs

In an APA Style paper, every page has a page header. For student papers, the page header usually consists of just a page number in the page’s top-right corner. For professional papers intended for publication, it also includes a running head .

A running head is simply the paper’s title in all capital letters. It is left-aligned and can be up to 50 characters in length. Longer titles are abbreviated .

Prevent plagiarism. Run a free check.

APA headings have five possible levels. Heading level 1 is used for main sections such as “ Methods ” or “ Results ”. Heading levels 2 to 5 are used for subheadings. Each heading level is formatted differently.

Want to know how many heading levels you should use, when to use which heading level, and how to set up heading styles in Word or Google Docs? Then check out our in-depth article on APA headings .

The title page is the first page of an APA Style paper. There are different guidelines for student and professional papers.

Both versions include the paper title and author’s name and affiliation. The student version includes the course number and name, instructor name, and due date of the assignment. The professional version includes an author note and running head .

For more information on writing a striking title, crediting multiple authors (with different affiliations), and writing the author note, check out our in-depth article on the APA title page .

The abstract is a 150–250 word summary of your paper. An abstract is usually required in professional papers, but it’s rare to include one in student papers (except for longer texts like theses and dissertations).

The abstract is placed on a separate page after the title page . At the top of the page, write the section label “Abstract” (bold and centered). The contents of the abstract appear directly under the label. Unlike regular paragraphs, the first line is not indented. Abstracts are usually written as a single paragraph without headings or blank lines.

Directly below the abstract, you may list three to five relevant keywords . On a new line, write the label “Keywords:” (italicized and indented), followed by the keywords in lowercase letters, separated by commas.

APA Style does not provide guidelines for formatting the table of contents . It’s also not a required paper element in either professional or student papers. If your instructor wants you to include a table of contents, it’s best to follow the general guidelines.

Place the table of contents on a separate page between the abstract and introduction. Write the section label “Contents” at the top (bold and centered), press “Enter” once, and list the important headings with corresponding page numbers.

The APA reference page is placed after the main body of your paper but before any appendices . Here you list all sources that you’ve cited in your paper (through APA in-text citations ). APA provides guidelines for formatting the references as well as the page itself.

Creating APA Style references

Play around with the Scribbr Citation Example Generator below to learn about the APA reference format of the most common source types or generate APA citations for free with Scribbr’s APA Citation Generator .

Formatting the reference page

Write the section label “References” at the top of a new page (bold and centered). Place the reference entries directly under the label in alphabetical order.

Finally, apply a hanging indent , meaning the first line of each reference is left-aligned, and all subsequent lines are indented 0.5 inches.

Tables and figures are presented in a similar format. They’re preceded by a number and title and followed by explanatory notes (if necessary).

Use bold styling for the word “Table” or “Figure” and the number, and place the title on a separate line directly below it (in italics and title case). Try to keep tables clean; don’t use any vertical lines, use as few horizontal lines as possible, and keep row and column labels concise.

Keep the design of figures as simple as possible. Include labels and a legend if needed, and only use color when necessary (not to make it look more appealing).

Check out our in-depth article about table and figure notes to learn when to use notes and how to format them.

The easiest way to set up APA format in Word is to download Scribbr’s free APA format template for student papers or professional papers.

Alternatively, you can watch Scribbr’s 5-minute step-by-step tutorial or check out our APA format guide with examples.

APA Style papers should be written in a font that is legible and widely accessible. For example:

• Times New Roman (12pt.)
• Arial (11pt.)
• Calibri (11pt.)
• Georgia (11pt.)

The same font and font size is used throughout the document, including the running head , page numbers, headings , and the reference page . Text in footnotes and figure images may be smaller and use single line spacing.

You need an APA in-text citation and reference entry . Each source type has its own format; for example, a webpage citation is different from a book citation .

Use Scribbr’s free APA Citation Generator to generate flawless citations in seconds or take a look at our APA citation examples .

Yes, page numbers are included on all pages, including the title page , table of contents , and reference page . Page numbers should be right-aligned in the page header.

To insert page numbers in Microsoft Word or Google Docs, click ‘Insert’ and then ‘Page number’.

APA format is widely used by professionals, researchers, and students in the social and behavioral sciences, including fields like education, psychology, and business.

Be sure to check the guidelines of your university or the journal you want to be published in to double-check which style you should be using.

Cite this Scribbr article

If you want to cite this source, you can copy and paste the citation or click the “Cite this Scribbr article” button to automatically add the citation to our free Citation Generator.

Streefkerk, R. (2024, September 05). APA Formatting and Citation (7th Ed.) | Generator, Template, Examples. Scribbr. Retrieved September 27, 2024, from https://www.scribbr.com/apa-style/format/

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Writing Cover Letters

What is a cover letter? What to include in a cover letter How to organize a cover letter Questions to guide your writing How to format a cover letter Sample cover letters

What is a cover letter?

To be considered for almost any position, you will need to write a letter of application. Such a letter introduces you, explains your purpose for writing, highlights a few of your experiences or skills, and requests an opportunity to meet personally with the potential employer.

Precisely because this letter is your introduction to an employer and because first impressions count, you should take great care to write an impressive and effective letter. Remember that the letter not only tells of your accomplishments but also reveals how effectively you can communicate.

The appropriate content, format, and tone for application letters vary according to the position and the personality of the applicant. Thus, you will want to ask several people (if possible) who have had experience in obtaining jobs or in hiring in your field to critique a draft of your letter and to offer suggestions for revision.

Despite the differences in what constitutes a good application letter, the suggestions on these pages apply generally.

What to include in a cover letter

• Try to limit your letter to a single page. Be succinct.
• Assess the employer’s needs and your skills. Then try to match them in the letter in a way that will appeal to the employer’s self-interest.
• As much as possible, tailor your letter to each job opportunity. Demonstrate, if possible, some knowledge of the organization to which you are applying.
• Write in a style that is mature but clear; avoid long and intricate sentences and paragraphs; avoid jargon. Use action verbs and the active voice; convey confidence, optimism, and enthusiasm coupled with respect and professionalism.
• Show some personality, but avoid hard-sell, gimmicky, or unorthodox letters. Start fast; attract interest immediately. For more information see Business Letter Format .
• Arrange the points in a logical sequence; organize each paragraph around a main point.

How to organize a cover letter

Below is one possible way to arrange the content of your cover letter.

Opening Paragraph

State why you are writing.

