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Cover Letter Example for Applying for Multiple Jobs

Should You Apply for Multiple Jobs at a Company?

Tips for writing a cover letter for two jobs at a company, sample cover letter applying for two jobs, more cover letter examples.

When you're excited about a company, you may want to apply to several different positions there. But what kind of impression does that leave with potential employers? There are times when applying to multiple positions at the same company could make a job seeker seem desperate—or worse, unqualified—for any of the positions. 

That's not always the case, however. 

Find out more about when applying for multiple jobs at a company is a good idea. Also, see a cover letter example for applying for multiple jobs within the same company. 

Applying for different positions in a company is effective if you are truly qualified for the positions you're applying to. If you are a strong candidate for all the positions, it makes sense to apply to them.

Applying to multiple positions at the same company can be a good option for people at the start of their careers. That is, if a company has multiple entry-level positions available, it's possible that you're equally qualified for all of them. 

Another factor you must consider is the size of the company. If it is a large company, then there's a good chance you won't get the same hiring manager reviewing each application. Therefore, there is no harm in applying for multiple jobs. At a small company, however, it's more likely that the same hiring manager will see your application for multiple jobs.

If you're applying for multiple positions at a company, try to limit yourself and be realistic. Applying to two or three positions you qualify for is acceptable, but submitting your  resume  for every single position listed can be a turnoff to hiring managers, and a poor use of your own time. 

Not sure what to do? Ask for advice: Reach out to a mentor, a trusted colleague, or other career connections for help thinking through the best option. 

Some people recommend applying to one job at a time and, if you don't hear back and some time has passed, applying for another position later. However, there's a chance that the jobs may be gone by the time you're ready to apply again. 

Anytime you're considering applying for multiple roles at the same company, you'll have to weigh the potential risks and benefits. 

When applying to two or more jobs at a company, you will typically submit separate resumes and cover letters for each job. Every resume and cover letter should be tailored to fit the specific job listing. For each job application,include  keywords  related to the specific job.

However, if you are allowed to only submit one job application to the company, or the two jobs are in the same department and are similar, you might consider writing one cover letter for two or more jobs.

When doing this, you need to keep a few things in mind:

Address the Right Person

Since you are submitting your cover letter to two jobs, two separate people might be looking at the cover letter. In your salutation, be sure to address all of the people who will be reading your cover letter (or use a general phrase such as  “To Whom It May Concern” ). This way, you will not appear to be emphasizing your interest in one job over the other.

Express Your Qualifications for Both Jobs

Be sure to explain why you are qualified for both jobs. Consider writing one paragraph mentioning your skills and experiences for one job, and another paragraph for the other job. 

Another option (if the two jobs are related) is to list your skills and experience that apply to both jobs.

Express Enthusiasm for the Company

Clearly state your interest in the company, so that the hiring managers understand your interest. Perhaps include a paragraph that states why you think you are a good fit for the company generally. Include keywords from the  company website  in this paragraph. 

Also emphasize how you can benefit the company—explain that you hope to add value to the company in either of these jobs.

The following is a cover letter example applying for two positions at the same company. Download the cover letter template (compatible with Google Docs and Word Online) or see below for more examples.

Cover Letter Example Applying for Two Jobs (Text Version)

Zach Applicant 123 Main Street Anytown, CA 12345 555-555-5555 zach.applicant@email.com

July 19, 2021

Manfred Lee Chief Technology Officer WebTech Solutions 123 Business Rd. Business City, NY 54321

Dear Mr. Lee:

Your IT department has advertised two job openings for which my experience directly qualifies me. My nuclear power experience would translate well into the chemical industry. Both industries endure extreme regulatory pressure for environmental impact. I am highly knowledgeable and familiar with this kind of regulatory environment, and I recognize how vital IT is for the record-keeping that is necessary for dealing with that kind of scrutiny.

My IT experience gives me a unique ability to apply technology, in all its forms, to business processes. Some of the business process knowledge includes accounting, finance, facilities, inventory control, budgeting, vendor management, and various operational processes.

