7 of the Best Cover Letter Examples for Singapore Employers

March 05, 2023

CL Examples

What if I told you that you could speak directly to hiring managers, convincing them to hire you – even before they view your resume?

Truth is, you can..

A well written cover letter helps you do just that! A cover letter explains your career narrative, essential skills you bring to the table, and why you’re a great fit for the job. It gives you one chance to communicate with hiring managers.

Give your best shot when writing it!

To guide you, here are some of our favourite cover letter examples.

They are actual cover letters from our past clients who have landed interviews at some of the most selective firms in Singapore.

Think Dymon, AirBnB, and even Facebook!

You could also land a role at companies like these!

How?

Follow our examples below (or engage our writing consultants to craft an extremely personalised cover letter in your voice).


Cover Letters are extremely personal, and differ across every industry. We have an assortment of 20+ Cover Letter Samples covering various industry sectors. You can download and use these for free. Check them out!


SMB Marketing Manager Cover Letter Example

This was a letter written by our team for a client who landed an interview with Facebook’s Small & Medium Business (SMB) Marketing team. It’s got the right amount of humour and professionalism for Facebook’s culture. It’s definitely one of our favourite letters written to date.

Explore our Resume Sample for Marketing Manager role.

SMB Marketing Manager

Dear Mr. Hans,

I’m thrilled to be applying for the role of SMB Marketing Manager. With 4 years of marketing experience across Hong Kong and Indonesia, both as at an SMB (ad buyer) and agency (ad seller), I’ve come to understand both buyers and sellers of Facebook Ads.

Having been on both sides of the table – running ads for an SMB and selling ads to large companies, I’ve developed an insider’s understanding of both parties. I’ve understood what key factors drive their decision making.

Facebook’s mission is to connect the world. Most assume it means connecting friends, but to me, Facebook is the best way for brands to connect with their audiences. And this applies to brands of all sizes, from large Fortune 500 companies to tiny startups. Facebook has democratized advertising. Every company with any advertising budget can now compete.

I’ve spent hours looking at videos on your website and reading employee reviews on Glassdoor. Everything I read about your company matches my own personal values. Facebook feels like the home I’ve been looking for. I think we’ll be great together.

So, shall we add each other on Facebook?

Sincerely,
Mike Hartono

 


Health and Safety, Security (HSSE) Cover Letter Example

This cover letter was written for a client who was interested at a role at Airbnb. Tech companies are often the most selective amongst employers hence the need for creative cover letters like these.

Security Cover Letter Sample

Dear Mr. Royston,

I’m really excited to be applying for the Regional Safety & Security Officer position. With my prior work stints within the hospitality (Fullterton Hotel) and design (IKEA) industries, I feel I’ve garnered a good mix of experiences to make a great addition to the Airbnb Team.

Here are my top 5 reasons why I think I’d be the perfect next hire for your team:

  • #1 – A mission that resonates: While I’m happily employed as a Safety and Security manager for IKEA, seeing the job post for Airbnb stopped me in my tracks. It’s so exciting seeing what Airbnb is doing for the sharing economy – giving travelers a chance to live in real homes as opposed to sterile hotel rooms. It’s a mission I really want to be a part of.
  • #2 – Regional experience: Over the past 3 years, I’ve had the wonderful opportunity to craft safety policies for IKEA’s regional stores in Thailand, Singapore & Malaysia. It was a phenomenal learning experience, tailoring our safety protocols around the nuances of each local market. It required plenty of research and a deep empathy for differing cultures. It’s a skill set I’m eager to hone further in Airbnb’s regional role.
  • #3 – Strong safety record: While I’m not one to boast, I have had a perfect safety track record with no security infringements for the last few years. This includes leading IKEA Singapore to comply with all audit requirements in 2015, their first successful compliance in 7 years.
  • #4 – Crisis trained: As a former member of the elite Special Operations Command (Singapore’s SWAT Team), I’m well trained in hostage incidents, bomb threats and close quarter battles. While I’ve never had to call upon these skills since I’ve left the police force, it does bring my colleagues comfort knowing I’m trained to remain calm in tense situations. (My firearm training also makes me a good candidate to have around in a zombie apocalypse)
  • #5 – Creative industry experience: The past 3 years at IKEA have thought me so much about being creative. It’s difficult to summarise in a paragraph, but there is a distinct difference in a creative organisation’s culture. It’s opened my eyes to thinking more empathetically and always placing the user first. Skills which I believe will be useful at Airbnb given that both of your firm’s founders are design trained.

