How do you write a cover letter that actually works?
Open with why you want THIS job, connect one concrete achievement to one job requirement, and close with a specific next step. 250 words max.
What a cover letter is actually for
A cover letter is not a summary of your resume. If it repeats what the resume already says, the reader loses interest by the second paragraph. Its job is to do three things the resume cannot: explain why you want this specific role, connect one concrete achievement to one specific requirement, and make it easy for the reader to imagine you in the seat.
Keep it under 250 words. Hiring managers read hundreds of these. A short letter that says something is always better than a long one that says nothing.
The four-paragraph structure that works
Paragraph 1 — Why this job
One or two sentences. Name the role, name the company, and state something specific about them — a product, a recent announcement, a stated value — that maps to why you want it. Do not open with "I am writing to apply for the position of..." — recruiters read that line and skip to the next letter.
Paragraph 2 — One achievement, one requirement
Pick the single most important requirement in the posting. Pair it with one concrete achievement from your career that demonstrates it. Name the situation, what you did, and what the result was. Numbers help. "Led the rollout of the customer portal across three business units; cut ticket volume 31% in the first quarter" beats "experienced in customer-facing software."
Paragraph 3 — Why you, specifically
Two sentences on why your particular path makes you a strong fit — something the resume cannot show. A career pivot, a combination of skills, an unusual vantage point. Do not list generic traits ("I'm a hard worker"). Show the angle.
Paragraph 4 — Specific close
Close with what you want next. "I would welcome a conversation about how I could contribute to the team." Do not over-promise. Do not grovel. Sign off with your name.
What to leave out
- Your full work history
- A list of your soft skills
- "I am passionate about..." (everyone is)
- Anything that starts with "As you can see from my resume..."
Format
- Match the fonts and margins of your resume
- Top header with your name, email, phone — same as the resume
- No photo
- Save as PDF with the naming convention
[Initial]_[LastName]_[Company]_CoverLetter.pdf
A test before you send it
Read it out loud. If you stumble, it is too long. If it sounds like anyone could have written it, it isn't finished.
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