Establish a point of contact (advertisement in a specific place for a specific position; a particular person’s suggestion that you write): give some brief idea of who you are (a Senior engineering student at UW; a recent Ph.D. in History).

Paragraph(s) 2(-3)

Highlight a few of the most salient points from your enclosed resume.

Arouse your reader’s curiosity by mentioning points that are likely to be important for the position you are seeking.

Show how your education and experience suit the requirements of the position, and, by elaborating on a few points from your resume, explain what you could contribute to the organization.

(Your letter should complement, not restate, your resume.)

Closing paragraph

Stress action. Politely request an interview at the employer’s convenience.

Indicate what supplementary material is being sent under separate cover and offer to provide additional information (a portfolio, a writing sample, a sample publication, a dossier, an audition tape), and explain how it can be obtained.

Thank the reader for his/her consideration and indicate that you are looking forward to hearing from him/her.

Questions to guide your writing

• Who is my audience?
• What is my objective?
• What are the objectives and needs of my audience?
• How can I best express my objective in relationship to my audience’s objectives and needs?
• What specific benefits can I offer to my audience and how can I best express them?
• What opening sentence and paragraph will grab the attention of my audience in a positive manner and invite them to read further?
• How can I maintain and heighten the interest and desire of the reader throughout the letter?
• What evidence can I present of my value to my audience?
• If a resume is enclosed with the letter, how can I best make the letter advertise the resume?
• What closing sentence or paragraph will best assure the reader of my capabilities and persuade him or her to contact me for further information?
• Is the letter my best professional effort?

*From Ronald L. Kraunich, William J. Bauis. High Impact Resumes & Letters. Virginia Beach, VA: Impact Publications, 1982.

How to format a cover letter

• Type each letter individually, or use a word processor.
• Use good quality bond paper.
• Whenever possible, address each employer by name and title.
• Each letter should be grammatically correct, properly punctuated, and perfectly spelled. It also should be immaculately clean and free of errors. Proofread carefully!
• Use conventional business correspondence form. If you are not certain of how to do this, ask for help at the Writing Center.

Sample cover letters

Looking at examples of strong cover letters is a great way to understand how this advice can become implemented. We’ve compiled and annotated a range of different kinds of cover letters from different kinds of student applicants. We encourage you to look through these letters and see some of what we’ve highlighted as working particularly well in these real world examples.

• Cover Letter Example 1. Undergraduate student applying for a restaurant hosting position.
• Cover Letter Example 2. Undergraduate sophomore applying for an internship with a non-profit, political organization.
• Cover Letter Example 3. Graduate student applying for a Project Assistant position at UW-Madison. The original job posting for this position can be found here .
• Cover Letter Example 4. A graduated student with an English literature and Spanish language double major applying to work as a law firm legal assistant.

In addition to these sample cover letters, you can find a range of other, often discipline-specific cover letter examples through these UW-Madison resources:

• SuccessWorks has developed a useful resource that features an overview of cover letters. It provides a breakdown of this genre’s main parts as well as an example cover letter and resume, all in response to an included job posting for a position with Americas Society Council of the Americas. All of this is located here .
• UW-Madison’s Law School has several wonderful examples of cover letters for law-related jobs here . These are organized according how far the applicants were into their law school careers (i.e., L1, L2, and L3).
• The Career Center for the School of Education has information about cover letters as well as sample cover letter for someone applying to be an elementary school teacher here .

Academic and Professional Writing

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A Short Guide to Close Reading for Literary Analysis

Using Literary Quotations

Play Reviews

Writing a Rhetorical Précis to Analyze Nonfiction Texts

Incorporating Interview Data

Grant Proposals

Planning and Writing a Grant Proposal: The Basics

Additional Resources for Grants and Proposal Writing

Job Materials and Application Essays

Writing Personal Statements for Ph.D. Programs

• Before you begin: useful tips for writing your essay
• Guided brainstorming exercises
• Get more help with your essay
• Frequently Asked Questions

Resume Writing Tips

CV Writing Tips

Cover Letters

Business Letters

Proposals and Dissertations

Resources for Proposal Writers

Resources for Dissertators

Research Papers

Planning and Writing Research Papers

Quoting and Paraphrasing

Writing Annotated Bibliographies

Creating Poster Presentations

Writing an Abstract for Your Research Paper

Thank-You Notes

Advice for Students Writing Thank-You Notes to Donors

Reading for a Review

Critical Reviews

Writing a Review of Literature

Scientific Reports

Scientific Report Format

Sample Lab Assignment

Writing for the Web

Writing an Effective Blog Post

Writing for Social Media: A Guide for Academics

• How to Cite
• Language & Lit
• Rhyme & Rhythm
• The Rewrite
• Search Glass

How to Write an APA Style Letter

If you are writing a cover letter to apply for a job or delivering information in a business setting, you want your letter to look and sound professional. American Psychological Association, or APA, style guidelines follow a traditional business letter format that has a clean appearance and focuses on succinct, specific language. While in-person discussions or e-mails might use a conversational tone, APA style letters are formal, and following the format and style often gives the reader a notable first impression of you and your work.

Create a template for your letter. From the top of the page, the format for the APA style letter is: Sender’s Address, Date, Recipient’s Address, Salutation, Body, Closing and Sender’s Name. Most APA letters are written in block format, in which all lines are justified to the left. You can also use modified block, in which your address, the date and closing are justified to the right, or you can justify the address, date and closing in the center for semi-block format.

Ensure that your document is set to single-spaced paragraphs. Type your address at the top of the page unless you are using a paper with your letterhead. Do not include your name in this address; instead, use only your street address, city, state and zip code. Return two lines, and then add the date. Writers in the United States should follow American date format, which is the month followed by the day and year. Set off the year with a comma and one space.

Return another two lines and type the recipient’s address. You will start with the recipient’s name, followed by the street address, city, state and zip code. Return two more lines and write the salutation, which is usually “Dear Mr. Smith.” Address the specific person you are writing to rather than a general “Dear Hiring Manager,” and use a personal title followed by the person’s last name. If you are unsure of the reader’s gender, you may write their full first and last name, such as “Dear Chris Smith.” Use a colon after the salutation.

Return two lines and begin typing the body of your letter. According to the Purdue Online Writing Lab, the first paragraph states the main point of your letter, and while you can begin with a friendly comment, transition to the purpose of your letter. The second paragraph goes into more detail to support your purpose. When writing a cover letter for a job, for example, use the second paragraph to highlight points on your resume, give background information or tell a short anecdote about your work. Your final paragraph should restate your purpose and its importance. You might include contact information in this section or end with a statement of gratitude. Each paragraph should have two lines of space between them.

