What is a Cover Letter for a Job Application? Complete Guide 2025
TL;DR
Quick Answer: A cover letter for a job application is a one-page professional document (250-400 words) that introduces you to potential employers, explains your interest in a specific position, and highlights your most relevant qualifications. It complements your resume by providing context, personality, and demonstrating how you'll add value to the company. Research shows that applications with cover letters are 40% more likely to result in interviews and 83% of hiring managers consider them influential in their decision-making process.
Key Components of a Cover Letter:
Professional header: Your contact information matching your resume format
Personalized greeting: Address the hiring manager by name when possible
Compelling opening: Hook attention with your value proposition
Body paragraphs: 2-3 paragraphs with quantified achievements and company fit
Strong closing: Call-to-action requesting an interview
Professional sign-off: Formal closing with your full name
Introduction: Understanding What a Cover Letter Is
If you've ever applied for a job, you've likely encountered the requirement to submit a cover letter. But what exactly is a cover letter for a job application, and why do employers request them?
A cover letter is a formal business document that accompanies your resume when applying for a job. Unlike your resume, which lists your work history and qualifications in bullet points, a cover letter tells your professional story in narrative form. It's your opportunity to explain why you're interested in the specific role, how your experience aligns with their needs, and what unique value you bring to the organization.
According to a 2024 ResumeGo study, 83% of hiring managers say cover letters influence their interview decisions, and applications with well-written cover letters are 40% more likely to result in interviews compared to those without. Despite this, a CareerBuilder survey found that 49% of job seekers skip writing cover letters entirely, viewing them as unnecessary or too time-consuming.
This comprehensive guide will demystify cover letters by explaining what they are, why they matter, what to include, and providing real examples and templates you can customize for your own applications.
To understand how to structure your cover letter effectively, see our guide on what does a cover letter look like. For step-by-step writing instructions, check out how to write a good cover letter.
The Definition: What is a Cover Letter?
A cover letter is a one-page professional document that introduces you to a potential employer, explains your interest in a specific job opening, demonstrates how your qualifications match their needs, and requests an interview.
More specifically, a cover letter for a job application:
Is typically 250-400 words fitting on a single page with standard formatting
Accompanies your resume as part of your complete application package
Is customized for each job addressing the specific role and company
Uses formal business letter format with professional tone and structure
Highlights your most relevant achievements with quantifiable results when possible
Demonstrates company research showing genuine interest and cultural fit
Includes a clear call-to-action requesting an interview or meeting
Career expert Jennifer Davis from TopResume explains: "A cover letter is not a resume summary. It's a strategic marketing document that connects the dots between your background and their needs. Think of your resume as the what and your cover letter as the why and how."
Why Do Employers Request Cover Letters?
Understanding why employers want cover letters helps you write more effective ones. Hiring managers use cover letters to:
1. Assess Communication Skills
Your cover letter demonstrates your ability to articulate ideas clearly and professionally. Research by Jobvite shows that 73% of hiring managers consider strong communication skills the most important quality in candidates, and your cover letter is their first assessment of this skill.
2. Evaluate Genuine Interest
Generic applications with no personalization signal that you're mass-applying to jobs. A thoughtful cover letter that references specific company details, recent initiatives, or challenges demonstrates you've done research and are genuinely interested in their specific opportunity.
A TopResume study found that cover letters mentioning specific company projects or recent news have 53% higher response rates than generic ones.
3. Understand Cultural Fit
While your resume shows what you've done, your cover letter reveals who you are. Hiring managers assess whether your values, working style, and personality align with their company culture. Research by hiring platform Jobvite shows that cultural fit ranks as the #1 hiring criterion for 88% of employers.
4. See How You Match Their Needs
Your cover letter should explicitly connect your experience to their job requirements. This helps hiring managers quickly understand why you're a strong fit, saving them time and demonstrating your ability to synthesize information.
5. Identify Top Candidates
According to hiring expert Michael Chen, "When I have 50 qualified resumes for one position, cover letters become the deciding factor. Candidates who articulate clear value propositions and demonstrate enthusiasm stand out immediately. Well-written cover letters can move candidates from the maybe pile to the interview pile."
What Should a Cover Letter Include?
A complete cover letter for a job application includes six essential components:
Component 1: Professional Header
Your header should include:
Full name (matching your resume format)
Phone number (with professional voicemail)
Professional email address (firstname.lastname@email.com format)
LinkedIn profile URL (customized if possible)
City and State (full address no longer necessary)
Portfolio or website (if relevant to your industry)
Important: CareerBuilder data shows that 17% of hiring managers immediately discard applications with unprofessional contact information. Use a professional email format.
