In a world where recruiters skim hundreds of applications, your cover letter is your secret weapon to stand out. A good cover letter shows you’re serious about the role, highlights your personality, and connects your skills directly to the job.
This guide will help you write a compelling cover letter in 2025, whether you’re fresh out of school, switching careers, freelancing, or applying internationally.
A personalized, well-researched cover letter can greatly increase your chances of landing an interview. Take the time to tailor each one to the role and company, it’s worth the effort.
What is a cover letter?
A cover letter, sometimes referred to as an application letter, is a short, targeted document typically made up of three to four paragraphs. Its purpose is to tell employers why you’re interested in a specific job and company, and why you’re a strong match for the position. You usually submit it alongside your resume.
Whereas your resume summarizes your work history, skills, and education in bullet points, your cover letter gives you the chance to dive deeper, showcasing your accomplishments and motivation in a more personal way. A well-crafted cover letter can make a big impression and help you stand out from other applicants. To make yours genuinely engaging and not generic, it’s essential to thoroughly research the company and the role before you begin writing.
Things to Think About Before Writing
Before drafting your cover letter, prepare the key details you’ll need. Here are some helpful questions to ask yourself:
- Which past experiences, skills, or achievements should the employer know about?
- How did you hear about this job? If someone referred you, write down their name and position. If you found it on a job board or ad, note where and when.
- What about this company appeals to you? Is it their culture, reputation, or values? Read about their mission and vision to ensure it aligns with your goals.
- Who will be reading your letter? If possible, address it to a specific person by name and title. If you don’t know, use a polite general greeting like “Dear Hiring Manager” or “Dear Human Resources.”
Taking time to reflect on these points will help you craft a thoughtful and personalized letter.
Proper Cover Letter Structure
A cover letter should follow a clear, formal business letter format with these sections:
- Your contact details and the date
- A polite greeting
- A compelling opening paragraph
- One or two middle paragraphs highlighting your qualifications
- A closing paragraph
- A courteous sign-off and your signature
Keep your letter to one page, use an easy-to-read professional font (like Arial or Helvetica, sized 10–12 points), align your text to the left, single-space the content, and maintain one-inch margins.
What Makes a Great Cover Letter?
A winning cover letter is:
- Tailored: customized for each job
- Short: ideally half a page to one full page
- Clear: avoids jargon and buzzwords
- Confident: but not arrogant
- Action-oriented: shows what you can bring to the table
How To Write A Cover Letter
1 Start with Your Header
Like any formal letter, begin with your personal details and the recipient’s information to make it clear who you are and who you’re writing to. Align this with the header style of your resume for a polished look.
2 Add a Proper Greeting
Ideally, find out who will read your application and address them by name. If you can’t find a name, a professional title works too. Avoid outdated phrases like “To Whom It May Concern.”
3 Write a Strong Opening Paragraph
Start by stating the position you’re applying for and where you found the job listing. Express genuine enthusiasm for the job and show you’ve done your homework about the company.
4 Develop the Body Paragraph(s)
Use the next paragraph or two to discuss your relevant experience. Highlight key skills, achievements, or results that demonstrate why you’re qualified. Include metrics or specific examples whenever possible. Make sure to use keywords from the job description.
5 Conclude with a Strong Closing Paragraph
Wrap up by mentioning another strength or achievement that reinforces why you’re a good fit. If you’re changing industries, highlight transferable skills or relevant stories from your previous roles.
6 End with a Professional Sign-Off
Finish your letter by briefly restating your interest and why you’d be a valuable addition. Express gratitude for their consideration and sign off respectfully.
Why a Cover Letter Still Matters
Some people skip cover letters because they assume recruiters don’t read them anymore. But here’s the truth:
- Many hiring managers say a strong cover letter can sway their decision, especially when candidates have similar resumes.
- It proves you care enough to go the extra mile.
- It lets you explain things a resume can’t: career changes, employment gaps, or why you love the company.
An Easy Structure: 4 Simple Parts
1 Header & Greeting
Include your contact info (name, email, phone number) at the top, or use the same header as your resume for a polished look.
Address it to a real person if possible:
Dear [Hiring Manager’s Name],
Avoid “To Whom It May Concern”, check LinkedIn or the company site to find a name.
2 Strong Opening
Grab attention immediately. Mention the role you’re applying for and why you’re excited about it.
Example:
I’m thrilled to apply for the Marketing Specialist position at XYZ Agency. With a passion for creative storytelling and a proven track record in social media campaigns, I’m eager to contribute fresh ideas to your dynamic team.
3 Compelling Body Paragraph(s)
This is where you connect your skills and experience to the job description. Focus on how your achievements match what the employer needs.
Example:
In my previous role at ABC Company, I increased social media engagement by 40% within six months by launching targeted content and collaborating with influencers. I enjoy transforming ideas into campaigns that drive real results, exactly what your team at XYZ is known for.
If relevant, explain gaps or career changes positively.
4 Confident Closing
Wrap up with enthusiasm. Express interest in an interview and thank them for considering you.
Example:
I’m excited about the opportunity to bring my creative skills and strategic mindset to XYZ Agency. I’d welcome the chance to discuss how my experience aligns with your goals. Thank you for your time and consideration.
End with a professional sign-off:
Best regards,
[Your Name]
Quick Tips for Success
Be Specific
Generic cover letters get ignored. Mention the company’s name and a detail that shows you’ve done your homework.
Use Keywords
Mirror words from the job posting so your letter passes automated screening tools.
Keep it Short
Aim for 250–400 words, no recruiter wants to read an essay.
Proofread
Spelling or grammar errors can cost you an interview. Use tools like Grammarly or ask a friend to review.
Match the Tone
Is the company formal, fun, or creative? Match your language to fit their culture.
Sample Cover Letter
Here’s a simple example to guide you:
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your Email] | [Your Phone Number]
[Date]
[Hiring Manager’s Name]
[Company Name]
[Company Address]
Dear [Hiring Manager’s Name],
I’m excited to apply for the Content Writer position at BrightMedia Co. With three years of experience crafting engaging blog posts and social media content, I’m eager to bring my creativity and SEO expertise to your growing team.
At my previous company, I developed content strategies that boosted web traffic by 55% in under a year. I enjoy turning complex ideas into clear, compelling stories that resonate with readers, a skill I see valued highly at BrightMedia Co.
I’d love to discuss how my writing skills and passion for storytelling can contribute to your team’s content goals. Thank you for your time and consideration, I look forward to the possibility of speaking with you soon.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
Recommended Free Cover Letter Template Resources
1. Canva
Link: Canva Cover Letters Templates or Cover Letter Maker
Canva offers stylish, fully editable cover letter templates that match many resume designs. Perfect for customizing fonts, colors, and layout directly in your browser.
2. Microsoft Office Templates
Link: Microsoft Office Cover Letter Templates
Classic and professional cover letter templates for Word, easy to download, edit offline, and print.
3. Novoresume
Link: Novoresume.com Cover Letter Templates
Novoresume lets you build and download matching cover letters and resumes. Some templates are free with signup.
4. Zety
Link: Zety Cover Letter Templates
Zety offers modern cover letter templates with guided steps to write one quickly. Free download in .txt or paid for advanced formats.
Remember to pick a cover letter template that matches your resume style for a polished, professional application.
Cover Letter Service
To make things easy, access a tailored editable cover letter template you can download and customize
Final Thoughts
Your cover letter is your personal pitch. Take the time to make it clear, concise, and tailored to each role. With practice, it becomes a powerful tool that helps you land more interviews and job offers.