Return two lines and write your closing, which is often “Sincerely” or “Thank you.” Use a comma after the closing. Return four lines and type your name; this space leaves room for your handwritten signature.

Proofread your letter, keeping a formal tone in mind. Use active rather than passive voice wherever possible, and use the “I” pronoun when talking about your opinions or the “we” pronoun when representing the ideas of a company. When writing a letter about employment opportunities, make the letter specific by including the job title and ask for an interview. While you should avoid a tone that is too casual, keep in mind that an overly formal voice can alienate the reader.

Things You'll Need

• Purdue Online Writing Lab: Writing the Basic Business Letter
• Purdue Online Writing Lab: Sample Letters
• University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill: The Writing Center: Business Letters

Cara Batema is a musician, teacher and writer who specializes in early childhood, special needs and psychology. Since 2010, Batema has been an active writer in the fields of education, parenting, science and health. She holds a bachelor's degree in music therapy and creative writing.

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How to Format a Cover Letter (With Examples)

Cover Letter Format Guidelines

• How to Format a Cover Letter

What to Include in Each Section

• Formatting Tips for Cover Letters

Cover Letter Template

When you are applying for a job, how you format your cover letter is important because the letter is one of the first impressions you'll make on an employer. In fact, how you format your letter is almost as important as what you write in it.

A cover letter that is formatted incorrectly, or difficult to read, can quickly eliminate you from the pool of candidates, so it's important to pay just as much attention to the formatting of your letter as to its content.

Here's information on cover letter formatting guidelines including setting page margins, choosing a font style and size, paragraph and section spacing, and more tips on how to format cover letters for employment.

Formatting includes factors such as page margins , font type and size , line, paragraph and section spacing, and document type. For example, a letter without the correct spacing between paragraphs, or with too much text on a page, is going to look cluttered. Similarly, a letter saved as a file type that is not meant for a text document (such as a .jpg or a .png) may prevent the reader from opening and viewing it. 

Adhering to typical standards in formatting is especially important considering that communication skills are important in nearly every field, and failing to compose a readable cover letter will certainly not inspire confidence in your abilities.

On the other hand, a cover letter that is saved correctly and uses sufficient white space , a simple, reasonably sized font, and an appropriate salutation and closing will make a positive impression on your potential employers.

How to Format a Cover Letter

The easiest way to format a letter is to write the letter first, and then format it. Once you have all the content ( contact information , why you are applying and qualified, signature, etc.) on the page, you can then easily adjust the margins, font, and alignment. Here's an overview of each section.

• Contact Section:  How you include your contact information will vary based on how you are sending your cover letter. If you are uploading or mailing a letter, put the information at the top of the page.

With an email cover letter, your contact information should be below your signature.

• Employer Address : How you address the cover letter will depend on how much information you have about the employer. 
• Salutation:  A  salutation is the greeting you include at the beginning of a cover letter. Here's how to write a salutation, including what to use if you don't have the name of a contact person to list.
• Body:  The body of a cover letter includes the sections where you explain why you are interested in and qualified for the job for which you are applying. Here's what to include in each section of your letter.
• Paragraphs or Bulleted Lists:  A more traditional cover letter contains written paragraphs describing your qualifications. However, there are times when bulleted lists may also be appropriate to include.
• Closing:  When you're writing a cover letter or sending an email message to apply for a job it's important to close your cover letter professionally.

Here are details on what to include in each section of your cover letter.

Cover Letter Format Example

Your Contact Information Name Address City, State Zip Code Phone Number Email Address

Employer Contact Information  (if you have it) Name Title Company Address City, State Zip Code

• Cover Letter Contact Section Examples

Salutation Dear Mr./Ms. Last Name,

Cover Letter Greeting Examples : If you do not have a contact name, you can skip the salutation entirely. Or, you can use Dear Hiring Manager, To Whom It May Concern , or one of the other examples listed in the link. Ideally, you will be able to address your cover letter to a specific person. Doing research can help you figure out who is the most appropriate person to receive the letter. Note: If you do not know the gender of your contact, you can write out the person's full name, e.g., "Dear Cory Smith" or "Dear Jordan Parish."

Body of Cover Letter The body of your cover letter lets the employer know what position you are applying for, why the employer should select you for an interview, and how you will follow up. Organize the body of your cover letter into the following paragraphs:

• First Paragraph The first paragraph of your letter should include information on why you are writing. Mention the position you are applying for and where you found the job listing. Include the name of a mutual contact, if you have one.
• Middle Paragraph(s) The next section of your cover letter should describe what you have to offer the employer. Mention specifically how your qualifications match the job you are applying for. Think of this section of the cover letter as where you're making a pitch for your fit as an employee and showing what makes you a great candidate. Make the connection between your qualifications and the job requirements clear . Use this section to interpret your resume—don't repeat it verbatim.
• Final Paragraph  Conclude your cover letter by thanking the employer for considering you for the position. Include information on how you will follow up. Optionally, you can briefly restate why you would be a good fit for the position.

Complimentary Close Respectfully yours,

• Closing Examples

Handwritten Signature  (for a hard copy letter)

Typed Signature

• Signature Examples

Formatting Tips for Cover Letters

Here are some formatting tips to keep in mind when you are writing your letter:

• Font Choices:  The details count when it comes to cover letters, so choose a professional font in a 10- or 12-point size. This is no time to break out emoticons or emojis.
• Email vs. Hard Copy Letters:  The sample letter below is formatted for a printed-out hard copy. If you are emailing your cover letter, you'll need to pay particular attention to the  subject line  of your email. See more tips for  formatting your email cover letter .
• Letter Spacing:  Your letter should be single-spaced. Include a space between every paragraph, and in general, a space between each section of the letter. (That is, there should be a line break between the address and the date, and then again between the date and the salutation.)
• Email Spacing: In an email cover letter, where many sections are left off, you will want to include a space between the salutation and between each paragraph, and another space before your complimentary close. 
• Proofreading:  Remember that note about details counting in cover letters? Make sure to avoid errors by carefully proofreading your letter.

Use your word processor's spell check to catch common errors, and then consider reading your letter aloud—or having a friend review it—to catch additional errors.

Download the cover letter template (compatible with Google Docs or Word Online), or read the example below.

