Cover letter example: three complete letters and the structure
Looking for a cover letter example you can actually use? Here you'll find the structure of a good letter paragraph by paragraph, three complete example letters and a short version for when you apply by email. Read them, take what fits you and then write your own letter. In the theCVrocket builder you create that letter in the same design as your CV.
How to write a cover letter: the structure per paragraph
A cover letter is short. One A4 page is enough, usually with three or four paragraphs. An employer reads it next to your CV and wants to know three things: who you are, why you want this job and what you bring. Follow this order and you're on the right track. In the Netherlands a cover letter is often called a sollicitatiebrief or motivatiebrief, and Dutch employers expect the same structure.
- Header. Your name, phone number, email address and town. Below that the company name, the contact person, the date and a subject line, such as: Application for customer service assistant.
- Greeting. If you know the contact person's name, use it: Dear Ms Jansen or Dear Mr De Vries. If you don't know a name, write Dear Sir or Madam, or Dear hiring team.
- Opening line. Say straight away what you are applying for and what appeals to you about the job. Try not to start with I am writing to apply for. Employers read that every day.
- Motivation. Why this company and this role? Mention something specific, such as the way they work, their customers or something you noticed when you walked in.
- What you bring. Pick two or three requirements from the job ad and show with a short example that you meet them. One example says more than a list of qualities.
- Closing. Invite them to an interview and say when you can be reached. Short and friendly is enough.
- Sign-off. Kind regards and your full name. If you send a PDF, you can add your signature.
Choosing the greeting and closing →In depth: how to write a cover letter →
Example 1: cover letter for a graduate (vocational)
Just got your diploma, or almost there? Then you have little work experience, but you do have an internship, a part-time job or school. Show what you did and learned there. Sanne is finishing her vocational course in health and social care and applies to a care home.
Sanne Bakker · 06 12345678 · [email protected] · Zwolle
De Wilgenhof Care Home, attn. Ms Peters
Zwolle, 2 November 2026
Subject: Application for care assistant
Dear Ms Peters,
During my placement with older people I noticed how much a cup of coffee and a quiet chat can mean to someone. That is why I would love to start at De Wilgenhof as a care assistant.
This summer I complete my level 2 diploma in health and social care. On my placement I helped residents with washing and dressing, laid the tables and organised activities, such as baking together and a games afternoon. My supervisor wrote in my review that residents quickly got used to me. That was the nicest compliment I could get.
In your job ad I read that you are looking for someone who is patient and works well in a team. Alongside school I have worked in a supermarket for two years. There I learned to always be on time, Saturday mornings included, and to help customers kindly when it gets busy.
I can work 24 hours a week, weekends included. I would be glad to tell you more about my placement in an interview. You can call me on 06 12345678.
Kind regards,
Sanne Bakker
Cover letter for an internship →Cover letter for a part-time job →
Example 2: cover letter with work experience
Been working for years? Then the trap is retelling your whole CV. Pick two things you achieved that match the job ad instead. Mark has worked in a warehouse for eight years and wants to become a team leader.
Mark de Wit · 06 23456789 · [email protected] · Tilburg
Noordpunt Distribution Centre, attn. Mr Visser
Tilburg, 2 November 2026
Subject: Application for warehouse team leader
Dear Mr Visser,
For eight years I have made sure that orders leave the building on time and without mistakes. Now I want to take the next step. That is why I am responding to your vacancy for warehouse team leader.
At my current employer I started as an order picker. Today I am the lead hand on the evening shift. I plan the work for twelve colleagues, train new starters and am the go-to person when something goes wrong with a shipment. Last year the shift and I reorganised the walking routes in the warehouse. As a result we finished earlier in the evening and had to work overtime less often.
What appeals to me about Noordpunt is that you work with fixed teams and that team leaders still work on the floor themselves. That is how I like to work too. I hold a valid forklift certificate and use a warehouse system for stock and orders every day.
I would be happy to explain in an interview how I can strengthen your evening shift. You can reach me on 06 23456789, preferably after 2 pm.
Kind regards,
Mark de Wit
Example 3: cover letter for a career switcher
Moving into a different field? Explain why, and show which experience you bring with you. An employer mostly wants to see that you thought your choice through. Fatima worked in hospitality for years and now wants to become a teaching assistant.