Funnily, I’ve noticed plenty of Airbnb homes use furniture from my current employer, IKEA. It always puts a smile on my face when I recognise a particular desk of drawers in a picture on an Airbnb listing.

With my wide range of experiences and strong safety track record, I’m sure I can keep a tight ship running at Airbnb. I’ve spent hours reading employee reviews online and on your website. Airbnb really feels like a great place to work. It’s a place I want to work.

I’m looking forward to hearing more about how we can work together to make Airbnb more awesome!

Best regards,
Kelvin

 


Regulatory Risk & Compliance Cover Letter Example

This was a letter written by Linda Xie when she was applying to a role at Coinbase, a leading Bitcoin startup. Despite the role being way out of her league, Linda managed to snag a job offer which led to 2 happy years at one of Silicon Valley’s fastest growing unicorns.

Check out our Resume sample for Risk Manager role too.

Regulatory Risk & Compliance Cover Letter Sample

Dear Ms Niejadlik

I am currently an Analyst at AIG in New York where I have worked in the risk management department since 2012. While I have not actively been seeking new employment, I cannot pass up the opportunity to apply for the Regulatory Compliance Analyst position at Coinbase. I am extremely optimistic about the future of Bitcoin and I see Coinbase as playing a central role in it’s widespread adoption. The recent Mt. Gox bankruptcy filing not only made me realise that my background in risk and regulatory compliance is highly relevant to Bitcoin markets as they become more mainstream, but motivated me to look into opportunities at Coinbase. I am eager to switch industries and join Coinbase for a few reasons:

  • I philosophically support Bitcoin as a decentralised, alternative currency and have been closely following cryptocurrencies since 2011
  • Coinbase provides the single most convenient method for Bitcoin adoption
  • The Coinbase operation is run by highly experienced people who are experts in their respective fields.

I support one Managing Director and three Directors at AIG with risk analytics and presentations. As a result, I am highly proficient with Microsoft Excel, PowerPoint, Word and Matlab. I have also worked closely with AIG’s internal databases as well as Microsoft Access. With only two years at AIG, my work representing our $400 billion portfolio are trusted to be sent directly to AIG’s senior management. I hope you agree that my background is a strong match with the Regulatory Compliance Analyst Position and I welcome the opportunity to discuss my qualifications in more detail. Thank you for your consideration and I look forward to hearing from you.

Sincerely,
Linda Xie

 


Sales Director Cover Letter Example

For personnel in sales, it’s all about the sales targets you’ve hit. Be sure to emphasise that repeatedly and quantify your achievements with clear, substantiated numbers. Here’s a good sales cover letter example that shows how this can be done.

Explore our Resume sample for Sales Manager.

Sales Director Cover Letter Sample

Dear Mr. XXX,

Re: Application for Position of XXXXX

My name is Joseph Tan and I’m a veteran sales director within the IT industry. Over the past 15 years, I’ve consistently exceeded my sales targets at bluechip firms such as HP, Microsoft and most recently, Salesforce.

As a senior sales director, my role is more strategic in nature. I focus on identifying macro trends within the software industry, identifying key customer pain points, our unique product selling points and generating suitable marketing materials and sales scripts to empower my sales teams.

Besides empowering my staff, I’ve also honed my skills in hiring the right talents to build high performance sales teams. My years of hiring have enabled me to create unique rubrics for identifying talent which are a right fit for the organisation. Due to the high paced nature of the IT industry, I value quick learners who can adapt to ever shortening product cycles.