@ The Balance 2020

Cover Letter Sample (Text Version)

Molly Smith 21 Spring Street Anycity, NY 12000 555-122-3333 msmith@email.com 

May 11, 2024

John Brown Sales Manager Acme Corp. 321 Main Street Anycity, NY 12000

Dear Mr. Brown,

I wish to apply for the sales position advertised on Monster.com. Terry Johnson suggested that I contact you directly, as we have worked together, and he felt that I would be a good fit with your team.

For the past two years, I have been working in sales for Goodman & Co. I have consistently exceeded my targets, and I was recognized last quarter for outstanding service. As an avid cyclist and user of many of your products, I'm aware that Acme Corp. is a company with tremendous potential. I am confident that my experience, communication skills, and ability to convey product benefits effectively would enable me to excel in the sales role.

I would be delighted to discuss with you how I might be an asset to the Acme Corp. sales team. Thank you for your consideration; I look forward to hearing from you.

Respectfully yours,

Signature (hard copy letter)

Molly Smith

CareerOneStop. " How Do I Write a Cover Letter? "

Title Page Setup

A title page is required for all APA Style papers. There are both student and professional versions of the title page. Students should use the student version of the title page unless their instructor or institution has requested they use the professional version. APA provides a student title page guide (PDF, 199KB) to assist students in creating their title pages.

Student title page

The student title page includes the paper title, author names (the byline), author affiliation, course number and name for which the paper is being submitted, instructor name, assignment due date, and page number, as shown in this example.

Title page setup is covered in the seventh edition APA Style manuals in the Publication Manual Section 2.3 and the Concise Guide Section 1.6

Related handouts

• Student Title Page Guide (PDF, 263KB)
• Student Paper Setup Guide (PDF, 3MB)

Student papers do not include a running head unless requested by the instructor or institution.

Follow the guidelines described next to format each element of the student title page.

Professional title page

The professional title page includes the paper title, author names (the byline), author affiliation(s), author note, running head, and page number, as shown in the following example.

Follow the guidelines described next to format each element of the professional title page.

How to Write a Cover Letter in APA Style

Liza hollis.

If you are submitting a manuscript for publication or applying for a position in the field of psychology, you will want to include a cover letter that makes clear your intentions for your submission. You also will want to ensure that the cover letter format you submit is in keeping with American Psychological Association (APA) style guidelines.

Explore this article

• Addressing Cover Letter
• Using Business Letter Format
• Body of the Cover Letter
• Contents of Included Package
• Explaining APA Cover Letter Intent
• Conclusion of the Cover Letter

things needed

• APA style manual

1 Addressing Cover Letter

Address your cover letter by naming an exact recipient. Regardless of the intent of your cover letter, you should target one specific person. If necessary, research the organization to confirm the person to whom you are writing is the one who handles these types of inquiries. This small details shows you have a real interest in being involved in the organization and you are not simply sending out letters randomly. A cover letter determines the first impression the creator makes on a potential publisher, employer or adviser. Making sure that cover letter is specific to the audience and position is crucial.

2 Using Business Letter Format

Use a business letter format to continue writing the cover letter. Start with the date and follow the the name and contact information of the person to whom you are writing. Include a formal greeting such as “Dear Mr. Jones,” followed by a colon. Your letter should be flush left with one-inch margins on all sides of your document with a font larger than 12 points. Accepted font choices in APA style are Times, Arial or Calibri. This letter should be single-spaced with a space between each paragraph.

3 Body of the Cover Letter

Explain in the first sentence of the body of your letter why you are writing it. For example, if you are submitting an article for publication in a psychology journal, you could write, “I have enclosed a document for your review which explores the possible connection between diet and developmental disorders.” Throughout the body of your letter, show the person to whom you are writing how the organization will benefit from your involvement.

4 Contents of Included Package

Include specific information about the contents of the package you are sending. In a Purdue Owl cover letter description, the site suggests using sing a "story-like format" to describe your academic and professional background is one approach. APA format cover letters are used to add context to the materials being submitted. If you have enclosed a résumé, manuscript and photographs in your package, you will want to address what is being submitted and how they should be reviewed by the receiver.

5 Explaining APA Cover Letter Intent

Explain your intention for sending the cover letter and any other contents of the package. According to the sixth edition of the APA Publication Manual, the APA cover letter is a rare exception in APA style guidelines allowing you to write from a first-person point of view. Detail in this section how you would like the reader to proceed after reviewing the package.

6 Conclusion of the Cover Letter

Close your APA cover letter by thanking the recipient for his time and consideration when reviewing your submission. Sign your name with blue or black ink at the bottom of the page above your typed name.

• 1 American Psychological Society: How to Write An Impressive Cover Letter
• 2 Hloom: APA Title Page Templates
• 3 Purdue Online Writing Lab: APA Style General Formatting

About the Author

Liza Hollis has been writing for print and online publications since 2003. Her work has appeared on various digital properties, including USAToday.com. Hollis earned a degree in English Literature from the University of Florida.

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4 Cover Letter Examples (Plus Tips on How to Write Yours)

We love having examples. It’s so much easier to decorate a cake, build a model, or yes, even write a cover letter when you know what the end product could look like. So that’s what we’re going to give you—all the cover letter examples and tips you need to make yours shine (unfortunately we’re not experts in cake decorating or model building). 

You'll see that writing a cover letter is all about highlighting your relevant skills, professional experience, and accomplishments, while emphasizing your interest for the role in an engaging manner.

Want to get right down to business? Skip ahead to:

Why bother with a cover letter at all?

We bet when you see a job listing that says “ cover letter optional ,” you breathe a sigh of relief, gleefully submit your resume, and move on. But you’re truly doing yourself a disservice by not including a cover letter (or by writing one that’s super generic or formulaic).

“When you’re writing a resume you’re oftentimes confined by space, by resume speak, by keywords—you’re up against a lot of technical requirements,” says Melody Godfred, a career coach and the founder of Write in Color who’s read thousands of cover letters over the course of her career. “In a cover letter you have an opportunity to craft a narrative that aligns you not only with the position you’re applying to but also the company you’re applying to.”

Whether you’re writing a cover letter for a data scientist or marketing manager position, an internship or a senior-level role, a startup or a Fortune 500 company, you’re going to want to tailor it to the role, company, and culture. A strong, customized cover letter will help you explain your value proposition and stand out from the stack of applicants. 

If there’s a gap in your resume , you have the opportunity to explain why it’s there. If you’re changing careers, you have the chance to describe why you’re making the switch. If your resume is pretty dull, a cover letter helps you show some personality . And yes, cover letters still get read.

