Cover letter sample: Master template & examples for the Philippines

Getting a job that matches your skills and goals can be hard. This is true especially if you've just graduated. While some job openings might not require one, a well-written cover letter can make your application stand out.  

In this article, we'll look at samples, templates, and tips to help you create an effective cover letter for your job search in the Philippines. Here's what we'll go over: 

• ⁠What is a cover letter? 
• Cover letter format and structure 
• Cover letter templates 
• Cover letter examples for different job roles 
• Tips for writing an effective cover letter 
• Common cover letter mistakes to avoid 
• Cover letters for fresh graduates 
• Conclusion 
• FAQs 

What is a cover letter? 

A cover letter is a one-page document you can send with your resume when applying for a job. It introduces you to the employer and explains why you're interested in the position. You can also summarize the unique skills and experiences that make you a good fit. 

Your resume already lists your qualifications and experience, if any. But your cover letter lets you tell a story about yourself. You get a chance to explain how your background connects to the job requirements and company culture.  

There's a common misconception that cover letters aren't necessary. However, approximately 73% of hiring managers whose companies don't need a cover letter still read them.  

A well-crafted, customized cover letter can distinguish you from applicants with similar qualifications. It's worth putting effort into writing a good one, even if it's optional.  

Cover letter format and structure 

A well-designed cover letter makes a good first impression. Here's the basic structure to follow when creating a cover letter. 

Header with contact information 

At the top of your cover letter, include your: 

• full name 
• phone number 
• professional email address 
• home address. 

By adding these details, you make it much easier for the hiring manager to contact you during the interview process.  

Date 

Add the current date below your contact information. 

Employer's contact information 

Include the following: 

• hiring manager's name (if known) 
• company name 
• company address. 

Salutation 

Address the hiring manager by name, if possible. If you don't know their name, you can use "Dear Hiring Manager." Avoid using marital status or overly casual greetings. "Ms." is neutral and respectful in Philippine corporate culture. 

Opening paragraph 

Start with a strong introduction that grabs attention. Mention the specific position you're applying for, and briefly explain why you're interested.  

Body paragraphs 

Use one or two paragraphs to explain why you fit the role well. Focus on your relevant skills, experiences, and achievements. For instance, you can highlight team collaboration and adaptability, as Filipino workplaces highly value these traits. 

Closing paragraph 

Express your interest in an interview, and thank the reader for their time and consideration. You can say: I would welcome the opportunity to discuss my application at your earliest convenience, whether in your Makati office or via Zoom. 

Complimentary close and signature 

End with a professional closing such as "Sincerely" or "Regards," followed by your name. For traditional industries such as law, finance, or education, use "Respectfully yours" as a closing. 

For formatting, follow these guidelines:  Single spacing throughout 

• extra space between each section 
• no paragraph indents 
• a professional font such as Arial or Calibri in 11–12pt size 
• no emojis or informal fonts 
• 1-inch margins on all sides 
• no more than 250–400 words total. 

Cover letter templates 

You'll apply to many companies as part of your job search process. Using predesigned templates can help you create a professional-looking cover letter more quickly. Here are some examples. 

Basic templates 

These have a simple, traditional layout suitable for most industries. They include all the essential sections mentioned above and use a clean, professional design. Basic templates are a good choice if you're applying to more conservative industries such as banking, law, or government. 

Modern templates 

These have updated designs with subtle color accents or formatting touches. They maintain professionalism but have a contemporary look. Modern templates work well for most business settings, including marketing, management, and corporate roles. 

Creative templates 

These use more distinctive designs, colors, or layouts to help you stand out. They're best for creative fields such as graphic design, advertising, or digital media. Be careful not to let the design overwhelm your content. 

Industry-specific templates 

These meet the expectations of particular industries. For example, an IT template might highlight technical skills, while a healthcare template might focus on certifications and patient care experience. 

While templates provide a helpful starting point, you'll need to customize them. Replace all placeholder text with your information, and adjust the content to highlight your most relevant qualifications. 

Cover letter examples for different job roles 

Different job roles may call for different approaches in your cover letter. Here are some common job types in the Philippines. 

Administrative/Support Roles 

Dear Ms. Santos, 

I'm writing to apply for the Executive Assistant position at ABC Corporation. With five years of experience supporting C-level executives, I'm excited to bring my organizational skills to your team. 

​​At XYZ Company in Makati, I manage schedules for three directors, coordinate travel, and prepare meeting documents. I've implemented a digital filing system that cut document retrieval time by 40% and saved ₱120,000 in office supplies annually.​ 

I'm proficient in Microsoft Office and scheduling tools like Calendly and Teams. My communication skills have been key in working with clients and stakeholders at all levels. 

I'd welcome the chance to discuss how I can contribute to your team. I'm available for an interview at your convenience and can be reached at [email protected] or (02) 8123-4567. Thanks for your time.  