Here is a brief history of my work experiences:

  • In my current role as APAC Director with Salesforce, I’m charge of growing our CRM solution sales for Medium and Large clients within the retail space, across APAC. Over the past 3 years, my team and I have increased our revenues from this segment by 400%. We’ve captured a monthly recurring revenue of over 40 million USD thereby cementing our position as the market leader.
  • In my previous role as Regional Director (MS Dynamics) for Microsoft, I once again specialised in leading teams to penetrate the CRM market focusing on Enterprise clients within South East Asia. After building a team of 20 from scratch, we exceeded our sales targets by 140% consecutively for 7 quarters.

I’m deeply passionate about the IT segment in Asia and believe the wave is just starting. I bring years of experience, honed from best practices at the of biggest tech companies in the region.

Attached is my resume with several customer referees. These are all excellent executives who I’ve had the pleasure of working with. Do feel free to contact them.

I’ve spent some time studying your market segment and your positioning. I see two untapped opportunities currently not being exploited by your firm. Firstly, around inbound content marketing. By crafting solution case studies and posting it online, we can foster more user trust and generate inbound leads from prospects searching online. The second area of opportunity lies in strategically placing advertising in business trade journals. I’ve previously achieved excellent ROI by using this method to penetrate new markets including Indonesia and Thailand, where our products had no brand awareness. I have detailed execution roadmaps which we can discuss in person should you select me for this interview.

I look forward for an opportunity to meet and discuss further. Thank you for your time in considering my application.

Yours faithfully,
Joseph Tan

 


Finance Manager Cover Letter Example
(For Mothers Returning To The Workforce)

If you’re a mother returning to the workforce, a cover letter will make a huge difference in assisting you to secure an interview. Employers have consistently found that mothers make better employees. Be proud of the family you’ve started and use it to your advantage.

Check out our Resume sample for Finance Manager.

Finance Manager Cover Letter Sample

Dear Mr. XXX,

Re: Application for Position of XXXXX

I’m writing to apply to the Finance Manager position open at your firm. With over 8 years of experience both as finance manager at GE Capital and an auditor at KPMG, I’m confident of excelling at the role open at your organisation.

Having come from an audit background, I posses a unique ability in seeing both sides of the (accounting) table. This enables me to better spot control weaknesses, implement new best practices and install processes for continued smooth operations.

Here is a brief history of my work experiences:

  • In my last role as Finance Manager with GE Capital, I oversaw accounts for the leading commercial loans, leases and middle market finance solutions provider. Along with a team of 4, we managed over 2 billion USD in accounts. A key facet of my job was ensuring all reporting were as per US GAAP and SOX 404 requirements.
  • In my previous role as Senior Auditor for KPMG, I worked with a broad range of clients in the finance industry. Here, I analysed accounts, identified regulatory violations and worked with client management teams to devise strategies to ensure compliance moving forward.

Since 2012, I’ve been on sabbatical attending to my newly born twins. I felt it was necessary to be there for them during their formative years. Now that they’re all grown up, I feel rejuvenated and eager to re-enter the job market. I’m aware that I’ve been away for a long period of time, hence my desire to enter at a more junior role, to ease myself back into the workforce. Rest assured, I’m not looking for an easy ride, I’m keen to maximise my talents and apply myself fully at your organisation.

I look forward for an opportunity to meet and discuss further. Thank you for your time in considering my application.

Yours faithfully,
Diana Chan

 


Investment Manager Cover Letter Example

The finance sector remains one of the highest paid, and most sought after industries to work in within Singapore. That means that competition is incredibly stiff. You’ll be up against some of the best.

The finance industry is a little more upright than the tech industry. As such, your cover letter needs to come across as being more measured.