Deep in the job search, or just browsing? These open jobs on The Muse could be your ideal next step »

What do I write in a cover letter? The 3 basic elements

You'll notice from our cover letter examples that the body of your text can vary a lot depending on factors like the position you're applying for, your career stage, and the type of cover letter requested by the hiring manager. For instance, a writing sample cover letter is different from a traditional professional cover letter (we'll get there soon.)

However, there is some information that you can't leave out. It's important to highlight your most relevant experience, skills, and qualifications for the role in any type of cover letter. Plus, make sure to write an engaging first paragraph to grab the reader's attention, and an effective final paragraph, ideally followed by a call to action, in order to leave a lasting positive impression.

You could say that cover letters are a little like puzzles. When you put each component in its proper place (and remove any parts that don’t fit), you create a complete picture. Even though that picture is always different, the types of pieces are basically the same. We've broken down these three key elements for you:

1. An engaging opener

How you start a cover letter is everything. Your opening lines influence whether someone keeps reading—and you want them to, right? “Starting with something that immediately connects you to the company is essential—something that tells the company that this is not a generic cover letter,” Godfred says. “You have to say something that tells the employer, ‘I wrote this just for you.’”

It can be a childhood memory tying you back to the company’s mission. It can be a story about the time you fell in love with the company’s product. It can be an anecdote from another job or experience showing how hard of a worker you are. Whatever you decide to open with, make it memorable.

2. A clear pitch

Use the next few paragraphs of your cover letter to “hit them with the strongest results you have that are aligned with the opportunity,” Godfred says. Ryan Kahn , Muse career coach and founder of The Hired Group , calls this your pitch. In other words, the part where you’re “selling yourself for the position and why you’re qualified for it.”

Additionally, Godfred says, “If you’re someone who’s transitioning careers, and you need to explain that transition, you do it there.”

This section should have a balance of soft and hard skills . Talk about your experience using Salesforce or doing SEO work, but also highlight your ability to lead teams and communicate effectively.

“Companies are embracing authenticity, they’re embracing humanity, they’re looking for people who are going to fit their culture,” says Godfred. “So what are your values? What do you stand for? These values should be as much a part of your cover letter as the super specialized hard skills.

3. A great closing line

Your closing line could include your next steps or a call to action, Kahn says, such as “ I welcome the opportunity to speak with you more about how I can contribute to the team ,” or, “ I would love to schedule a time for us to discuss this role and my experience. ” But more importantly, “You want to make sure that you’re gracious and thanking them,” he says. While seemingly cliché , it never hurts to end on a simple, “ Thank you for your consideration. ”

Does that sound a bit overwhelming? Don’t panic! We’ve got examples of four types of cover letters below: a traditional cover letter , an impact cover letter , a writing sample cover letter , and a career change cover letter . So let’s take a look at these examples, why they work, and how you can use them to craft your own.

1. The traditional cover letter example

A traditional cover letter is similar to what you’d come up with using position-based cover letter templates . It moves in reverse chronological order through your career history, highlighting parts of your past jobs that make you well suited for this position.

You might want to use this type of cover letter if:

• You’re applying to a more formal company (like a law firm or major healthcare company ) or a more conventional role (like a lawyer or accountant).
• You want to play it safe and conservative with your application materials.

What does the job description say?

Imagine you’re applying to a paralegal job opening at a law firm. The job description might include:

Responsibilities

• Draft routine legal documents for review and use by attorneys
• Coordinate and organize materials and presentations for legal proceedings
• Research legal and related issues and report findings and conclusions to team
• Provide overall legal administrative support to the legal team
• Maintain calendars and ensure timely filings

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent of relevant education and work experience
• Strong communication skills (oral and written)
• Strong organizational , multitasking, and prioritization skills
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and LexisNexis
• Trustworthy, positive, energetic, and optimistic attitude with a willingness to roll up your sleeves

The cover letter example

Here’s an example of a traditional cover letter you could write for this role—keeping things strictly professional but without sounding too boring or jargon-y:

Dear Ms. Jessica Sanchez,

In my five-year career as a paralegal, I have honed my legal research and writing skills, and the attorneys I’ve worked with have complimented me on my command of case law and litigation support. Spiegel Law Firm’s 20 years in practice proves that the firm has strong values and excellent attorneys, and I’d be eager to join such a talented team.

I currently serve as a paralegal for Chandler, Chandler, and Greene, where I work closely with the partners on a number of high-priority cases. During my time here, I implemented a new calendar system that ensures timely filing of court papers. This system has prevented missed deadlines and allowed for better organization of internal and client meetings.

Previously, as a paralegal for the Neuerburg Law Firm, I received praise for my overall support of the legal team and my positive attitude. While working there, I came up with and implemented a plan for digitizing their old files while still ensuring security and privacy. This led to more efficiency when preparing for client meetings and legal proceedings.

My further qualifications include a bachelor’s degree from Rutgers University, a paralegal certificate, and training in LexisNexis, Westlaw, and Microsoft Office Suite.

I would love the opportunity to discuss how I can contribute to your legal team. Thank you in advance for your consideration, and I look forward to hearing from you.

Chase Broadstein [email protected] (222) 222-2222

Download this example

Why this works

This cover letter example is short, sweet, and to the point. It shows the candidate has a knack for getting things done in a thorough and timely manner and a track record for helping out wherever needed. The opening lines also express a genuine interest in this specific firm. Plus, there are some important keywords in there like “calendar system,” “bachelor’s degree,” “paralegal certificate,” and “LexisNexis.”

2. The impact cover letter example

The impact cover letter puts your accomplishments front and center rather than organizing your paragraphs by past roles. You might use a cover letter like this if:

• You’re applying for roles where you’re expected to deliver on certain goals or results (for example, if the jobs involve sales quotas or marketing metrics).
• You haven’t followed a straightforward career path and your past job titles don’t show the extent of your qualifications.
• You want your personality to stand out a bit more than it might in a traditional cover letter.

What does the job description say

Imagine you’ve come across an opening for an email marketing manager . Part of the job description states:

• Manage email marketing strategy and calendar, including copywriting, optimization, monitoring, analyzing, and reporting on campaigns
• Improve campaign success through conversion optimization, A/B testing, and other experiments
• Collaborate with the design team to ensure brand guidelines are followed in emails
• Partner and collaborate cross-functionally with sales, product, product marketing, and data teams
• 3+ years in email marketing
• Experience with Constant Contact, Google Analytics, HTML, CSS, Photoshop, and Microsoft Excel, a plus
• Excellent communication skills (oral and written) and an eye for copyediting
• Strong interpersonal , relationship-building, and stakeholder management skills
• Excellent project management, problem-solving , and time management skills, with the ability to multitask effectively

Here’s an example of an impact cover letter where the writer’s hard skills and successes stand out:

Dear Russ Roman,

I have a problem. See, my inbox currently (and embarrassingly) hosts 1,500 unread emails—including newsletters from at least 50 different brands.