Fatima El Amrani · 06 34567890 · [email protected] · Utrecht
De Vlinderhof Primary School, attn. Mr Bos
Utrecht, 2 November 2026
Subject: Application for teaching assistant
Dear Mr Bos,
For ten years I worked in restaurants, the last five as a manager. Even so, I got the most energy from training and coaching young colleagues. That is why I started training as a teaching assistant last year, and that is why I am writing to you.
I am currently on placement in a class of seven and eight year olds. I read with small groups, help children who find maths hard and look after the class when the teacher has to step out. From hospitality I bring the ability to stay calm when it gets busy, to spot quickly who needs extra attention and to talk with parents, even when they are unhappy about something.
On your website I read that De Vlinderhof does a lot of learning in small groups. That is exactly what I enjoy most on my placement.
I finish my course in June. I can already work two days a week now and more after that. I would love to meet you for an interview.
Kind regards,
Fatima El Amrani
All names, companies and details in these examples are made up. Feel free to copy the structure, but write the content in your own words.
Short cover letter: five sentences in an email
Sometimes a full letter isn't needed. For example for a part-time job, with a recruitment agency or when the employer asks for a short motivation in the email itself. Then five or six sentences are enough. Attach your CV as a PDF.
Keep the same order as in a long letter, just smaller: what you are applying for, what you bring, when you can work and an invitation to meet.
Subject: Application for customer service assistant, Sanne Bakker
Dear Ms Smit,
I would like to respond to your vacancy for customer service assistant. For two years I have worked at the service desk of a supermarket, where I handle customer questions and complaints every day. I stay calm on the phone and like to really solve a problem. I can work 32 hours a week, Saturdays included. My CV is attached and I would be glad to hear if we can meet.
Kind regards,
Sanne Bakker
06 12345678
Sending your CV and letter by email →Cover letter for customer service →
Common cover letter mistakes
- Starting with I am writing to apply for the position of. It isn't wrong, but it doesn't stand out either. Start with why you want this job.
- Retelling your CV in sentences. The letter adds to your CV, it doesn't repeat it.
- Sending the same letter to every employer. An employer can tell right away whether you really read their job ad.
- Only listing qualities, such as flexible, resilient and team player. Show with an example when you were.
- Writing too much. If your letter doesn't fit on one A4 page, cut everything that isn't about this role.
- The wrong name or company name. This happens mostly when you reuse an old letter. Always read the greeting and the subject line twice.
- Spelling mistakes. Ask someone to read along or read your letter out loud. You'll hear where a sentence doesn't flow.
- A letter that looks different from your CV. Different fonts, colours and headers make your application look messy.
Cover letter examples by job
Looking for an example for your field? For these jobs there is a complete example letter with tips that suit the sector. Not sure about the difference between a cover letter and a motivation letter, or want to apply without a vacancy? The last links will help.
Healthcare →Childcare →Administrative assistant →Retail →Hospitality →Warehouse and logistics →Customer service →Teaching →Internship →Part-time job →Cover letter example for the Netherlands →Cover letter or motivation letter? →Open application →
Your cover letter in the same design as your CV
A letter and a CV that match look polished straight away. The same colour, the same font and the same header with your name and contact details. In a blank Word document that takes quite a bit of fiddling.
In the theCVrocket builder you write your letter right next to your CV. Your letter automatically gets the design of the template you choose. You fill in the job title, the organisation and the contact person if you have one, and if you like, the AI writing help drafts a first version based on your CV and the job ad. You then make it your own. Paste the job ad as well, and the letter check shows which requirements your letter doesn't mention yet.
The letter is included. Creating and previewing is free, and for a one-off €4.95 you download your CV and your letter as PDF and Word. No subscription and no account, and your details stay in your own browser.
Frequently asked questions
How long should a cover letter be?
One A4 page at most, usually three or four paragraphs. If you apply by email with a short motivation, five or six sentences are enough.
What is the difference between a cover letter and a motivation letter?
In practice most people use the terms interchangeably. Sometimes a motivation letter means a letter for a course or internship, where your motivation counts for more than your experience.
Can I copy an example letter?
Use the structure, but write the content yourself. Employers read a lot of letters and spot a standard text quickly. Your own examples make the difference.
Do I send my letter as a PDF or in the email itself?
If the job ad asks for a cover letter, attach it as a PDF together with your CV. If the employer asks for a short motivation, it can go in the email itself. Only send Word if they ask for it.
Is the cover letter included in the €4.95?
Yes. For a one-off €4.95 you download your CV and your cover letter, both as PDF and Word and in the same design. No subscription starts.
