In today’s crowded job market, your resume may get you noticed—but it’s your cover letter that can seal the deal. While some job seekers treat cover letters as optional, savvy applicants know they’re a chance to connect, impress, and tell a story that your resume alone just can’t capture.
Why a Cover Letter Still Matters
Even with automation and applicant tracking systems (ATS) playing a bigger role in hiring, many employers still expect—and read—cover letters. A well-written one helps you:
- Show enthusiasm and cultural fit
- Highlight relevant skills and experiences
- Explain career transitions or gaps
- Add context that a resume can’t provide
It’s your opportunity to speak directly to the hiring manager in a personal, focused way.
Open With a Strong First Impression
Generic openers won’t cut it anymore. Skip the “To Whom It May Concern” or “Dear Hiring Manager” when possible. Do your research—check LinkedIn or the company website—and use the hiring manager’s name. Personalization shows initiative.
Your first paragraph should immediately show why you’re interested in the job and what excites you about the company. Mention the position title, and if someone referred you, drop their name up front.
Example:
Dear Mr. Kim,
As a passionate advocate for community healthcare, I was excited to see the opening for a Program Manager at CityMed. With over five years leading outreach initiatives in underserved neighborhoods, I see a strong alignment between your mission and my background.
This opening is personalized, enthusiastic, and direct—it’s built to keep the reader interested.
Match the Job Description, Not Just the Job Title
Many job seekers make the mistake of blasting the same letter to multiple jobs. But hiring teams can sniff out a copy-paste job instantly. Tailor each letter by:
- Echoing keywords from the job posting
- Highlighting experiences that mirror the listed responsibilities
- Addressing specific skills they’re seeking
Example: If the job asks for “project management experience with cross-functional teams,” don’t just say you’re organized. Explain how you managed a team across marketing, design, and engineering to deliver a campaign under budget.
Tell Stories That Show Your Value
Don’t just rattle off a list of skills. Illustrate how you’ve applied those skills to make a difference.
Use short, punchy stories to paint a picture:
- What was the challenge?
- What did you do?
- What was the outcome?
Instead of:
“I’m detail-oriented and good at problem-solving.”
Try:
“In my last role, I identified a recurring inventory error costing the company over $10,000 annually. By implementing a new tracking system, I reduced the margin of error by 95% in just three months.”
Keep It Tight, Clear, and Focused
A cover letter should never exceed one page—aim for 300 to 450 words. Stick to three or four paragraphs, each with a clear purpose.
Here’s a helpful structure:
- Paragraph 1: Who you are, what you’re applying for, and why this role/company excites you.
- Paragraph 2-3: Highlight relevant experiences with specific examples.
- Paragraph 4: Reiterate interest, thank them for their time, and invite next steps.
Avoid repeating your resume line by line. The goal is to complement—not duplicate—your other application materials.
Infuse Personality Without Losing Professionalism
Tone matters. While your resume is formal, your cover letter can show a bit more of your voice. Think confident, conversational, and enthusiastic.
Still, don’t go overboard with jokes or informal phrases unless it’s clearly appropriate for the company’s culture. When in doubt, aim for approachable and genuine.
Example (for a creative role):
“I’ve always believed in the power of great design—and I think your ‘Less is More’ campaign proves that subtlety can be bold.”
Example (for a traditional role):
“I’m drawn to your reputation for integrity and innovation, and I’d be honored to contribute to such a forward-thinking team.”
Common Cover Letter Mistakes to Avoid
Here’s a quick breakdown of errors that can sink your chances—and how to avoid them:
| Mistake | Why It’s a Problem | What to Do Instead |
|---|---|---|
| Using a template without editing | Feels impersonal and lazy | Customize every letter to the role |
| Rehashing your resume | Wastes valuable space | Add context and tell short stories |
| Typos and grammar errors | Reflects poorly on attention to detail | Proofread, then proofread again |
| Sounding too generic | Doesn’t engage the reader | Show real enthusiasm for the company |
| Forgetting a call to action | Misses the chance to prompt next steps | End with a clear, confident closing |
Use Strong Closings That Invite Next Steps
Don’t fade out with a soft ending like “Thanks for your time.” Instead, end with energy and confidence. Express your enthusiasm and invite further conversation.
Examples of strong closings:
- “I’d love the opportunity to further discuss how my skills could contribute to your team’s success.”
- “Thank you for considering my application—I’m excited at the prospect of joining your innovative team.”
And always sign off with a professional closing like:
- Sincerely,
- Best regards,
- Kind regards,
Formatting Tips That Make a Difference
A professional format makes your letter easier to read and more polished:
- Use a standard font like Arial, Calibri, or Times New Roman (10–12 pt)
- Set 1-inch margins
- Stick to single spacing with a space between paragraphs
- Save and submit your letter as a PDF (unless otherwise instructed)
Here’s a quick formatting checklist:
| Element | Best Practice |
|---|---|
| Font | Calibri, Arial, Times New Roman |
| Font Size | 10–12 pt |
| Length | 3–4 paragraphs, under 1 page |
| File Format | PDF preferred |
| Personalization | Addressed to specific person when possible |
Real Talk: Do Cover Letters Still Get Read?
Yes—but only if they’re worth reading.
According to a 2023 ResumeLab study, 83% of hiring managers said a strong cover letter can boost a candidate’s chances even if their resume isn’t perfect. Another 74% said they expect a cover letter even if it’s not explicitly required.
When it’s done well, a cover letter becomes the difference between being another applicant and becoming a memorable candidate.
Final Word of Advice
Writing a standout cover letter isn’t about having the perfect background—it’s about telling your story in a way that aligns with what the company needs. It’s your moment to shine, not with flashy words, but with clear, tailored messaging that shows you’ve done your homework and you’re genuinely excited to contribute.
If you treat your cover letter as an essential part of your application—not an afterthought—you’ll already be ahead of the pack.