But this problem only fuels my passion for creating emails that are worth opening. Because from my perspective, as someone who can barely get through their own stack of mail, that’s a true win.

I’ve been following Vitabe for years, and can proudly say that I open every single email you send to me. I’m a sucker for a good subject line—“Take a Vitamin-ute—We’ll A-B-C You Soon” being my favorite—and the way your email content feels both fun and expert-backed really speaks to me. This is why I’m thrilled to submit my application for a role as email marketing manager at your company.

I have over four years of experience working in the email marketing space. In my current role at Westside Bank, I was able to implement new email campaigns centered around reengaging churned clients. By analyzing data around the types of clients who churn and the engagement of our current email subscribers, as well as A/B testing headlines and newsletter layouts, we were able to increase email subscribers by 15% and convert 30% of those subscribers to purchase our product, a significant increase from the previous year. 

I also launched a “Your Credit Matters” newsletter focused on educating our clients on how they spend and manage their credit—which became our highest performing campaign in terms of open-rates and click-through to date.

Previously, as a member of the marketing team at Dream Diary Mattresses, I collaborated with the sales and product team to understand how I could best support them in hitting their quarterly goals. One specific project involving creating personalized emails for customers drew more people to come back to our site after 30 days than direct paid ad campaigns, leading to a 112% increase in revenue from the last quarter.

I take the content I write and the calendars I manage seriously, editing and refining beyond detail-oriented and into meticulous territory, and I feel my experience and drive would greatly help Vitabe further develop their email program for success.

Thank you very much for your time and consideration. I look forward to hearing from you.

Lad Miller [email protected] (987) 654-3210

This sample cover letter concisely highlights the applicant’s most significant, relevant achievements. By adding context to how their projects were created, monitored, and completed, they’re able to show just how results-driven they are and how they’ve successfully leveraged some of the skills the company is looking for.

One thing worth noting: This person didn’t include keywords such as Constant Contact, Google Analytics, HTML, CSS, Photoshop, or Microsoft Excel—all of which are listed in the job description. But those skills are most likely in their resume already, and leaving them out gives them the space to discuss specific projects and tell a story not visible on other parts of their job application.

3. The writing sample cover letter example

For roles where written communication is key, such as PR, copywriting , or journalism jobs, your cover letter will likely be the first writing sample your future employer sees. So it’s just as important to show your skill set in action through eloquent writing.

• Writing or editing is a key component of the role you’re applying to.
• You want to show off your creativity.

Here’s part of a job description for a staff writer position:

• Pitch and write articles, reporting on timely issues and trends
• Collaborate with editorial and other teams to launch each digital issue and other special projects on schedule
• Evaluate content performance and digital trends on a daily basis to constantly adjust pitches and packaging
• Utilize CMS tools, strategically select photos and videos, and request original graphics to optimize all written content for maximum engagement
• At least 2-3 years of experience creating content at a digital-first outlet
• Strong writing and reporting skills, and the ability to write clearly and quickly
• Familiarity working in a CMS and with analytics tools such as Google Analytics
• Deadline-driven, strategic thinker with a knack for crafting click-y headlines
• Strong collaborator who thrives in fast-paced environments

Have fun with this one, but triple-check for spelling and grammar mistakes, and make sure you’re showing off your best writing. Here's the cover letter sample:

Dear Tai Chen,

Since I could walk, I’ve been dancing. And since I could read, I’ve been glued to Arabesque Weekly. At one point, you featured one of my local heroes—a ballerina who struggled with an injury early in her career and went on to become a principal dancer at Pacific Northwest Ballet—and I plastered the article above my childhood bed. It’s still there today.

That article—and so many others you’ve published—taught me that dancing was about more than just pirouettes and arabesques and that the right kind of writer can shed light on aspects of the art that make it surprising, impactful, and universal. I can be that writer.

As an editorial assistant at TheImprovGroup.com for the past two and a half years, my main responsibility was to get all of our content ready to go live on the site. This included fact-checking, proofreading, adding in HTML where necessary, and finding photos, videos, and GIFs that would complement the content and optimize audience engagement. 

As I tinkered with each post, I became intimately familiar with our internal CMS. Reviewing every single article we published and following reactions and engagement helped me gain a deep understanding of what makes a piece really land with our audience.

But by far my favorite aspect of this role has been writing. Each week, I pitch and write at least one article, from 250-word news items to 900-word advice pieces to even longer profiles, features, and personal essays. I love the challenge of developing pitches that align with the trends we see in the data, reflect with the company’s brand and mission, and allow me to flex my creative muscles.

Collaborating with my team to form the best content library we can has been a dream come true. I would be so excited to use my experience to help Arabesque Weekly achieve its goals. And I hope to one day write a story that another little dance lover tapes to their wall forever.

It would be an honor to be a part of your editorial team, and I look forward to the possibility of discussing the opportunity with you.

Hoping to be your next staff writer,

Marlee Wood [email protected] (555) 666-4433

This candidate is clearly passionate about this specific publication and leads with a unique personal anecdote tied to the company’s mission that demonstrates their ability to tell stories in a compelling way. There are relevant keywords and phrases, sure, but they’re not just thrown in there. Their voice comes through in every sentence, proving this person knows how to communicate effectively and creatively.

4. The career change cover letter example

Cover letters can play a big part in helping career changers prove their qualifications—especially when it’s unclear how their skills transfer over to this new field.

You might write a career change cover letter if:

• You want to highlight the transferable skills you have that relate to the job description.
• You want to explain why you’re making the switch and what’s driving you toward this specific industry, company, or position.

