Why Cover Letters Still Matter
While some hiring managers skip them, many still read cover letters — especially for competitive roles. A well-written cover letter can be the difference between getting an interview and getting passed over. It's your chance to tell a story that a resume can't.
Use your cover letter to explain why you want this specific role at this specific company. Generic cover letters are worse than no cover letter at all. Research the company, reference their mission or recent work, and connect it to your experience.
Cover Letter Structure
Keep your cover letter to one page with 3-4 paragraphs:
Opening Paragraph
State the position you're applying for and one compelling reason you're a strong fit. Hook the reader immediately. Avoid “I am writing to apply for...”
Body Paragraphs (1-2)
Highlight 2-3 relevant achievements that directly relate to the job requirements. Use specific numbers and results. This is where you prove your claims with evidence.
Closing Paragraph
Restate your enthusiasm, mention you've attached your resume, and include a clear call to action. Thank them for their time and express interest in discussing the role further.
Cover Letter Template
Dear [Hiring Manager's Name],
I'm excited to apply for the [Position] role at [Company]. With [X years] of experience in [relevant field], I've consistently [key achievement that matches the job]. I'm drawn to [Company] because [specific reason — product, mission, culture].
In my current role at [Current Company], I [specific achievement with numbers]. This involved [relevant skill from job description], which directly aligns with what you're looking for. Previously, I [another relevant achievement] that resulted in [measurable outcome].
I'd love the opportunity to bring this experience to [Company] and contribute to [specific goal or project]. I've attached my resume for your review and would welcome the chance to discuss how I can add value to your team.
Thank you for your consideration.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
Tips for a Great Cover Letter
- •Address a specific person whenever possible — “Dear Hiring Manager” is fine as a fallback
- •Keep it under one page (250-400 words is ideal)
- •Don't repeat your resume — expand on 2-3 highlights with context and narrative
- •Show you've researched the company — mention specific products, values, or news
- •Match the tone of the company — formal for finance, slightly casual for startups
- •Proofread carefully — typos in a cover letter are more damaging than on a resume
- •Save as PDF with a clear filename: “FirstName-LastName-Cover-Letter.pdf”
Common Cover Letter Mistakes
- •Starting with “To Whom It May Concern” — it signals you didn't try to find the right person
- •Making it all about you — focus on what you can do for the company
- •Being too generic — a cover letter that could apply to any company is a wasted opportunity
- •Mentioning salary expectations unless specifically asked
- •Writing more than one page — respect the reader's time