Copywriter Cover Letter Example

When recruiters hire copywriters, they expect prose that sings. There’s no better way to prove your skills than creating a copywriter cover letter that displays your best. There’s a method to cover letter writing, just as there’s a method to excellent copywriting.

In this cover letter guide, along with the corresponding copywriter cover letter example, we’ll cover the following topics to help you write the best cover letter possible:

• How to choose the best cover letter format and what paragraphs the cover letter should include
• How to get the most out of each cover letter paragraph (header, greeting, intro, body and conclusion)
• What approach to take when writing your cover letter
• What mistakes to avoid when writing your copywriter cover letter.

You know the tricks of the writing trade, but a cover letter is a unique case. You need to tread the line between bragging and underplaying your skills while explaining why you are the right copywriter for the job. Let us help you elevate your application with the tips and tricks in this guide. (You can also check out our library of cover letter examples for inspiration

Best format for a copywriter cover letter

Copywriter cover letters follow the same basic structure as other letters. Your application letter should contain the following elements:

• The cover letter header
• The greeting / salutation
• The cover letter intro
• The middle paragraphs (body of the letter)
• The ending paragraph of your cover letter (conclusion and call-to-action)

While you definitely want to show off your writing skills, you also want to stick closely to what recruiters want: An overview of your talents, how you approach your job and what it’s like to work with you to create excellent advertising campaigns.

For general advice on writing cover letters, peruse our comprehensive cover letter guide. This guide is targeted specifically for copywriters.

This copywriter cover letter example is a good foundation to develop your own professional application:

Cover letter header

The eye is naturally attracted to graphic elements. Thus, your cover letter header, which sits at the top of your document, will likely create a recruiter’s first impression of you. It also performs the important task of presenting your contact information. Don’t rely on your resume. If your copywriter cover letter wows the HR person, don’t take the chance that they will reopen your resume to contact you. Make that initial contact as easy as possible! Check out the header of our copywriter cover letter sample for more ideas on creating your own.

Cover letter greeting

Here’s where your research comes into play. What is the culture of the company you’re applying to? Make sure the greeting of your letter reflects that culture and uses the name of a person whenever possible.

Most of our cover letter samples begin with “Dear Mr./Ms./Dr. [surname here]. If you are not sure of a person’s honorifics, simply use their first and last names. You may go more casual if you know for certain that the company is also casual. “Hi Ad Department” or “Greetings Y’all” may be appropriate. Use your judgment and if you’re unsure, stick with “Dear.”

The aim of letter greeting / salutation: Open your cover letter with a greeting that fits the situation and addresses an individual when possible.

Cover letter introduction

As a copywriter, you have to hit the ground running with great copy. You’ve addressed the hiring manager, now you need to introduce yourself and your career, but most importantly, you need to answer their biggest question: “Why should I hire you?” Do that by addressing their most pressing needs with one or two sentences that show that you know how to fill those needs. Below you’ll find the introduction from our copywriter cover letter example.

The aim of the cover letter intro: Grab the attention of the HR person so they want to keep reading.

Cover letter middle part (body)

The middle paragraphs of cover letters get to the heart of your career. You have some breathing room so you can develop some impressive turns of phrases, but make sure you are staying focused on your ultimate goal: aim each achievement and attribute your list squarely at your prospective employer’s needs.

The words you choose as well as the successes you highlight are telling, so think carefully and adjust for each new job application. (This will help you get past the Applicant Tracking System as well.) Break up your paragraphs with a bullet-pointed list of examples of branding brilliance that will also attract the eye of your reader. See the middle section of our copywriter cover letter sample below.

The aim of the body of your cover letter: Craft excellent prose as you detail the success you can transfer to your new position.

How to close a copywriter cover letter (conclusion and sign-off)

You’ve made your point, now you need to sum up. Remind your prospective employer what makes you a standout candidate. Then, if you have room, offer a personal touch. Maybe you wrote copy for a product you truly love. Maybe you are proud of your mentoring efforts with a new coworker. A tidbit you can expand on in your interview is a great hook.

Finally, be forward about expressing your interest in an interview. All our cover letter samples include a call-to-action or direct interview request. See how this is done in the excerpt from our copywriter cover letter sample below.

The aim of this part: Reiterate why you’re a great fit for the job and respectfully ask for an interview.

Key takeaways

1. Show off your writing abilities from the start.
2. Tell the hiring manager how you will make a difference.
3. Use strong language, but stay on the right side of bragging.
4. Choose examples aimed at the skills your prospective employer seeks.