Imagine you’re someone who has experience supporting a sales team as an administrative assistant , and you’re now looking to become a sales representative. You come across a job posting that includes:

• Develop new sales techniques and strategies to build pipeline and hit team goals
• Coordinate with other teams to increase lead-generation efforts
• Assist in the processing of new business, including contacting customers to finalize sales and service transactions
• 1-3 years of successful sales experience
• Strong communication skills
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, ever-changing environment
• Ability to work independently to plan, set priorities, and effectively organize work
• Proven ability to be persuasive, persistent, and confident in closing a sale

Typically, this type of cover letter should include a compelling narrative about your career change and how you can transfer your past experiences to this new role. Here’s how you might translate your past experience over to this new (and exciting) prospect:

Dear Maria Russo,

The head of sales at Sunshine Inc. was in a bind. She needed six client meetings scheduled, 18 service transactions processed, and a summary of the team’s new lead generation campaign drafted before getting on a flight to Austin—in three hours. So she turned to her cool-headed, sales-savvy administrative assistant for help. That assistant was me. Not only did I execute everything on her to-do list, I did it all before her plane left the ground.

For three years, I worked in lockstep with a busy, growth-oriented sales leader to support the business development team. As the sole administrative assistant in the department, I balanced a swath of competing priorities, ranging from coordinating meetings and inputting data to contacting customers, finalizing transactions, and creating promotional materials. This role helped me develop a comprehensive understanding of the sales cycle, sales strategy, and pipeline growth.

Like many others, my career path hasn’t been entirely straightforward. After leaving Crabapple Media, I enrolled in a local coding bootcamp. Six months later, I emerged with a certificate in computer programming and a certainty that I did not want to be a coder. But education is never wasted. I’m now an aspiring sales representative with experience supporting a thriving sales team and extensive knowledge of the tech space.

Here’s a little bit more about how my experience would translate into this role:

• At Crabapple Media, I assisted in coordinating three annual sales strategy rollouts, yielding an average increase in pipeline of 26% YoY.
• At Sunshine Inc., I supported 12 independent team members in their lead-generation efforts. I also assisted in processing an average of 300 sales transactions every quarter.
• I thrive in busy, ever-changing environments that require me to communicate clearly and concisely. Supporting a high-volume team and a busy executive helped me to hone these skills—I typically sent more than 200 emails a day!

I would, of course, love to schedule a time for us to discuss this role and my experience, and I truly want to thank you for considering me.

All the best,

Olu Abiola [email protected] (123) 456-789

The opener draws you in and makes you want to learn more. It toots the person’s horn, but in a way that’s substantiated. Then, the next couple sections explain their experience in the sales space and other relevant qualifications, before eventually tying that back to why they’re applying to this specific job. 

Similar to the impact cover letter, the author lists some of the more important qualities they bring to the table, doing a bit of keyword inclusion and resume gap explaining along the way.

Bonus cover letter examples

To further guide you, check out some more cover letter examples:

• Pain point cover letter example
• Internship cover letter example
• Recent graduate cover letter example
• (Another) career changer cover letter example
• Stay-at-home parent returning to work cover letter example
• Sales cover letter example
• Email marketing manager cover letter example
• No job description or position cover letter example (a.k.a., a letter of intent or interest)
• Example cover letter with no experience

Let’s break down one of our example cover letters real quick

All three professional cover letter examples have some key elements that make them great and able to grab the hiring manager's attention. Check out this handy infographic that breaks down our impact cover letter:

A few more cover letter tips

Here are a few more tips to help the cover letter process:

Start with a “brain dump” 

If you’re staring at a blank page, Godfred always recommends that her clients start by getting all their ideas on the page without paying attention to length. Then “ask yourself how you can cut half of it,” she says. You’ll likely find that repeated information and very generic phrases are the first to go. (If it’s still too long, here are some tips for getting your cover letter down to one page .)

Don’t just repeat your resume

You only have so much space to get your point across, so focus on the information that isn’t stated elsewhere rather than simply regurgitating your resume. A good cover letter should complement your resume, so use the opportunity to elaborate your skills and qualifications further, as well as your accomplishments and why you're a good fit for that position.

Focus on quality over quantity 

Target the jobs you’re most closely drawn to and qualified for and give them all your energy, rather than trying to churn out hundreds of cover letters, Kahn says. You may not be able to apply to as many jobs, but you’ll have a better response rate.

Remember the ATS 

Much like your resume, an applicant tracking systems, or ATS , will be sifting through your cover letter. So you’ll want to scatter relevant keywords from the job description throughout your pitch where it makes sense.

Don’t stress over formatting 

You may see flashy cover letter examples across the internet, but for the most part, it just isn’t necessary. An ATS can’t read text that has been formatted beyond using bold, italics, underline, and color, so keep your font and layout simple—especially if you’re submitting your cover letter through an online portal.

Don't forget your contact information

Include your contact information on every page, including your name, phone number, and email. “Imagine you come across a cover letter and you print it out with a bunch of applications to review and it doesn’t have the person’s contact information on it,” Godfred says. “You never want to put yourself in a situation where you’re the right person and they can’t find you.”

Edit your cover letter before submitting

Never submit a cover letter right after you finish writing it—there could be critical errors that you didn't notice while typing. Take some time away from your text, then revisit it like you're reading someone else's letter. Be sure to double-check all the information you've included, paying special attention to:

• The company's name
• The hiring manager's name
• The job title
• Your contact information
• Basic grammar and spelling

You're ready to go

If you've come this far, you're equipped with all the information you need to craft a great cover letter. Hopefully these cover letter examples help as you go to tackle your own. Remember: This is just one small step in the process! Take your time, but learn to move on when you’ve given it your all.

Amanda Cardoso contributed to the latest version of this article.

APA Title Page (Cover Page) Format, Example, & Templates

Saul McLeod, PhD

Editor-in-Chief for Simply Psychology

BSc (Hons) Psychology, MRes, PhD, University of Manchester

Saul McLeod, PhD., is a qualified psychology teacher with over 18 years of experience in further and higher education. He has been published in peer-reviewed journals, including the Journal of Clinical Psychology.

Learn about our Editorial Process

Olivia Guy-Evans, MSc

Associate Editor for Simply Psychology

BSc (Hons) Psychology, MSc Psychology of Education

Olivia Guy-Evans is a writer and associate editor for Simply Psychology. She has previously worked in healthcare and educational sectors.

On This Page:

In APA Style (7th edition), the cover page, or title page, should include:

• A running head (professional papers only) and page number
• The title of the paper
• The name of the author(s)
• The institutional affiliation
• An author note; optional (professional papers only)
• A student paper should also include course information

Note : APA 7 provides slightly different directions for formatting the title pages of professional papers (e.g., those intended for scholarly publication) and student papers (e.g., those turned in for credit in a high school or college course).

