A cover letter can be the difference between getting an interview or being overlooked. It needs to grab attention, highlight the right skills, and show why an applicant is the perfect fit for the job.
This guide will break down how to write a cover letter that stands out. From crafting a strong opening to avoiding common mistakes, every section focuses on creating a letter that gets results. By the end, you’ll know exactly how to write a cover letter that gets noticed and increases the chances of landing an interview.
Start with a Strong Opening That Grabs Attention
A hiring manager spends only a few seconds scanning a cover letter before deciding whether to continue reading. If the opening is weak or generic, it won’t stand out, and the application may be overlooked.
The first sentence must immediately capture attention by demonstrating enthusiasm, relevance, or an impressive accomplishment. Avoid generic openings like:
“I am excited to apply for the [Job Title] position at [Company Name].”
Instead, start with a compelling fact, a bold statement, or a relevant personal achievement:
- Show enthusiasm for the company’s mission:
“When I saw that [Company Name] is leading the way in sustainable architecture, I knew I had to apply. My passion for green building design has driven my work for the past five years, and I would love the opportunity to contribute to your team.” - Lead with an achievement that directly relates to the job:
“Increasing sales by 40% in my first year at [Previous Company] taught me that strong client relationships drive business growth, something I am eager to bring to the [Job Title] role at [Company Name].” - Mention a direct connection to the company:
“As a long-time admirer of [Company Name]’s innovative approach to digital marketing, I was excited to see an opening on your team. My experience in content strategy and brand growth aligns perfectly with your company’s vision.”
A strong opening shows confidence, creates curiosity, and encourages the hiring manager to keep reading.
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Personalize the Cover Letter for the Job
A generic, one-size-fits-all cover letter won’t get results. Hiring managers can tell when candidates send the same letter to multiple companies. Personalization makes a difference and demonstrates genuine interest in the role.
Here’s how to tailor a cover letter effectively:
- Address the hiring manager by name: Avoid generic salutations like “To Whom It May Concern.” If the name isn’t listed, research the company’s website or LinkedIn. If it’s truly unavailable, “Dear Hiring Manager” is an acceptable alternative.
- Mention the company’s name and the specific role: This proves that the cover letter is written specifically for that job.
- Highlight key skills that match the job description: Show how past experience aligns with what the company is looking for.
Example:
“At [Company Name], I see an opportunity to apply my skills in digital advertising and brand development to help your team drive measurable growth. Your recent expansion into global markets aligns with my experience in international marketing strategy, making this role a perfect fit.”
This level of customization makes the cover letter more compelling and relevant.
Highlight Achievements Instead of Job Duties
A cover letter should not be a restatement of the resume. Instead of listing past responsibilities, focus on accomplishments and the impact made in previous roles.
- Use numbers and data to show results. Instead of saying, “Managed a team,” say, “Led a team of 10, increasing productivity by 25% in one year.”
- Emphasize contributions. Hiring managers want to know how past experience translates into future success.
Example:
“At [Previous Company], I spearheaded a content marketing campaign that increased organic traffic by 60% within six months, leading to a 25% boost in customer conversions.”
This makes the candidate’s value clear and demonstrates the potential impact on the new company.
Keep It Concise and Well-Structured
A hiring manager might receive hundreds of applications for a single role. A strong cover letter should be easy to read and get straight to the point.
Recommended structure:
- Opening paragraph: Capture attention and explain why the role is exciting.
- Middle paragraphs: Highlight skills, experience, and achievements relevant to the job.
- Closing paragraph: Reinforce enthusiasm, provide a call to action, and thank the reader.
Example of a well-structured closing:
“I am excited about the opportunity to bring my expertise in [skill] to [Company Name]. I look forward to discussing how my experience can contribute to your team’s success. Please let me know a convenient time to connect.”
Keeping the letter clear and structured increases readability and effectiveness.
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Show Enthusiasm Without Sounding Desperate
Hiring managers appreciate enthusiasm, but sounding overly eager or desperate can hurt the application. Avoid phrases like:
- “I would love any opportunity to work for your company.”
- “Please give me a chance to prove myself.”
Instead, show confidence and enthusiasm:
- “The opportunity to contribute to [Company Name]’s growth excites me, especially given my experience in [relevant skill or industry].”
Confidence signals to the employer that the candidate is capable and valuable.
Avoid Common Cover Letter Mistakes
Many cover letters fail because of small but crucial mistakes. Here’s what to avoid:
- Using a generic template: A letter that looks like it was copied and pasted won’t stand out.
- Repeating the resume: A cover letter should expand on key points rather than repeat job history.
- Overusing buzzwords: Phrases like “detail-oriented team player” don’t add value. Instead, provide examples that demonstrate these qualities.
- Focusing too much on personal benefits: Instead of saying, “This job will help me grow my career,” focus on what the candidate can bring to the company.
- Not proofreading: Typos or grammatical errors can leave a negative impression.
By avoiding these mistakes, the cover letter remains polished and professional.
End with a Strong and Confident Closing
The final paragraph should leave a lasting impression and encourage the next step in the hiring process.
Instead of a weak closing like:
- “Thank you for your time and consideration.”
Try a stronger, action-oriented approach:
- “I look forward to discussing how my skills can contribute to [Company Name]’s goals. Please let me know a convenient time to connect.”
This makes it clear that the candidate is ready to take the next step.
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Use a Professional Yet Natural Tone
A cover letter should sound professional but not overly formal or robotic. The best tone is confident, natural, and engaging.
- Avoid overly stiff language: Instead of “I am writing to express my interest,” say “I’m excited to apply for…”
- Use direct and active language: Strong verbs make the writing more impactful. Instead of “was responsible for managing,” say “managed.”
- Write like a professional conversation: If it sounds awkward when read out loud, revise it.
A natural tone makes the cover letter more engaging and readable.
Proofread and Get Feedback Before Sending
Even a well-written cover letter can be ruined by simple errors. Before sending, make sure to:
- Read it out loud: This helps catch awkward phrasing.
- Use spell-check tools: Grammarly or Microsoft Word’s spell check can catch errors.
- Have someone else review it: A second pair of eyes can spot mistakes.
A polished cover letter shows attention to detail and professionalism. Writing a strong cover letter doesn’t have to be difficult. By following these strategies, starting with a compelling opening, personalizing the content, highlighting achievements, keeping it concise, and closing with confidence, it becomes easier to create a cover letter that stands out.