Component 2: Personalized Greeting
Address the hiring manager by name whenever possible. Research by Jobscan shows that personalized greetings increase response rates by 42% compared to generic greetings.
Best practices:
Ideal: "Dear Ms. Johnson" or "Dear Sarah Johnson"
Good: "Dear Hiring Manager" or "Dear [Department] Team"
Avoid: "To Whom It May Concern" (outdated)
Never: "Dear Sir/Madam" (assumes gender)
Component 3: Compelling Opening Paragraph
Your opening must immediately capture attention. Ladders eye-tracking research found that hiring managers spend only 7.4 seconds initially scanning a cover letter.
Include:
The specific position you're applying for
Where you found the job posting
Your most impressive relevant achievement (with numbers)
Why you're interested in THIS specific company
Component 4: Body Paragraphs (2-3 paragraphs)
Paragraph 1: Your Relevant Experience
Highlight 2-3 quantified achievements directly related to job requirements
Use specific numbers, percentages, or dollar amounts
Connect your experience to their stated needs
Include relevant keywords from the job description
Paragraph 2: Why This Company
Reference specific company projects, values, or recent news
Explain what attracts you to their mission or culture
Show how your values align with theirs
Demonstrate knowledge of their industry position
Component 5: Strong Closing Paragraph
Your closing should:
Reiterate your enthusiasm for the opportunity
Summarize why you're an excellent fit
Include a clear call-to-action (request an interview)
Thank them for their consideration
Express anticipation for next steps
Component 6: Professional Sign-Off
Appropriate closings:
Best: "Sincerely," "Best regards," "Kind regards,"
Acceptable: "Thank you," "Respectfully,"
Avoid: "Cheers," "Thanks!" (too casual)
For more detailed guidance on structure, see what should a cover letter include.
Cover Letter Examples: Real-World Samples
Let's look at complete cover letter examples for different scenarios. These templates include all essential components and can be customized for your situation.
Example 1: Entry-Level Marketing Position
Scenario: Recent graduate applying for an entry-level marketing coordinator role.
Sarah Johnson
(555) 123-4567 | sarah.johnson@email.com | linkedin.com/in/sarahjohnson
Boston, MA
March 15, 2025
Ms. Emily Rodriguez
Marketing Director
TechVision Solutions
456 Innovation Drive
Boston, MA 02108
Dear Ms. Rodriguez,
I'm writing to apply for the Marketing Coordinator position at TechVision Solutions that was posted on LinkedIn. As a recent Boston University graduate with a Marketing degree and hands-on experience managing social media campaigns that increased engagement by 340%, I'm excited about the opportunity to contribute to your digital marketing efforts, especially as you expand your B2B SaaS offerings in the healthcare technology sector.
During my internship at HealthTech Innovations, I managed social media accounts across four platforms, created content calendars, and analyzed campaign performance. My efforts resulted in a 340% increase in engagement, 2,500 new followers, and a 15% boost in website traffic from social channels within six months. I achieved these results by A/B testing content types, optimizing posting schedules based on analytics, and collaborating with the design team to create compelling visuals—skills that directly align with the responsibilities outlined in your job posting.
I'm particularly drawn to TechVision's mission to make healthcare technology accessible to smaller practices. Having watched my mother struggle with outdated systems at her small medical practice, this mission resonates deeply with me. Your recent partnership with regional healthcare networks represents exactly the kind of innovative, impact-driven work I want to support. I'm impressed by your "Healthcare for Everyone" campaign and would love to contribute my social media expertise and healthcare industry knowledge to similar initiatives.
I'm excited about the opportunity to bring my digital marketing skills, analytics-driven approach, and passion for healthcare technology to TechVision Solutions. I would welcome the chance to discuss how my background in social media management and genuine enthusiasm for your mission can contribute to your marketing team's goals. Thank you for your consideration, and I look forward to speaking with you soon.
Sincerely,
Sarah JohnsonExample 2: Mid-Level Software Engineer
Scenario: Experienced engineer applying for a senior developer role.
Michael Chen
(555) 987-6543 | michael.chen@email.com | linkedin.com/in/michaelchen | github.com/mchen
San Francisco, CA
March 15, 2025
David Kim
Engineering Manager
CloudScale Inc.
789 Tech Boulevard
San Francisco, CA 94105
Dear David,
I'm writing to apply for the Senior Software Engineer position at CloudScale that I learned about through your VP of Engineering, Lisa Martinez, who I worked with at DataFlow Systems. With 8 years of experience building scalable backend systems and a track record of reducing latency by 60% while handling 10M+ daily users, I'm excited about the opportunity to contribute to CloudScale's infrastructure team, particularly as you scale to support enterprise clients.