Dear Mr. Yong,

Re: Application for Position of Vice President (Investments)

It is with great enthusiasm that I submit my application for the position of Vice President of Investments at Dymon Asia. Through my 5-year career, I’ve come to specialise in mergers and acquisitions, and have led a wide range of M&A projects across multiple industries. Indeed, I’m highly familiar with the entire M&A process from pre-deal due diligence to negotiation through to post-deal operations. I’ve been able to leverage on my experience, generating close to USD500M in total revenue throughout my tenure in various MNCs and boutique funds alike, and I am confident that I will be able to continue securing and leading lucrative deals for Dymon Asia.

Presently, I am a Senior Manager of Investments with JP Morgan Chase, where I am responsible for managing all financial-related matters within the Group, with an emphasis on the analysis and monitoring of our financial results. In addition, I led the development and implementation of our corporate business strategy, advising the Managing Director on long-term strategic plans for the development of the Group.

Amongst my various achievements during my tenure, I am most proud of having spearheaded negotiations for the acquisition of several key companies (which are now our subsidiaries) and securing marine asset financing worth a combined total of USD 370M amidst a regional financial downturn.

Dymon Asia is regionally known for its Asia Macro Fund, which has consistently ranked amongst the top macro funds globally. My background in finance, trading, and portfolio management, coupled with my practical experience in macroeconomic analysis and strategic development will allow me to contribute effectively to Dymon’s continued growth and performance, particularly by designing new investment strategies and generating new investment theses that will thrive amidst the rapidly changing investment climate we are facing today.

I am thrilled at the possibility of being part of such a renowned firm, and would love the opportunity to meet with you and discuss the value that I can bring to the Dymon Asia Group. I appreciate your time and consideration, and I look forward to hearing from you. Please feel free to contact me at any time via mobile at +65 9999 9999 or by email at philbert@gmail.com.

Yours sincerely,
Phil, CFA

 

Software Developer (Entry-Level) Cover Letter Example

Dear Mr. Roy,

I am writing to express my strong interest in the Software Developer position at [Company Name], as advertised on [Job Posting Source]. As a recent computer science graduate with a passion for coding and a solid foundation in programming languages, I am excited about the opportunity to contribute to your dynamic team.

During my academic years, I honed my skills in Java, Python, and web development, which are in alignment with the technologies used at [Company Name].

My ability to adapt to new technologies swiftly, along with my problem-solving skills, makes me a strong candidate for this position. Moreover, I am an effective communicator and a team player, which are crucial attributes for a collaborative development environment.

I am eager to bring my fresh perspective and enthusiasm to [Company Name], contributing to your innovative software projects. I look forward to discussing how my skills and passion can benefit your team. Thank you for considering my application.

Yours sincerely,
[Your Name]

 

Marketing Manager Cover Letter Example

Marketing Manager Cover Letter Sample

Dear [Hiring Manager’s Name],

Re: Application for Position of XXXXX

I am excited to submit my application for the Marketing Manager position at [Company Name]. With a proven track record in developing and implementing successful marketing campaigns, I am confident in my ability to contribute to your marketing team and drive growth for your organization.

In my previous roles, I’ve handled:

  • A marketing strategy that resulted in a 20% increase in website traffic and a 15% boost in conversion rates within just six months.
  • Grew the company’s social media following by 40% in six months, resulting in expanded brand reach and engagement.
  • Achieved a 70% increase in social media engagement through compelling content and interactive posts.

I am well-versed in market research, branding, and digital marketing, and I am passionate about staying updated on industry trends and consumer behavior to stay ahead of the competition. I am drawn to [Company Name] because of your commitment to innovation and your reputation for producing high-quality products/services. I look forward to the opportunity to collaborate with your team to develop creative and effective marketing strategies.

Thank you for considering my application. I am eager to discuss how my experience and skills align with the objectives of [Company Name].

Sincerely,
[Your Name]

 

Graphic Designer (Freelance) Cover Letter Example

Dear [Client’s Name or Hiring Manager],

I am excited to express my interest in collaborating with [Client’s Name or Company Name] as a freelance Graphic Designer. With a strong portfolio showcasing a diverse range of design projects and [X years] of experience in the field, I am confident in my ability to provide creative and effective design solutions for your organization.

