A recent survey found that 83% of hiring managers read your cover letter and use it to decide whether or not to interview you. As a hiring manager with half a decade of experience, I can tell you I do the same thing.
Writing a cover letter that shows you’re a strong candidate and worth interviewing is a skill. I’ll show you how to sharpen that skill, so you can spend less time applying for jobs and more time getting paid.
Writing a cover letter that earns you interviews
To write a cover letter that truly stands out, start by understanding what the company wants and how you can meet those needs.
1. Research the company and role
You’d be shocked by how many cover letters job seekers submit that don’t target a specific company or role.
Learn what the employer is looking for and address these details in your cover letter, and you’ll already place yourself above the majority of candidates. Just quickly check out their social media accounts and company website and you’ll soon have some ideas.
Write down anything that seems particularly relevant, and then (this part is crucial) think about how your experience, background, and skills align with the company’s needs. This approach will help you write a cover letter that’s both well-targeted and relevant.
2. Personalize your letter by addressing the hiring manager by name
Personalizing your letter shows you aren’t just blasting out cover letters to hundreds of hiring managers. Whenever possible, address your cover letter to the hiring manager by name (i.e. “Dear Mr. Wilson”). This personal touch shows that you’ve done your research and are genuinely interested in the position.
If you can’t find the hiring manager’s name, use a professional cover letter salutation such as “Dear Hiring Manager” or “Dear [Department Name] Team.”
However, I recommend that you avoid outdated greetings like “To Whom It May Concern” or “Dear Sir or Madam,” because these can make your letter feel old-fashioned.
3. Hook your reader with a strong opening paragraph
You don’t need to do anything groundbreaking here, just start your cover letter by expressing your enthusiasm for the position and the company.
Briefly mention how you learned about the job opening and provide an overview of your experience. You can also use this paragraph to highlight a key achievement or skill that makes you the ideal candidate.
If writing hooks for your cover letter seems tiring, you should try out a cover letter generator tool.
4. Relate your experience to the job description
Your body paragraphs should convince the hiring manager that you’re the perfect person for the job. This is where your previous research comes in handy.
Use this opportunity to market yourself by discussing how your work experience, skills, achievements, and enthusiasm make you a perfect fit for the role as advertised.
One of the most effective ways to do this is to focus on skills and experience that the employer emphasized in the job description. Summarize your most relevant qualifications in one or two sentences, highlighting key achievements or previous responsibilities to make your expertise more compelling.
5. Highlight concrete examples of your achievements
In the next paragraph(s), share concrete examples of your accomplishments and explain how they tie into the role you’re applying for. This helps highlight what you’re capable of achieving for the business should they hire you.
Focus on details like:
- Daily tasks
- Time spent on tasks
- People you work with
- Customer or manager feedback
- Project deadlines
- Quality metrics
- Speed improvements
Most importantly, provide hard numbers for any accomplishments you highlight on your cover letter, similar to how you might quantify your resume.
Want to highlight a series of accomplishments? Include a bulleted list of examples on your cover letter to concisely pack in some extra information.
6. Re-state your interest and finish with confidence
When ending your cover letter, be polite and confident, and continue to market yourself as the best candidate for the job.
Start by sharing your excitement about the opportunity once more — it’s always good to end on a positive note! Then, invite the hiring manager to schedule an interview and thank them for taking the time to read your application.
Finally, wrap up your cover letter with a professional sign-off. The standard closing is “Sincerely,” but here are some more options:
Cover letter closings
Best wishes,
Cordially,
Respectfully,
Kind regards,
Best regards,
Then, add two line breaks and type your full name.
7. Proofread carefully
Your cover letter doesn’t just highlight your work experience – it’s also a demonstration of your writing skills and attention to detail. Typos and grammatical errors in your cover letter can easily leave a negative impression on employers.
Here are two quick tricks professional editors use to catch mistakes:
- Read your writing out loud: Reading your letter aloud forces you to consider every word, sentence, paragraph, and punctuation mark. Plus, it’ll help you notice any hard-to-read sentences, so you can simplify them.
- Change the font: Switching your cover letter’s font forces your brain to pay attention to mistakes you may have glossed over before.
Check your formatting
Using a consistent cover letter format makes your application look polished and professional. A well-written cover letter is normally:
- 200–400 words
- Single-spaced
- US Letter (USA) or A4 (elsewhere) page size
- Left-aligned (except for your name and contact details, which can be centered)
Ready to get started?