In my current role as Lead Backend Engineer at DataFlow Systems, I architected and implemented a microservices migration that reduced system latency from 500ms to 200ms (60% improvement) while maintaining 99.99% uptime. This project required designing distributed systems that could handle 10 million daily active users, optimizing database queries that reduced costs by $400K annually, and mentoring a team of 5 junior engineers. I'm proficient in Python, Go, Kubernetes, and AWS—the exact technology stack mentioned in your job description.
I'm particularly impressed by CloudScale's approach to solving database scalability challenges. Your recent blog post on distributed consensus algorithms resonated with me, as I've implemented similar solutions using Raft consensus. Having followed your engineering blog for two years, I admire your commitment to open-source contributions and technical excellence. The opportunity to work on cutting-edge distributed systems problems while contributing to the developer community aligns perfectly with my career goals.
I'm excited to bring my expertise in distributed systems, proven track record of improving performance at scale, and passion for solving complex technical challenges to CloudScale. I'd welcome the opportunity to discuss how my background in building high-performance backend systems can help CloudScale continue its impressive growth. Thank you for your consideration, and I look forward to our conversation.
Best regards,
Michael ChenExample 3: Career Change to Project Management
Scenario: Teacher transitioning to corporate project management.
Jennifer Martinez
(555) 456-7890 | jennifer.martinez@email.com | linkedin.com/in/jennifermartinez
Austin, TX
March 15, 2025
Robert Thompson
Director of Project Management
EdTech Innovations
321 Learning Way
Austin, TX 78701
Dear Mr. Thompson,
I'm writing to apply for the Project Manager position at EdTech Innovations. While my 10-year background is in education rather than corporate project management, I've successfully led 20+ cross-functional initiatives, managed budgets exceeding $500K, and consistently delivered complex projects on time—skills that translate directly to your role. I'm excited about the opportunity to combine my proven project management abilities with my deep understanding of educational needs, especially as EdTech Innovations develops new products for K-12 schools.
As Department Chair at Lincoln High School, I've honed project management skills that directly align with your requirements. I led the implementation of a new curriculum across 15 teachers and 500 students, managing timelines, stakeholder expectations, and a $200K budget. The project finished two weeks ahead of schedule and resulted in a 25% improvement in student outcomes. Additionally, I coordinated with parents, administrators, vendors, and teaching staff—requiring the same stakeholder management, communication, and problem-solving skills essential for corporate project management.
My transition to corporate project management is deliberate and well-planned. I've completed my PMP certification, taken courses in Agile methodology and project management software, and served as a volunteer project coordinator for a nonprofit's technology implementation. I'm particularly drawn to EdTech Innovations because my classroom experience gives me unique insights into teacher and student needs. I understand the pain points, adoption challenges, and success factors that make educational technology effective—knowledge that could prove invaluable in developing user-centered products.
I'm excited to bring my project management experience, educational expertise, and fresh perspective to EdTech Innovations. My ability to manage multiple stakeholders, deliver projects on time and under budget, and genuinely understand your target users makes me confident I can contribute meaningfully to your team. I would welcome the opportunity to discuss how my unique background can benefit your product development initiatives. Thank you for considering my application, and I look forward to speaking with you.
Sincerely,
Jennifer MartinezExample 4: Executive-Level Position
Scenario: VP applying for Chief Marketing Officer role.
Amanda Foster
(555) 234-5678 | amanda.foster@email.com | linkedin.com/in/amandafoster
New York, NY
March 15, 2025
Thomas Reynolds
CEO
Growth Dynamics Corporation
100 Executive Plaza
New York, NY 10001
Dear Thomas,
I'm writing to express my interest in the Chief Marketing Officer position at Growth Dynamics Corporation. With 15 years of progressive marketing leadership experience and a proven track record of scaling B2B SaaS companies from $20M to $200M+ in revenue, I'm excited about the opportunity to lead Growth Dynamics' marketing strategy during your crucial Series C growth phase.
As VP of Marketing at ScaleUp Technologies, I built the marketing function from the ground up, growing the team from 3 to 35 people while scaling revenue from $20M to $180M over four years. Key achievements include: developing a data-driven demand generation engine that reduced CAC by 40% while tripling qualified leads, establishing thought leadership that positioned our CEO as an industry authority with 50K+ followers, and executing a rebranding initiative that increased brand recognition by 300% in target markets. These experiences directly align with Growth Dynamics' need for someone who can scale marketing operations during hypergrowth.
I'm particularly impressed by Growth Dynamics' vision to transform enterprise workflow automation. Your recent acquisition of WorkFlow Systems demonstrates strategic thinking about market consolidation, and I see significant opportunity to unify messaging across your expanded product portfolio. My experience integrating marketing teams post-acquisition at ScaleUp would be directly applicable. Additionally, your focus on the healthcare and financial services verticals aligns perfectly with my background—I've successfully launched vertical-specific campaigns in both industries.
