How to Write a Cover Letter

A comprehensive guide to crafting professional cover letters that land interviews.

Introduction

A cover letter is your opportunity to introduce yourself, explain why you're interested in the position, and demonstrate how your skills and experience make you the ideal candidate. While resumes list your qualifications, cover letters tell your professional story and show your personality.

An effective cover letter should be:

Concise: One page (250-400 words)
Targeted: Customized for each position
Compelling: Demonstrates your value proposition
Professional: Well-formatted and error-free

Cover Letter Structure

Every professional cover letter follows this basic structure:

Header: Your contact information and date
Salutation: "Dear [Hiring Manager's Name]"
Opening Paragraph: Hook and position statement
Body Paragraphs (1-2): Qualifications and achievements
Closing Paragraph: Call to action
Sign-off: "Sincerely" or "Best regards"

Opening Paragraph

Your opening paragraph should immediately capture attention and clearly state your purpose. Include:

The position you're applying for
Where you found the job posting
A compelling reason you're interested
A brief statement of your key qualification

Example:

"I am writing to express my strong interest in the Senior Marketing Manager position at TechCorp, which I discovered on LinkedIn. With over eight years of experience driving digital marketing campaigns that have generated $5M+ in revenue, I am excited about the opportunity to contribute to TechCorp's innovative growth strategy."

Body Paragraphs

The body of your cover letter (1-2 paragraphs) should provide specific examples that demonstrate your qualifications. Follow the STAR method:

Situation: Set the context
Task: Describe the challenge
Action: Explain what you did
Result: Quantify the outcome

Key strategies:

Use specific numbers and metrics
Match your skills to job requirements
Show enthusiasm for the company's mission
Demonstrate cultural fit

Example:

"In my current role at DigitalFirst, I spearheaded a multi-channel campaign that increased lead generation by 150% while reducing cost-per-acquisition by 35%. I accomplished this by implementing data-driven A/B testing, optimizing our marketing automation workflows, and collaborating cross-functionally with sales and product teams."

Closing Paragraph

Your closing should reiterate your interest, express enthusiasm, and include a clear call to action:

Summarize why you're a great fit
Express genuine excitement about the role
Request an interview or next steps
Thank the reader for their time

Example:

"I am excited about the opportunity to bring my expertise in digital marketing and data analytics to TechCorp's talented team. I would welcome the chance to discuss how my background aligns with your needs. Thank you for your consideration, and I look forward to speaking with you soon."

Common Mistakes to Avoid

❌ Generic letters: Always customize for each position
❌ Repeating your resume: Add new information and context
❌ Typos and errors: Proofread multiple times
❌ Being too long: Keep it to one page
❌ Focusing on yourself: Show how you'll help the company
❌ Using clichés: Avoid "hardworking" and "team player"
❌ Weak opening: Skip "I am writing to apply..."
❌ No specific examples: Always include metrics and achievements

Pro Tips for Success

✅ Research the company: Reference specific projects or values
✅ Use keywords: Include terms from the job description (ATS-friendly)
✅ Show personality: Let your authentic voice shine through
✅ Quantify achievements: Use numbers, percentages, and dollar amounts
✅ Address gaps: If applicable, briefly explain career changes
✅ Use action verbs: Led, achieved, increased, implemented
✅ Match the tone: Formal for corporate, creative for startups
✅ Save as PDF: Ensures formatting stays consistent

Table of Contents

Introduction

Cover Letter Structure

Opening Paragraph

Body Paragraphs

Closing Paragraph

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Pro Tips for Success

Ready to Write Your Cover Letter?