Sincerely, 
Maria Garcia 

Customer Service Positions 

Dear Hiring Manager, 

I'm excited to apply for the Customer Experience Specialist position at ABC Company. With three years in telecommunications support, I believe I'm an ideal candidate for your team. 

At XYZ Company in Cebu, I maintained a 95% customer satisfaction rating and received the "Service Star" award twice. I'm skilled at listening to customer concerns and finding efficient solutions while staying positive. 

My experience includes managing 50+ daily customer interactions, training new representatives, and reducing call handling time by 15% while improving resolution rates. 

I'm particularly drawn to ABC Company's reputation for innovation in customer care. I'm available weekdays between 9:00 AM and 6:00 PM at 0917-123-4567 or [email protected]. Thanks for considering my application. 

Respectfully, 
Juan Cruz 

IT and Technology Jobs 

Dear Mr. Reyes, 

I'm applying for the Senior Web Developer position at ABC Company. With six years of developing enterprise applications and strong full-stack skills, I'm confident I can contribute to your innovative solutions. 

As a developer at XYZ Company in BGC, I led a payment system project that improved transaction speed by 35%, built responsive interfaces for mobile apps serving 500,000+ users, and mentored junior developers. 

I'm proficient in JavaScript, Python, React, Angular, AWS, and Docker, with certifications in AWS Solutions Architect and MongoDB Developer. 

I'd like to discuss how my technical expertise aligns with your goals. You can contact me at [email protected] or 0918-765-4321 anytime between 9 AM and 6 PM. Thank you for your consideration. 

Best regards, 
Carlo Santos 

Sales and Marketing Roles 

Dear Ms. Lim, 

I'm writing to express my interest in the Marketing Manager position at ABC Corporation. As a marketing professional with five years' experience in consumer goods, I'm excited about contributing to your renowned brand portfolio. 

At XYZ Corporation, I led the launch of a coffee product line that exceeded sales projections by 30%. Through digital marketing and influencer collaborations, we reached over 2 million consumers nationwide. 

​​I've managed ₱5 million budgets with strong ROI, increased social media engagement by 150%, and led a team of four specialists in executing integrated campaigns.​ 

I'm available for an interview at your convenience at 0919-876-5432 or [email protected]. Thank you for considering my application. 

Sincerely, 
Ana Reyes 

Education and Teaching Positions 

Dear Dr. Aquino, 

I'm applying for the Senior High School Math Teacher position at ABC School. As a licensed teacher with five years of teaching STEM subjects, I'm excited about joining your prestigious institution. 

At XYZ School, I developed an approach to teaching calculus that improved student achievement by 35%. I also coached our Math Olympiad team to second place nationally. I hold a Master's in Mathematics Education from UP Diliman and am certified in the Singapore Math method. I'm drawn to PhiSci's emphasis on developing future scientists and innovators. 

I'm available for an interview at your convenience at [email protected] or (02) 8765-4321. Thank you for considering my application. 

Respectfully yours, 
Miguel Fernandez 

Healthcare Roles 

Dear Recruitment Team, 

I'm writing to apply for the Registered Nurse position at ABC Company. With my BSN degree, PRC license, and three years in critical care, I'm eager to join your institution. 

At XYZ Company, I provide care to ICU patients while maintaining attention to detail in medication and treatments. I've managed care for 5 high-acuity patients per shift, served as charge nurse, and improved documentation efficiency by 25%. 

I'm proficient in Epic EHR systems and certified in BLS, ACLS, and IV Therapy. I'm particularly impressed by ABC Company’s commitment to excellence and patient-centered care. 

I'm available weekdays after 3:00 PM at 0920-123-4567 or [email protected]. Thank you for your consideration. 

With appreciation, 
Sofia Ramos, RN 

8 tips for writing an effective cover letter 

Follow these tips to create a cover letter that catches the employer's attention. 

1. Research the company and position thoroughly 

Before writing, spend some time learning about the company's mission and values, products or services, recent news or achievements, and work culture. Knowing the company well helps you convey how you'd fit in and contribute to their goals. 

2. Tailor your content to the specific job and company 

Don't use a generic letter for all applications. For each job, you should: 

• address the specific requirements mentioned in the job posting 
• show how your experience relates to their needs 
• explain why you're interested in this particular company. 

3. Use keywords from the job description 

Many companies use applicant tracking systems (ATS)  to screen applications. You'll need to include relevant keywords from the job posting to rank higher among the large volume of letters coming in. Focus on keywords related to specific skills, software or tools, industry terminology, and required qualifications.  

4. Highlight relevant skills and experiences 

Focus on the qualifications that match the job requirements. Pick examples that demonstrate your abilities, and use specific achievements with measurable results. Connect your past experiences to the needs of the position. If you're changing careers, emphasize transferable skills and adaptability. 