Professional paper APA title page

Student paper APA title page

Formatting an APA title page

Note : All text on the title page should be double-spaced and typed in either 12-point, Times New Roman font. In the 7th edition, APA increaded the flexibility regarding font options: which now include Calibri 11, Arial 11, Lucida Sans Unicode 10, Times New Roman 12, or Georgia 11. All words should be centered, and capitalize the first letter of important words.

Running Head

In the 7th edition of the APA style manual, running heads are only required for professional papers that are being submitted for publication (student papers do not require a running head, but still need a page number).

Your title page should contain a running head that is flush left at the top of the page and a page number that is flush right at the top of the page.

Place the running head in the page’s header:

• The running head is the abbreviated title of the paper (IN UPPERCASE LETTERS) aligned left on the page header of all pages, including the title page. APA (7th edition) guidelines require that running heads be a maximum of 50 characters (spaces count as characters).
• The “Running head:” label used in the APA sixth edition is no longer used.
• Place the page number in this same header, but align right, beginning with page number 1 on the title page.
• This header should be 1 inch from the top. Some instructors allow for 1/2 inch, too, but the default is 1 inch.

Paper Title

Position the title of the paper in the upper half of the page. The title should be centered and written in boldface, and important words should be capitalized.

The APA recommends that your title should be a maximum of 12 words and should not contain abbreviations or words that serve no purpose.

Author Name(s)

Institutional affiliation.

Position the school or university’s name below the author(s) name, centered.

A student paper should also include the course number and name, instructor name, and assignment due date.

Further Information

• APA Student Title Page Guide
• APA Referencing
• How to Write a Lab Report
• Essay Writing Guide for Psychology Students
• APA Style Citations & References
• Example of an APA Formatted Paper

Make Your Cover Letter Count in Your Job Search

• CVs and Resumes
• Getting a Job in Psychology
• Slides (PDF, 5MB)
• Transcript (DOC, 34KB)

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This workshop looks at how your cover letter enhances your CV/resume and how to use the job description to your advantage, write for the recipient, and find a format that will attract the employer to read your letter.

This program does not offer CE credit.

R. Anne Hull, MEd

A career counselor and president of Hull Strategies, LLC, which advises organizations on developing and retaining talent. Anne was affiliated with a national outplacement firm for 12 years, working with over 25 companies and hundreds of clients to secure new jobs. She is the co-developer of CareerScope, designed to help American Association for the Advancement of Science fellows (80+ postdocs) find new careers. Anne has served as president of American Career Professionals International in the Washington, D.C., area and is a member of the National Career Development Association, Career Directors International, Career Thought Leaders, and Maryland Career Development Association.

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Purdue Online Writing Lab Purdue OWL® College of Liberal Arts

Academic Cover Letter Sample

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November 2, 1998

Dr. Naomi Sellers Chair, English Search Committee Box 58 Baxter College Arcadia, WV 24803

Dear Dr. Sellers:

I am writing to apply for the position as assistant professor of English with an emphasis in rhetoric and composition that you advertised in the October MLA Job Information List. I am a graduate student at Prestigious University working on a dissertation under the direction of Professor Prominent Figure. Currently revising the third of five chapters, I expect to complete all work for the Ph.D. by May of 1999. I believe that my teaching and tutoring experience combined with my course work and research background in rhetoric and composition theory make me a strong candidate for the position outlined in your notice.

As my curriculum vitae shows, I have had excellent opportunities to teach a variety of writing courses during my graduate studies, including developmental writing, first-year writing for both native speakers and second language students, advanced writing, and business writing. I have also worked as a teaching mentor for new graduate students, a position that involved instruction in methods of composition teaching, development of course materials, and evaluation of new graduate instructors. Among the most satisfying experiences for me as a teacher has been instructing students on an individual basis as a tutor in our university Writing Lab. Even as a classroom instructor, I find that I always look forward to the individual conferences that I hold with my students several times during the semester because I believe this kind of one-on-one interaction to be essential to their development as writers.

My work in the composition classroom has provided me with the inspiration as well as a kind of laboratory for my dissertation research. My project, The I Has It: Applications of Recent Models of Subjectivity in Composition Theory, examines the shift since the 1960s from expressive models of writing toward now-dominant postmodern conceptions of decentered subjectivity and self-construction through writing. I argue that these more recent theoretical models, while promising, cannot have the liberating effects that are claimed for them without a concomitant reconception of writing pedagogy and the dynamics of the writing classroom. I relate critical readings of theoretical texts to my own pedagogical experiments as a writing teacher, using narratives of classroom successes and failures as the bases for critical reflection on postmodern composition theory. After developing my dissertation into a book manuscript, I plan to continue my work in current composition theory through a critical examination of the rhetoric of technological advancement in the computer-mediated writing classroom.

My interest in the computer classroom has grown out of recent experience teaching composition in that environment. In these courses my students have used computers for writing and turning in notes and essays, communicating with one another and with me, conducting library catalogue research and web research, and creating websites. I have encouraged my students to think and write critically about their experiences with technology, both in my class and elsewhere, even as we have used technology to facilitate our work in the course. Syllabi and other materials for my writing courses can be viewed at my website: http://machine.prestigious.edu/~name. In all of my writing courses I encourage students to become critical readers, thinkers, and writers; my goal is always not only to promote their intellectual engagement with cultural texts of all kinds but also to help them become more discerning readers of and forceful writers about the world around them.

I have included my curriculum vitae and would be happy to send you additional materials such as a dossier of letters of reference, writing samples, teaching evaluations, and past and proposed course syllabi. I will be available to meet with you for an interview at either the MLA or the CCCC convention, or elsewhere at your convenience. I can be reached at my home phone number before December 19; between then and the start of the MLA convention, you can reach me at (123) 456-7890. I thank you for your consideration and look forward to hearing from you.

First Lastname

Points to Remember

• Use the form of address and title of the contact person as they appear in the job notice.
• Refer to the job title as it appears in the notice, and state where you learned of the position.
• Mention your major professor by name, especially if he or she is well known in your field. Also, mention your expected completion date.
• Make a claim for your candidacy that you will support in the body of the letter.
• For a position at a small undergraduate college, emphasize teaching experience and philosophy early in the letter.
• Describe your dissertation and plans for future research. Emphasize links between your teaching and research interests.
• Mention specific teaching experience that is relevant to the job notice or is otherwise noteworthy.
• Refer to relevant materials available on the web.
• State your willingness to forward additional materials and to meet for an interview.
• Mention any temporary changes in contact information.