Three mistakes to avoid when writing your cover letter
As a hiring manager, I’ve almost never decided to hire someone based solely on their cover letter. However, I have rejected candidates based on their cover letters.
That might sound harsh, but a particularly bad cover letter can raise red flags that a candidate’s resume might not reveal.
To help you dodge this fate, here are a few cover letter mistakes you need to avoid making:
1. Rehashing your resume
Your cover letter shouldn’t be a narrative version of your resume. Instead, it should tell the stories behind your biggest achievements and explain why you’re a great fit for this specific role.
To make the most of your cover letter, choose a couple of your most relevant accomplishments and dig into the details. This helps provide context for your resume, rather than just restating it.
2. Telling your life story
This is the most common mistake I see people make when writing a cover letter, especially from younger candidates who may not have work experience.
Your cover letter isn’t an admissions or scholarship essay. Avoid personal details or any emotional appeals to employers.
Instead, focus solely on why you’re qualified to do the job – this is all employers are interested in reading.
Example of a cover letter that’s too personal
Dear Mr. Anderson,
I am writing with great enthusiasm to apply for the Junior Accountant position at Maxwell Financial. Ever since I was a young child playing with my Fisher-Price calculator and helping my mother balance her checkbook, I’ve dreamed of becoming an accountant. I used to spend hours organizing my piggy bank contents and creating spreadsheets of my allowance spending – accounting isn’t just a career choice for me, it’s my calling.
In high school, I was voted “Most Likely to Become an Accountant” by my classmates, probably because I was always helping everyone track our fundraising money and calculate tip percentages at lunch. I even started a Math Club just so I could spend more time working with numbers! My bedroom walls were covered with posters of famous accountants and financial leaders, and I’ve read every book ever written about the history of accounting.
3. Apologizing or underselling yourself
This is another mistake I see younger job seekers and people changing careers make all the time. If you don’t meet all the requirements for a job, don’t apologize or draw attention to what you’re missing.
People admire confidence, and that includes employers. Instead of bringing attention to your weaknesses, focus on your transferable skills and eagerness to learn.
In particular, avoid self-deprecating language or excessive humility, because this can make you look unsure of yourself and distract from your qualifications.
Instead, focus on explaining why the role excites you and how your skills align with their needs, rather than overemphasizing how much you need the position.
Genuine enthusiasm
I’m thrilled at the opportunity to bring my skills in project management to your dynamic team and contribute to [Company Name]’s innovative initiatives.
Desperation
I would be so grateful if you could give me a chance — I really need this job.
Cover letter templates to download and fill out
One of the easiest ways to jumpstart writing a cover letter is to use a template.
Here are a few cover letter templates that work particularly well for nearly any profession:
Formal cover letter template
This simple cover letter template is ideal for jobs that require a high level of professionalism, like those in finance or law.
Creative cover letter template
Want your job application to have a little more flair? This creative cover letter template shows some personality while still keeping it professional.
Modern cover letter template
If you’re applying for jobs in tech, you’ll want to use a modern cover letter template like this one.
Examples of successful cover letters
When you’re trying to figure out how to write your cover letter, sometimes it’s most helpful to see an example that actually worked.
Here are three cover letter examples written for various experience levels:
Cover letter for first job
Dear [Hiring Manager’s Name],
I’m writing to apply for the Server position at The Rustic Table. As a junior at Washington High School with a passion for food service, I’m excited about the opportunity to join your team for my first job.
Though I don’t have formal work experience, I’ve developed relevant skills through my Home Economics classes and by helping with our school’s fundraising dinners. Last month, I helped coordinate food service for our Spring Festival which served over 200 community members, receiving compliments on my attentiveness and positive attitude.
The Rustic Table would be perfect for me because:
I’ve been a regular customer and love your commitment to local ingredients
My schedule allows me to work weekday evenings and weekends
I’m eager to learn and willing to take on any task needed
The friendly atmosphere I’ve experienced as a customer attracts me most to your restaurant. I’ve observed how your staff works together efficiently while maintaining a personal connection with guests, which is exactly the environment I want to work in.
I’d love the chance to meet with you to discuss how my enthusiasm and willingness to learn could benefit your team. I can be reached at (555) 123-4567 or yourname@email.com.
Thank you for considering me for this position. I’m excited about the possibility of starting my working career at The Rustic Table.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Internship cover letter
Dear Ms. Smith,
I am writing to express my interest in the Marketing Internship position at Sunrise Media that I discovered on LinkedIn. As a sophomore pursuing my Bachelor’s degree in Marketing at State University, I’m excited about the opportunity to gain hands-on experience and contribute to Sunrise Media’s creative campaigns.
