How to Write a Cover Letter: Complete Guide with Examples

Do Cover Letters Still Matter?

Yes. While not every employer reads them, the ones who do use them to differentiate between similarly qualified candidates. A strong cover letter adds personality, context, and motivation that a resume alone can't convey.

Research shows that applications with tailored cover letters are 40% more likely to receive a callback than those without. The key word is 'tailored' — a generic, copy-pasted letter does more harm than good.

The Structure of a Winning Cover Letter

A great cover letter follows a clear structure: a strong opening that hooks the reader, 1-2 paragraphs that connect your experience to the role's requirements, and a confident closing that requests an interview. Keep it to one page.

• Header: Your name, contact info, date, and the employer's details.
• Salutation: Address a named person if possible ('Dear Ms Smith'). Avoid 'To Whom It May Concern.'
• Opening: State the role you're applying for and why you're excited about it specifically.
• Body: 1-2 paragraphs connecting your achievements to the job's requirements. Use specific examples with metrics.
• Closing: Reiterate your interest, mention your availability, and include a call to action.
• Sign-off: 'Yours sincerely' if you named the recipient, 'Yours faithfully' if not.

Cover Letter Template

Adapt this proven template for any role:

• [Your Name] | [Phone] | [Email] | [LinkedIn]
• Dear [Hiring Manager Name],
• I'm writing to apply for the [Job Title] position at [Company]. I've followed [Company]'s work in [specific area] and was particularly impressed by [recent project or achievement], which aligns closely with my experience in [relevant skill].
• In my current role as [Current Title] at [Company], I [specific achievement with metric]. For example, I [concrete example with results]. This experience directly applies to the [specific responsibility from the job description].
• What draws me to [Company] specifically is [genuine, researched reason]. I'm excited about the opportunity to [how you'd contribute] and would welcome the chance to discuss how my background in [area] can support your team's goals.
• Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to hearing from you.
• Yours sincerely,
• [Your Name]

Common Cover Letter Mistakes

• Repeating your resume word-for-word. The letter should add context, not duplicate.
• Starting with 'To Whom It May Concern.' Find the hiring manager's name on LinkedIn.
• Focusing on what you want instead of what you offer. Employers care about their problems, not your career goals.
• Writing more than one page. Respect their time — be concise.
• Forgetting to proofread. A single typo can disqualify you.
• Using a generic template for every application. Tailor each letter to the specific company and role.

Write Both in One Place

Our resume builder includes a matching cover letter tool — same contact details, same formatting, same fonts. Build your resume, then generate a tailored cover letter in minutes.