What to Include in a Veteran Cover Letter: Sample + Template (2025 Guide)
Discover what to include in a veteran cover letter with our comprehensive guide, complete with samples and a template. Learn how to translate your military experience into civilian terms and land your dream job in 2025.
Transitioning from military service to civilian employment can feel like navigating uncharted territory. Veterans have a higher interview callback rate when they effectively translate their military skills in application materials. Your cover letter is your first opportunity to make that crucial connection, as it is often seen before the resume itself. As a veteran, you possess unique skills, experiences, and perspectives that can be incredibly valuable to employers, if you know how to present them effectively. In this guide, I'll walk you through exactly what to include in your veteran cover letter, provide real-world examples that have worked for other veterans, and offer a customizable template to help you stand out from the competition. Let's transform your military experience into compelling civilian language that gets you noticed.
Understanding the Purpose of a Veteran Cover Letter
When it comes to transitioning from military service to civilian employment, your cover letter serves as more than just an introduction; it's your opportunity to bridge two worlds that often speak different languages. And speaking different languages is something we’ve already discussed.
The veteran cover letter has a unique job compared to standard cover letters, in my experience.It needs to translate your military successes into terms that civilian employers not only understand but get excited about.
Veterans face distinct challenges when communicating their value to civilian employers. Many hiring managers have limited understanding of military roles and responsibilities, making it difficult for them to see the connections between military experience and their open positions.
A recent client told me that they remembered sending out dozens of applications with generic cover letters and hearing nothing back. It wasn't until we worked together completely reinvent their cover letter to 'civilianize' my experience that they started getting calls. Its important to note too that every cover letter should be tailored to the position you’re applying for specifically.
The numbers support this approach. According to a recent survey by VetJobs, veterans who submit customized cover letters that effectively translate their military experience are 68% more likely to secure interviews than those who submit generic letters or no letter at all.
There's still a lot of misconceptions out there, to be clear. Many employers assume veterans are rigid or can only follow orders, when in reality, military service builds incredible problem-solving and leadership skills. Your cover letter is where you start to correct these misconceptions.
Essential Elements to Include in Your Veteran Cover Letter
Creating an effective veteran cover letter requires several key components that work together to present your value to potential employers.
My recommendation is to start with the basics. Include a professional header with your name, phone number, email, and LinkedIn profile. It sounds obvious, but you'd be surprised how many people forget or forego these fundamentals. If you have a personal brand, a website, or a professional portfolio that highlights your skills and is relevant to the types of positions you intend to apply to, you should include links to them in the header as well.
Addressing the hiring manager by name makes a significant difference in how your letter is received. Take time to research who will be reading your letter. Using 'Dear Hiring Manager' is better than 'To Whom It May Concern,' but using 'Dear Ms. Johnson' creates an immediate personal connection.
Your opening paragraph needs to grab attention immediately. Open with enthusiasm for the specific position and company, then immediately establish your most relevant qualification. For example, 'As a former Military Intelligence Officer with 8 years of experience analyzing complex data sets, I'm excited to apply for the Data Analyst position at TechCorp.'
The body of your letter should focus on translating your military experience into relevant civilian skills. This is where many veterans struggle. Instead of saying 'I was responsible for a 12-person squad,' say 'I led a team of 12 professionals, improving operational efficiency by 34% through implementing new workflow processes.'
I also want to emphasize, once again, the absolute importance of measurable results: Civilian employers respond to numbers and concrete achievements. Don't just say you managed inventory; specify that you managed $2.5 million in equipment with zero losses over two years.
Finally, close with confidence. Your closing paragraph should include a clear call-to-action. Express your interest in an interview, reference your attached resume, and thank them for their consideration. Then end with a professional signature that includes your preferred contact method.
Translating Military Experience into Civilian Terms
Converting military experience into language that resonates with civilian employers is perhaps the most critical skill in crafting an effective cover letter.
Start by creating your own personal dictionary. Make a list of the military terms you commonly use, then find their civilian equivalents. For example, 'commanding officer' might become 'supervisor' or 'department head.'
Here's a quick reference guide for common translations:
"Squad leader" → "Team leader" or "Supervisor"
"Mission-critical" → "High-priority" or "Essential"
"Executed" → "Implemented" or "Carried out"
"Battalion" → "Organization" (with X number of people)
"Logistics" → "Supply chain management"
"After-action review" → "Performance evaluation" or "Project assessment"
Leadership experience is particularly valuable but needs careful translation. Instead of saying you 'commanded troops,' explain that you 'led a team through challenging circumstances, motivating them to achieve goals while ensuring their professional development.
Technical skills often require similar treatment. If you worked as a 25B Information Technology Specialist, don't assume employers know what that means, because they probably don’t. I didn’t until working with a former 25B. Instead, detail the specific systems you maintained, the cybersecurity protocols you implemented, or the network solutions you developed.
Consider this before-and-after example:
Before: "As an E-5 in charge of PMCS for a fleet of 22 MRAPs, I ensured mission readiness for OEF deployments."