Your internship description mentions seeking candidates with basic knowledge of social media platforms and strong communication skills. Through my coursework and personal experience managing social media for my campus organization, I’ve developed familiarity with platforms including Instagram, Twitter, and TikTok. Last semester, I helped our student marketing club increase event attendance by 15% by creating engaging social media content that highlighted the benefits of participation.
Although I’m early in my academic journey, I’ve already completed introductory courses in marketing principles, consumer behavior, and digital communications. I’m particularly proud of a class project where I conducted basic market research and created a mock campaign for a local coffee shop, receiving an A for my creative approach and attention to detail.
What excites me most about this internship is the opportunity to learn from experienced marketing professionals while contributing my fresh perspective, enthusiasm, and willingness to take on any task. I’m eager to develop practical skills in content creation, analytics, and campaign planning that will complement my academic studies.
I appreciate your consideration and would welcome the chance to discuss how I could contribute to Sunrise Media as an intern. I’m available for an interview at your convenience and can be reached at (555) 123-4567 or yourname@email.com.
Thank you for your time. I look forward to learning and growing with your innovative team.
Sincerely, [Your Name]
Cover letter for an experienced candidate
Dear [Hiring Manager’s Name],
I’m writing to apply for the 5th Grade Teacher position at Lincoln Elementary School. With five years of classroom experience, including three years teaching 4th and 5th grade, I believe my instructional approach and commitment to student growth align perfectly with Lincoln’s mission of fostering critical thinking and creativity.
During my time at Washington Elementary, I developed and implemented a project-based science curriculum that increased standardized test scores by 15% and sparked greater student engagement. Additionally, as Grade Level Chair at Jefferson Elementary, I mentored two new teachers and collaborated with colleagues to create cross-curricular units that addressed diverse learning styles while meeting district standards.
Lincoln Elementary would benefit from my expertise in:
- Differentiated instruction and personalized learning strategies
- Technology integration that enhances rather than replaces traditional learning
- Creating inclusive classroom environments that celebrate diversity
What particularly draws me to Lincoln Elementary is your STEAM-focused approach and commitment to whole-child education. During my visit to your spring showcase last year, I was impressed by the depth of student projects and the supportive community atmosphere. My background in arts integration and inquiry-based learning would complement your existing programs while bringing fresh perspectives.
I would welcome the opportunity to discuss how my experience could contribute to Lincoln Elementary’s continued excellence. I’m available for an interview at your convenience and can be reached at (555) 123-4567 or yourname@email.com.
Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the possibility of joining your dedicated faculty and helping students discover their full potential.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Frequently asked questions about how to write a cover letter
Still unsure about something? Here are answers to some of the most commonly asked questions about writing a cover letter:
How long should a cover letter be?
Keep your cover letter’s length to about 250–400 words, or roughly one page.
Every word should count. Focus on your most relevant skills and experiences. A concise, well-written cover letter shows that you can communicate effectively and that you respect the reader’s time.
Do I always need to submit a cover letter?
Yes, generally cover letters are necessary. A well-written cover letter can complement your resume, explain your fit for the position, showcase your written communication skills, help overcome lack of experience, and provide context for unusual circumstances.
Even when optional, including a cover letter can significantly boost your chances of landing an interview.
Should I write a different cover letter for each job?
Your cover letter is an opportunity to show employers why you want to work with them specifically. Generic, copy-pasted cover letters waste this opportunity, and it can make you look disinterested.
While it sounds like a lot of work (and it often is), you should adjust your cover letter for each job you apply for. You don’t need to rewrite it every time, but it should at least address the requirements and qualifications mentioned in the job description.
Show how your skills and experiences directly relate to what the employer is looking for. This approach allows you to strategically incorporate relevant keywords into your cover letter and demonstrates your genuine interest in the position, making it more likely that you’ll stand out from other applicants.
Should I address career gaps in my cover letter?
If there’s something unique about your background — like a gap in your work history, a sudden change in career, or an unconventional path — your cover letter is the ideal place to address it.
Frame your situation as a strength by explaining what you’ve learned or how it makes you a better fit for the job. Tackling potential concerns head-on can turn potential red flags into green flags.
What file format should I use for my cover letter?
PDF is generally the best file type to use, because it looks the same across all devices and platforms. However, if a Word document (DOC/DOCX) is required, follow the employer’s instructions.
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