My design expertise spans branding, digital design, print materials, and web design. I have a keen eye for detail, a deep understanding of design principles, and proficiency in industry-standard design software. I take pride in delivering visually compelling work that aligns with my client’s goals and brand identities.

I am eager to discuss how I can contribute to [Client’s Name or Company Name] ‘s projects and help bring your creative vision to life. Please find my portfolio attached for your review.

Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the opportunity to collaborate and create outstanding design solutions for your organization.

Yours sincerely,
[Your Name]

 

Human Resources (HR) Manager Cover Letter Example

HR Manager Cover Letter Sample

Dear [Hiring Manager’s Name],

Re: Application for Position of XXXXX

I am writing to express my strong interest in the Human Resources position at [Company Name], as advertised on [Job Posting Source]. With a background in HR management and a passion for fostering a positive and productive workplace culture, I am eager to contribute to your HR team and help support your organization’s growth and success.

In my previous role as an HR Manager at [Previous Company], I successfully led a range of HR functions, including recruitment, employee relations, training and development, and policy implementation. Some of my notable accomplishments include:

  • Developed and implemented a comprehensive recruitment strategy that reduced time-to-fill for open positions by 30% and increased the quality of candidates.
  • Led a team that improved employee retention rates by 15% through the implementation of innovative onboarding and professional development programs.
  • Resolved complex employee relations issues while maintaining a harmonious work environment, resulting in a 20% decrease in workplace disputes.
  • Streamlined HR processes, reducing administrative workload by 25% through the adoption of HRIS and automation tools.

I am deeply committed to creating an inclusive and supportive workplace where employees can thrive and contribute their best to the company’s success. I am impressed by [Company Name]’s reputation for valuing its employees and maintaining a positive workplace culture, and I am excited about the opportunity to contribute to these efforts.

My skills and experience, including strong communication, problem-solving abilities, and a keen understanding of HR best practices, make me well-suited for the HR position at [Company Name]. I look forward to discussing how my background aligns with your organization’s objectives and how I can contribute to the continued success of your HR department.

Thank you for considering my application. I welcome the opportunity to discuss how my experience and enthusiasm for HR align with the needs of [Company Name].

Sincerely,
[Your Name]

 

Engineer (Entry to Mid Level) Cover Letter Example

Dear [Hiring Manager’s Name],

I am writing to express my keen interest in the [Engineering Position] position at [Company Name], as advertised on [Job Posting Source]. With a strong background in engineering, a track record of successful project management, and a passion for innovation, I am excited about the opportunity to join your dynamic team.

Throughout my career, I have honed my engineering skills, particularly in [Relevant Engineering Specialization], and consistently delivered high-impact results. Some of my key qualifications and experiences include:

  • Project Leadership: Successfully led cross-functional teams in the execution of complex engineering projects, consistently meeting or exceeding project deadlines and budgetary constraints.
  • Problem-Solving: Demonstrated a strong aptitude for problem-solving and innovation, leading to the development of creative and cost-effective solutions.
  • Quality Assurance: Ensured the highest standards of quality and compliance in all engineering projects through rigorous testing and validation processes.
  • Continuous Improvement: Continuously sought opportunities for process optimization, resulting in increased efficiency and productivity.

I am particularly impressed by [Company Name]’s reputation for innovation and its commitment to pushing the boundaries of engineering excellence. I am excited about the prospect of contributing to your ongoing projects and being part of a team that strives for engineering innovation.

I am confident that my engineering expertise, problem-solving abilities, and dedication to excellence make me a strong candidate for the [Specific Engineering Position] at [Company Name]. I look forward to discussing how my background aligns with your engineering objectives and how I can contribute to your team’s success.

Thank you for considering my application. I am eager to explore the opportunity to be a part of [Company Name] and contribute to its engineering excellence.

Sincerely,
[Your Name]

 

How to Write Cover Letter

Whether you’re a seasoned professional or a recent graduate, knowing how to write an effective cover letter is essential.