After: "As a team supervisor responsible for preventative maintenance of 22 armored vehicles valued at $6.5 million, I developed and implemented an inspection schedule that increased operational readiness by 28% for critical overseas operations."
The civilian version gives context to your responsibility, quantifies the value, and highlights the achievement in terms any employer can appreciate.
Remember that soft skills developed in the military are highly valued in civilian workplaces. "Adaptability, performing under pressure, attention to detail, and so on; these are all highly marketable skills that veterans possess in abundance. Make sure to highlight these alongside your technical abilities.
Veteran Cover Letter Sample Analysis
Looking at successful examples can help you understand how to put these principles into practice. Let's examine three effective cover letters for different career levels.
For an entry-level position, a past client of mine crafted this introduction:
"As a recently transitioned Army Healthcare Specialist with experience managing medical supplies worth over $500,000 and assisting in the treatment of 200+ patients monthly, I am excited to apply for the Patient Care Coordinator position at Memorial Hospital. My background in high-pressure medical environments has prepared me to make an immediate contribution to your team's commitment to excellent patient care."
What works here is how this individual immediately connects their military medical experience to the civilian healthcare role. They use numbers to quantify their experience and specifically mentions the company name, showing they are not sending generic letters."
For a management position, we should look to take a different approach:
"During my 12 years as a Navy Supply Officer, I led teams of up to 45 personnel in managing complex logistics operations with budgets exceeding $12 million annually. My experience developing strategic procurement plans and optimizing inventory systems aligns directly with the Supply Chain Manager position at Amazon, where I hope to apply my expertise in logistics excellence to your North American distribution network."
This client successfully positions themselves as a strategic leader. They focus on the high-level responsibilities that translate to senior corporate roles and demonstrates knowledge of the company they are applying to.
For a technical role, a former Air Force Cyber Systems client wrote the following:
"As a Cyber Systems Operator with the U.S. Air Force for six years, I maintained network security for classified systems serving 2,000+ users across three installations. After earning my CompTIA Security+ and CISSP certifications, I led a team that reduced security incidents by 64% through implementing enhanced monitoring protocols. These experiences have prepared me for the Network Security Analyst position at Cisco, where I can help strengthen your industry-leading security solutions."
They effectively bridge their military technical experience to the specific civilian role. They mention relevant certifications that civilian employers recognize and quantifies their achievements. Notice how they avoid acronyms and military-specific terminology throughout.
In all these examples, the tone remains professional but conversational, the structure follows a logical flow, and each paragraph serves a clear purpose in advancing the candidate's case for employment.
Customizable Veteran Cover Letter Template
Creating your own effective cover letter becomes easier with a flexible template you can adapt to different situations. Here's a framework to follow:
Your Contact Information
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[City, State ZIP]
[Phone Number]
[Email Address]
[LinkedIn Profile URL]
Date
[Month Day, Year]
Employer's Contact Information
[Hiring Manager's Name]
[Title]
[Company Name]
[Address]
[City, State ZIP]
Greeting
Dear [Mr./Ms. Last Name], (or "Dear Hiring Manager" if name is unknown)
Opening Paragraph
Express enthusiasm for the specific position and briefly mention your most relevant qualification. Connect your military background to the role without using military jargon.
For different experience levels, consider these alternatives:
Entry-level: "As a recently transitioned [military role] with [X] years of experience in [relevant skill area], I'm excited to apply for..."
Mid-career: "Building on my [X] years of leadership experience as a [military role], where I [key accomplishment], I am eager to bring my expertise to the [position] at [company]..."
Senior-level: "With [X] years of strategic leadership experience as a [military role], overseeing [scope of responsibility], I am qualified to excel as your next [position]..."
Body Paragraphs (1-2)
Focus on 2-3 specific achievements that demonstrate your qualifications for this particular job. Use the PAR format: Problem you faced, Action you took, Results you achieved—with measurable outcomes whenever possible.
For different industries, adapt your emphasis:
Technology: Focus on technical skills, certifications, and systems experience
Healthcare: Emphasize patient care, crisis management, and attention to detail
Finance: Highlight analytical abilities, integrity, and risk management experience
Manufacturing: Stress operational efficiency, safety protocols, and process improvement
Closing Paragraph
Reiterate your interest, reference your attached resume, request an interview, and thank them for their consideration.
Signature
Sincerely,
[Your typed name]
I highly encourage everyone to keep their cover letter to one page, prioritizing quality over quantity. For digital submissions, save your document as a PDF with a professional filename like 'John_Smith_Cover_Letter.pdf' to maintain formatting and appear professional.
Highlighting Special Military Skills and Certifications
Veterans often possess unique qualifications that can significantly enhance their value to civilian employers, when presented effectively.
Security clearances can be major assets in certain industries. If you have an active clearance, mention it early in your cover letter when applying to defense contractors, government agencies, or companies with government contracts. This can save employers thousands of dollars and months of waiting. Even if your TS has expired, the fact that you have held one historically can expedite the process (though be aware that it can also trigger delays).
When describing your clearance, be specific but careful: "I currently hold an active Secret clearance (or higher)" is sufficient. Never include classified details about your work.
