How to Write a Cover Letter That Gets You Hired
Learn the proven structure and strategies to write compelling cover letters that land interviews
Why Cover Letters Still Matter in 2026
Despite what you might hear, cover letters are still important. While 36% of recruiters say they're optional, 45% admit that a strong cover letter can be the deciding factor between two equally qualified candidates.
A well-crafted cover letter:
- Shows genuine interest in the specific role and company
- Explains gaps or career changes that a resume can't address
- Demonstrates your communication skills and personality
- Provides context for your most relevant achievements
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Cover Letter Structure
Header (Contact Information)
Start with your contact information, formatted professionally at the top.
Your Full Name
Your Phone Number
Your Email Address
Your LinkedIn Profile (optional)
City, State
Date
Hiring Manager's Name (if known)
Title
Company Name
Company Address
Pro Tip: If you can't find the hiring manager's name, use "Dear Hiring Manager" or "Dear [Department] Team" instead of "To Whom It May Concern."
Opening Paragraph: The Hook
Your opening should immediately grab attention and state your purpose clearly.
Include:
- The specific position you're applying for
- How you found the job posting
- A compelling reason why you're interested
- One standout qualification or achievement
Weak Opening:
"I am writing to apply for the Marketing Manager position I saw on your website. I believe I would be a good fit for this role."
Strong Opening:
"When I saw that TechCorp is looking for a Marketing Manager to scale its SaaS product, I knew I had to apply. Having grown user acquisition by 300% at my current company through data-driven campaigns, I'm excited about bringing similar results to TechCorp's innovative platform."
Body Paragraphs: Prove Your Value
This is where you connect your experience to the job requirements. Use 1-2 paragraphs to:
Paragraph 1: Relevant Experience
Highlight 2-3 achievements that directly relate to the job requirements. Use specific metrics and results.
"In my current role as Senior Data Analyst at ABC Corp, I've led analytics initiatives that directly increased revenue. I developed a customer segmentation model that improved marketing ROI by 40%, and created automated dashboards that reduced reporting time by 15 hours per week. These experiences align perfectly with your need for someone who can transform data into actionable business insights."
Paragraph 2: Why This Company
Show you've researched the company and explain why you specifically want to work there.
"I've been following TechCorp's mission to democratize financial services, and I'm particularly impressed by your recent expansion into underserved markets. My background in fintech analytics and my passion for financial inclusion make this opportunity especially meaningful to me. I'm excited about contributing to a team that's making a real social impact while building cutting-edge technology."
Formula: Accomplishment + How it's relevant + What you'll bring to their company
Closing Paragraph: Call to Action
End strong with enthusiasm and a clear call to action.
Include:
- Enthusiasm about the opportunity
- Mention your attached resume
- Express interest in an interview
- Thank them for their consideration
Strong Closing Example:
"I'm excited about the possibility of bringing my data analytics expertise and passion for innovation to TechCorp. I've attached my resume with additional details about my experience. I'd welcome the opportunity to discuss how I can contribute to your team's success. Thank you for considering my application, and I look forward to hearing from you."
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Essential Cover Letter Tips
Do's
- Customize every cover letter for each specific job
- Use specific examples and metrics
- Match your tone to the company culture
- Address the hiring manager by name when possible
- Keep it to one page (3-4 paragraphs)
- Use keywords from the job description
- Show enthusiasm and personality
- Proofread multiple times
Don'ts
- Use a generic template for every application
- Simply repeat what's on your resume
- Focus only on what you want from the job
- Use "To Whom It May Concern"
- Exceed one page
- Use overly casual language or slang
- Include salary requirements (unless asked)
- Make spelling or grammar mistakes
Cover Letters for Different Scenarios
Career Change
If you're transitioning to a new field, focus on transferable skills and explain your motivation clearly.
"While my background is in teaching, I've developed strong data analysis and communication skills that translate directly to this market research role. My experience analyzing student performance metrics and presenting findings to administrators has prepared me to interpret consumer data and deliver actionable insights. I'm making this transition because I'm passionate about understanding consumer behavior and want to apply my analytical skills in a business context."
Employment Gap
Address gaps briefly and positively, focusing on what you learned or accomplished during that time.
"After taking time off to care for a family member, I'm eager to return to my marketing career with fresh energy and updated skills. During this period, I completed certifications in Google Analytics and Content Marketing, and freelanced for two small businesses, increasing their social media engagement by an average of 150%."
Entry-Level / Recent Graduate
Emphasize relevant coursework, projects, internships, and transferable skills from part-time jobs.
"As a recent Computer Science graduate, I may have limited professional experience, but I've built a strong foundation through hands-on projects and internships. During my summer internship at ABC Tech, I developed a feature that improved app performance by 25%. My capstone project, a machine learning model for predictive maintenance, demonstrates my ability to apply theoretical knowledge to solve real-world problems."
Internal Position
Highlight your knowledge of the company and specific achievements in your current role.
"Having worked as a Customer Support Specialist at TechCorp for three years, I've gained deep insight into our customers' needs and pain points. This knowledge, combined with my experience training new team members and my recent completion of the company's leadership development program, positions me well for the Customer Support Manager role. I'm excited about the opportunity to continue growing with TechCorp and lead the team I've been proud to be part of."
Cover Letter Mistakes That Kill Your Application
1. Using the wrong company name
Copy-pasting and forgetting to update the company name is an instant rejection. Always triple-check.
2. Making it all about you
Instead of "This job would be great for my career," focus on "Here's how I can contribute to your team's success."
3. Being too modest or too arrogant
Strike a balance between confidence and humility. Use facts and achievements to support your claims.
4. Exceeding one page
Hiring managers spend an average of 7 seconds on cover letters. Keep it concise and impactful.
5. Not tailoring it to the job
Generic cover letters are obvious and ineffective. Always customize to the specific role and company.
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