1. Research the Company and Job

Before you start crafting your cover letter, take some time to research the company and the specific job you’re applying for. Understanding the company’s values, mission, and culture will allow you to tailor your letter to the organization’s needs. Identify key responsibilities and qualifications for the position, which you can address in your letter.

2. Format and Structure

A well-structured cover letter is crucial. Begin with your contact information, followed by the date and the employer’s contact details. Use a professional and clear font, and keep the letter to one page. Use a formal tone throughout.

3. Start with a Strong Opening

The opening of your cover letter should grab the reader’s attention. Start with a personalized salutation, such as “Dear [Hiring Manager’s Name],” if you can find that information. Your first paragraph should state the position you’re applying for and briefly mention how you learned about the job opportunity.

4. Highlight Your Qualifications

In the body of your cover letter, focus on your qualifications. Provide specific examples of how your skills and experiences align with the job requirements. Use bullet points or short paragraphs to make it easy for the reader to scan and understand your key points.

5. Express Your Enthusiasm

Show your genuine interest in the position and the company. Explain why you’re excited about the opportunity and how your skills and background make you a strong fit. 

6. Address Potential Concerns

If you have any gaps in your employment history or are changing careers, briefly address these concerns in your cover letter. Use a positive and confident tone to reassure the employer.

7. Conclude with a Call to Action

In your closing paragraph, reiterate your enthusiasm for the role and express your desire for an interview. Be proactive and suggest the next steps, such as your availability for an interview.

8. Proofread and Edit

Before sending your cover letter, proofread it carefully. Check for any grammatical or spelling errors. 

9. Customize for Each Application

Every job application is unique, so avoid using a generic cover letter for all your applications. Tailor each cover letter to the specific job and company to demonstrate your genuine interest.

10. Follow Up

After submitting your application, be sure to follow up with a thank-you email or letter. This is another opportunity to express your interest and appreciation for the opportunity to apply.

Read our step-by-step guide on how to write a Cover Letter to understand the key components that make up a Cover Letter and why you absolutely should write a Cover Letter (even if the job listing doesn’t say that it’s necessary).

Common Questions about Cover Letter Examples

What do you write in a cover letter example?

Using cover letter examples is a great way to get a skeleton for your document, but you still need to make it your own. Be sure to highlight your key skills and why you’re the candidate that deserves the role, based on both your experience and your passion.

How do I write a simple cover letter?

When it comes to cover letters, a one page document is not only enough but an ideal length. A simple cover letter will be a few paragraphs long, giving an introduction to yourself, your key skills and why you want to work at the company.

What not to put in a cover letter?

One of the worst makes you can mistake with your cover letter is not personalising it to the recipient. Be sure to get the company and hiring manager’s name right if you want to ensure your cover letter is received well.

What is the most common cover letter mistake?

The most common cover letter mistakes is to get too carried away with talking about what you want. A cover letter is an opportunity to show a company what you can do for them, and how your skills and experience can be applied to their business.

Conclusion

These Cover Letters were used in actual job applications to score interviews at some of the most competitive firms in Singapore.

You could learn from them while writing your own!

Download the cover letter samples that inspire you, study them, and write your best cover letter for your next job application!

If you need more cover letter writing resources:

  • Browse our series of Cover Letter Templates, which cover most industries and professions in Singapore. If you’d like to see a Cover Letter sample for a specific industry or role that’s not listed here yet, drop us an email!
  • Understand how to customise your Cover Letter for different job ads. When it comes to job applications, a one-size-fits-all approach doesn’t work. Give yourself the best possible advantage with a tailored Cover Letter.
  • A Resume or CV and Cover Letter go hand-in-hand. Uncover our secrets to writing a killer resume – these are our tricks of the trade, the actual techniques we use to train our own team of professional CV writers 😉

And finally, if you need a hand with writing your CV and Cover Letter, don’t struggle in silence!

Reach out to us for help. Our team would be happy to help you improve your CV and Cover Letter according to your own career and unique job search objectives.

Return to Ultimate Job Search Singapore Guide.

Harry Suresh