Military training and education should be translated into civilian terms. Instead of saying you graduated from AIT, specify that you completed specialized technical training in cybersecurity, including 900 hours of hands-on network defense operations.
Leadership experience is particularly valuable when framed properly. Don't just say you led people; explain how you developed them. Mention specific instances where you coached team members, resolved conflicts, or improved performance through your leadership.
Employment gaps due to deployments need careful handling. Address deployments proactively. For example, 'Between 2018-2020, I served on active deployment in support of overseas operations, where I led a team responsible for...' This turns a potential concern into another opportunity to highlight your experience.
For veterans with combat experience, I usually suggest to focus on the transferable skills: decision-making under pressure, risk assessment, team coordination, and adaptability. You don't need to detail combat situations, but instead emphasize the leadership and critical thinking that such environments demanded. You did more than kick doors and pull triggers (which are still highly valuable skills in some markets), even if you don’t realize it yet.
Common Mistakes to Avoid in Veteran Cover Letters
Even qualified veterans can undermine their chances with common cover letter mistakes. Here's what to watch out for:
The biggest mistake I see is overusing military jargon and acronyms. Remember that most civilian recruiters don't know what a PFC, S-2, or NCOIC is. When I worked in HR, it was common to see a cover letter filled with acronyms, and my colleagues often moved on to the next candidate rather than trying to decipher it, even knowing I could likely help them parse through the information.
Veterans are often trained to be team-oriented, which sometimes leads to understating their achievements. Military members are taught that 'we' accomplishments matter more than 'I' accomplishments. But in your cover letter, you need to take appropriate credit for your personal contributions while still acknowledging teamwork. This doesn’t diminish the work done by the team, it just highlights how you helped the team achieve its goal.
Another common error is focusing on duties rather than accomplishments. Don't tell me you were responsible for vehicle maintenance, tell me how you improved maintenance procedures, reduced downtime, or implemented a new system that saved money.
Many veterans write dense, paragraph-heavy letters that are difficult to read. Military writing often emphasizes comprehensive detail. We’ve all seen the awards packets and the work that goes into them. But effective cover letters use shorter paragraphs, bullet points when appropriate, and plenty of white space to enhance readability.
Another common mistake is with many veterans apply without researching the company culture. Your cover letter should reflect an understanding of the organization's values and mission. This shows you're not just looking for any job, but specifically interested in their company.
Perhaps most damaging is using the same generic letter for every application. Tailoring your cover letter for each position might take more time, but it dramatically increases your chances of getting an interview. Highlight different aspects of your military experience based on what each employer needs.
Getting Feedback on Your Veteran Cover Letter
Before sending your cover letter, getting quality feedback can make all the difference in its effectiveness.
Veterans have access to numerous free resources specifically designed to help with career transitions. The Department of Labor's Veterans' Employment and Training Service (VETS), Transition Assistance Program (TAP), and nonprofits like Hire Heroes USA all offer cover letter review services. VA Veteran Readiness and Employment (VR&E, previously VA Voc Rehab or Chapter 31) also offer a number of hiring services, including continuing education.
Finding mentors in your target industry can provide invaluable perspective. Connect with veterans who have successfully transitioned into your desired field. LinkedIn is excellent for this, whether we like it or not. Search for people with military backgrounds now working where you want to work, and most will be happy to help a fellow veteran. This is a defining reason for why I founded Drakov Industries. I want to be the person I needed when I started this journey for anyone that needs it.
Peer review from other transitioning service members can also be helpful. Join veteran networking groups like American Corporate Partners or your local Veterans of Foreign Wars post. Other veterans understand where you're coming from and can help identify when you're using military-speak.
For those seeking professional assistance, several services specialize in veteran career transitions. Career coaches with veteran expertise can provide personalized guidance. While there's typically a cost involved, the investment pays off when it helps you land interviews faster.
Online communities offer another avenue for feedback. Websites like RallyPoint and even Reddit's r/Veterans have active communities where you can post anonymized versions of your cover letter for critique.
When seeking feedback, ask specific questions:
"Does my military experience sound relevant to this civilian role?"
"Have I removed all military jargon and acronyms?"
"Do my achievements sound impressive to someone outside the military?"
"Does my passion for this specific role and company come through?"
The key is to implement feedback strategically. You'll sometimes receive conflicting advice, so consider the source and their familiarity with your target industry. Remember that you're looking to appeal to civilian hiring managers, not impress military leadership.
Conclusion
Creating an effective veteran cover letter is about more than just listing your military experience, it's about translating your valuable service into terms that resonate with civilian employers. By following the guidelines in this article, using our samples as inspiration, and customizing our template to your unique situation, you'll be well-equipped to create a compelling cover letter that opens doors to new opportunities. Remember that your military service has provided you with exceptional skills in leadership, problem-solving, and performing under pressure; all highly valued in the civilian workforce. Take the time to craft a thoughtful cover letter that bridges the gap between your military experience and your future career. Your service has prepared you for success, now it's time to communicate that value effectively and take the next step in your professional journey.