I have experience with merger/acquisition events, high growth challenges, technology replacement projects, and IT process improvement. I have delivered large technology projects on schedule/on budget, and in alignment with the business strategy. Companies I have worked for include Dakil Energy, Hoppy Rent a Car, Digit Equipment, and Miners Gas and Electric.

I would appreciate an opportunity to talk with you or someone in your organization to see where my skill set would be of the greatest benefit to your company. I know I could be a great asset to your department.

Signature  (hard copy letter)

Zach Applicant 

 Review more  cover letter templates  and examples of  cover letters for a variety of different types of jobs , types of job seekers, and types of job applications.

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Stop Sending the Same Cover Letter—Here’s how to Personalize to Make an Impression

Published: Aug 25, 2019 By Kevin Dickinson

An excellent cover letter performs two tasks: It explains why you’re a valuable candidate and how your skills fit a specific position. Sending the same cover letter with each application won’t meet these goals, and since hiring managers receive about a hundred applications per position, they quickly discard the generic ones .

Let’s be honest, though. Writing a new cover letter from scratch for every job application is a time-consuming task. Want to personalize your cover letter to make an impression while simultaneously saving your schedule ? Here’s how.

Begin with a template

Start your cover letter template by developing its structure. Insert placeholders for information that needs to change with each application, and write out sentences that can be safely reused, such as contact information and a strong conclusion (more on those below).

We recommend all placeholders be bracketed and highlighted—for example, “I believe my experience with [job skill 1], [job skill 2], and [job skill 3] makes me a promising candidate for the [title] position.” Using brackets and highlights makes the placeholders stand out, ensuring you won’t send a letter with one unfilled.

Finally, save your template in a secure location, and never write directly on the file. Copy-paste it in a separate folder for each new cover letter.

The salutation and closer

The top of your template should include your contact information: name, address, phone number, and email.

Next comes the salutation. It’s best to avoid the cliché “To Whom It May Concern.” The wording may be one-size-fits-all, but it comes across as dismissive. Instead, locate the hiring manager’s name online, and include it, “Dear [Mr. or Ms. Hiring Manager]:”. If their name isn’t readily available, try calling or substituting with a “Dear [department]:” or “Dear Madam or Sir:”.

For the complimentary close, a simple “sincerely” will suffice. If you’re sending a hard copy, be sure to pen your signature.  

An eye-catching introduction

The first paragraph should capture the hiring manager’s attention. To do that, it needs to speak to the position you’re applying for. That means writing an original introduction for each cover letter.

A strong introduction will specify the position, explain your interest, and describe why you’d be a good fit. To begin aligning yourself with the company, utilize a tone that fits its culture —fun, caring, purpose-driven, results-oriented, etc.

Go beyond your resume

Your resume showcased desirable qualifications ; now, your cover letter should illustrate how your work and interpersonal skills will exceed the company’s expectations.

One way is to tell a story about how your skills netted a positive outcome. Another is to describe quantifiable results your efforts brought to a former employer. Another is to mention accolades you received.

How much of the body written from scratch will vary per cover letter. Chances are, many of the positions you apply for will have overlapping qualifications. This means you can use material from previous cover letters you’ve written. Be careful to revise such material accordingly. Pay attention to tone, word choice, and transitions, and read your cover letter aloud to assess flow and check for mistakes .

If you want to highlight a skill or accomplishment not previously mentioned in a cover letter, pen it from scratch. Save your post cover letters as resources for future applications.

Finish strong

Your conclusion should summarize why you’re a good fit and include a call to action. Your call to action should prompt the next step—for example, “I hope to discuss the contributions I can make to [company] with you.” And don’t forget to thank the hiring manager for their time.

Conclusions are straightforward, so you can write one for your template and adjust details as necessary.

A personal missive

With these steps, you can quickly and efficiently craft a cover letter for each company you apply to.

A final word of advice: Your cover letter should reflect that you would make a good fit for the company, its culture, and its mission. But don’t sacrifice your identity to sell yourself as someone you aren’t. To properly personalize a cover letter, you need to let your personality shine through.

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