5. Show enthusiasm and personality 

Your cover letter should convey your interest in the specific role rather than being vague or generic. When writing your cover letter, show genuine excitement about the position. Your message should also reflect your understanding of the industry. 

6. Proofread meticulously 

Errors can be unprofessional and show a lack of attention to detail. Before you send out your cover letter, make sure to review for spelling and grammar mistakes, clarity, and conciseness. Read your letter aloud to catch awkward phrasing, and have a senior or a mentor review it if possible. 

7. Create a compelling call to action 

Always conclude by expressing interest in an interview. Include your availability, and mention how and when you'll follow up. Don't forget to thank the reader for their time and consideration. 

8. Customize each letter 

You may use templates to draft your cover letter. But make sure you're personalizing it to your needs instead of using something generic and impersonal. You should: 

• address specific aspects of each job description 
• research each company thoroughly 
• mention why you're interested in each particular role. 

Common cover letter mistakes to avoid 

Steer clear of these common mistakes to improve your chances of making a positive impression:  

• using generic, non-personalized content that doesn't address the specific company's needs 
• repeating information directly from your resumé instead of expanding on your qualifications 
• making spelling and grammar errors, especially with the company or hiring manager's name 
• writing overly long letters that hiring managers won't have time to read completely 
• ending without a clear call to action for next steps in the application process 
• using clichéd phrases like "team player" without providing specific supporting examples 

Cover letters for fresh graduates 

As a fresh graduate in the Philippines, you may worry about not having enough work experience. But you can still write a compelling cover letter focusing on your education, internships, relevant coursework, and transferable skills. 

Highlight educational achievements and relevant skills 

Your recent education is your strongest qualification. For example, you can include: 

• your degree, school, and graduation date 
• relevant coursework that relates to the job 
• academic achievements such as honors, high grades in relevant subjects, or research projects 
• student leadership positions or involvement in academic clubs.  

Emphasize internships and volunteer work 

Don't worry about not having internships or work experience. Any practical experience is valuable, such as volunteer work that demonstrates relevant skills or part-time jobs, even if they're not in your field. Explain the skills you developed through these experiences. 

Show enthusiasm and potential 

Employers hiring recent graduates are looking for enthusiasm and potential to grow. In your cover letter, you can demonstrate: 

• genuine interest in the industry and company 
• ways you've been preparing for this career path 
• a willingness to learn and adapt to new situations. 

Use keywords from the job listing 

Many employers use ATS to filter out applications from a larger volume. To better rank in an ATS, you should: 

• identify key skills mentioned in the job posting  
• include these skills in your cover letter when relevant 
• use similar terminology to what appears in the job description 
• connect your academic or internship experiences to these requirements. 

Be specific about your skills 

Always avoid making general claims or adding details to pass the ATS. Hiring managers are impressed when you include: 

• specific technical skills you've learned 
• soft skills with examples of how you've demonstrated them 
• quantifiable achievements when possible 
• relevant projects completed during your studies. 

Customize for each application 

Filipino employers prefer job-seekers with strong attention to detail. Feel free to use templates, but customize them to each job you're applying for. Research each company thoroughly. Connect your background to their specific needs, and show how your fresh perspective can benefit them. 

Key components for fresh graduate cover letters 

Make sure your cover letter includes: 

• clear identification of the position you're applying for 
• a brief overview of your educational background 
• relevant internships or projects 
• specific skills aligned with job requirements 
• professional tone throughout 
• error-free writing. 

Conclusion 

A well-written cover letter can make your job application stand out, even though some employers consider them optional. It's your chance to tell your story, highlight your most relevant qualifications, and show why you're a great fit for the role. 

Whether you're already in a job or a fresh graduate, your cover letter should complement your resume by adding context and personality to your qualifications. Use it to talk about potential concerns, explain employment gaps, or elaborate on particularly relevant experiences. 

FAQs 

Here are some FAQs related to cover letters: 

1. How has the importance of cover letters changed in recent years for job seekers in the Philippines? 
   ⁠In the Philippines, cover letters have become somewhat less essential but still valuable, especially for competitive positions. While some employers may not require them, they can still help you bring in something personal and stay unique amongst those applying. 
2. How long should a cover letter be according to recent hiring trends? 
   ⁠The ideal length is 250–400 words (three to six paragraphs on a single page). Anything longer may discourage the hiring manager from reading it if they already have a large volume of applications coming in. 
3. What are some popular cover letter templates used in the Philippines job market? 
   ⁠There are many templates to choose from based on the industry you're applying to:  
   ⁠traditional formats for corporate and government roles 
   ⁠modern designs for business and marketing positions 
   ⁠creative layouts for media and design jobs 
4. What are the current trends in cover letter writing for fresh graduates in the Philippines? 
   ⁠For fresh graduates, trends include highlighting educational achievements and relevant coursework, emphasizing internships and volunteer work, demonstrating digital literacy and technical skills, showing awareness of industry developments, and expressing enthusiasm and willingness to learn.