Cover letter template | Rob Ridlehoover

Click anywhere in the letter to edit it. Highlighted text in [brackets] needs replacing. Pick the middle paragraph that fits the job from the options below. Your edits are saved in this browser until you reset.

[Date]

[Hiring Manager's Name]
[Organization]
[City, State]

Dear [Hiring Manager's Name or "Hiring Team"],

I'm writing to apply for the [Job Title] position at [Organization]. [One sentence on why this organization: its mission, a program you admire, or how you heard about it.] I'd love to bring my experience helping people through change, my writing and editing background, and my organized, dependable approach to your team.

For 27 years at IBM Sterling, I was the person customers counted on while they moved business-critical systems to a new network. I was their main contact from start to finish: I hosted weekly status calls, explained a technical process in plain language, wrote the email campaigns and surveys that kept their business partners on track, and reported progress along the way. What I enjoyed most was making a stressful change feel manageable for the people going through it.

[Choose a paragraph below that fits this job.]

I'm organized, punctual and reliable, and I take pride in following through. My current part-time role is flexible, so I can start promptly. I'd welcome the chance to talk about how I could help [Organization] [what the job does: serve its patients / support its volunteers / tell its story / keep projects running smoothly]. Thank you for your time and consideration.

Sincerely,

Rob Ridlehoover
[Phone] · [Email]

Choose your middle paragraph

Helping people

Good for: Patient experience, volunteer coordination, library, guest services

Since leaving IBM, I’ve worked as office coordinator at a Columbus-area photography studio, where I manage bookings and help the photographers and creatives who rent the space get what they need. I enjoy meeting people and making a real connection, and I’m often the one friends call when something needs sorting out. I’d bring that same patience and warmth to [the people your organization serves].

Writing and communications

Good for: Communications coordinator, newsletter, marketing, nonprofit storytelling

I studied journalism at Ohio State, and writing has stayed at the center of my work. I’m the person colleagues and friends ask to edit an article or an important letter, and I’ve built and maintained websites using HTML, CSS and Squarespace. I also photograph people and places and edit in Lightroom and Photoshop, so I can deliver the words and the pictures together.

Real estate and photography

Good for: Transaction or listing coordinator, brokerage marketing, studio roles

I photograph homes and people, edit in Lightroom and Photoshop, and work as office coordinator at a photography studio, handling scheduling and helping clients with their projects. I understand what agents need to get a listing out on time, and I’d enjoy supporting your team with the organization, communication and visuals that make that happen.

Coordination and client onboarding

Good for: Program coordinator, onboarding or implementation coordinator

My work at IBM was project coordination at heart: keeping many moving parts on schedule, tracking progress in spreadsheets and reports, and making sure no one fell through the cracks. I’d bring that discipline to [Organization], along with the steady, friendly communication that keeps clients confident.