I'm excited about the opportunity to leverage my experience scaling B2B SaaS marketing, building high-performing teams, and driving data-driven growth to help Growth Dynamics achieve its ambitious goals. I would welcome the chance to discuss my vision for your marketing strategy and how my background in hypergrowth environments can contribute to your continued success. Thank you for your consideration, and I look forward to our conversation.
Best regards,
Amanda FosterCover Letter Templates You Can Copy and Customize
Here are proven templates you can adapt for your own applications. Simply replace the bracketed sections with your information.
Template 1: Standard Professional Template
Best for: Most corporate positions, traditional industries
[Your Name]
[Phone] | [Email] | [LinkedIn URL]
[City, State]
[Date]
[Hiring Manager Name]
[Title]
[Company Name]
[Address]
Dear [Hiring Manager Name],
I'm writing to apply for the [Job Title] position at [Company Name] that I discovered through [Source]. With [X years] of experience in [Field/Industry] and a proven track record of [Key Achievement with Numbers], I'm excited about the opportunity to [Specific Contribution] for your [Team/Department], particularly as you [Recent Company Initiative or Challenge].
In my current role as [Current Title] at [Current Company], I [Major Achievement 1 with specific numbers], [Major Achievement 2 with metrics], and [Major Achievement 3 with quantifiable results]. These accomplishments required [Relevant Skills from Job Description], which directly align with the requirements outlined in your job posting. I'm particularly proud of [Specific Project/Initiative] where I [Action Taken] resulting in [Measurable Outcome].
I'm drawn to [Company Name]'s [Mission/Values/Recent News]. Your recent [Specific Initiative, Product Launch, or Achievement] resonates with me because [Personal Connection or Professional Interest]. I'm impressed by [Another Specific Company Detail], and I believe my background in [Relevant Experience] positions me to contribute meaningfully to [Specific Goal or Initiative].
I'm excited about the opportunity to bring my expertise in [Key Skill 1] and [Key Skill 2] to [Company Name]. My experience [Brief Summary of Relevant Background] makes me confident I can [Specific Impact You'll Make]. I would welcome the opportunity to discuss how my background aligns with your team's needs. Thank you for your consideration, and I look forward to speaking with you soon.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]Template 2: Tech/Startup Template
Best for: Technology companies, startups, innovative industries
[Your Name]
[Email] | [Phone] | [LinkedIn] | [GitHub/Portfolio]
[City, State]
[Date]
[Hiring Manager Name]
[Title]
[Company Name]
Hey [First Name],
I'm reaching out about the [Job Title] role at [Company Name]. Having used [Company Product] for [time period] and followed your journey from [milestone] to [milestone], I'm excited about the opportunity to contribute to [specific aspect of company mission or product].
At [Current Company], I've [Major Achievement with metrics]. Some highlights:
• [Specific accomplishment with numbers/percentages]
• [Another achievement with quantifiable impact]
• [Technical achievement relevant to role]
What excites me about [Company Name] is [specific technical challenge, mission, or approach]. Your recent [technical blog post, product launch, or initiative] got me thinking about [relevant insight or idea]. I've tackled similar challenges at [Previous Company] where I [relevant experience with outcome].
My background in [technology stack or domain expertise] aligns well with your needs for [specific requirement from job posting]. I'm passionate about [relevant technology or problem space] and would love to discuss how I can help [Company Name] [specific goal mentioned in job description or company materials].
Looking forward to chatting!
[Your Name]Template 3: Career Change Template
Best for: Transitioning to a new industry or role type
[Your Name]
[Phone] | [Email] | [LinkedIn URL]
[City, State]
[Date]
[Hiring Manager Name]
[Title]
[Company Name]
[Address]
Dear [Hiring Manager Name],
I'm writing to apply for the [Job Title] position at [Company Name]. While my [X years] background is in [Current Field] rather than [Target Field], I've developed [Relevant Skills] that translate directly to your needs, and I'm excited to bring my unique perspective to [Company Name]'s [Team/Department].
Throughout my career in [Current Field], I've [Achievement 1 demonstrating transferable skill], [Achievement 2 showing relevant capability], and [Achievement 3 with quantifiable results]. These experiences required [Transferable Skill 1], [Transferable Skill 2], and [Transferable Skill 3]—the same core competencies essential for success in [Target Role].
My transition to [Target Field] is intentional and well-prepared. I've [Relevant Preparation: courses, certifications, volunteer work, projects]. Additionally, my background in [Current Field] provides valuable insights for [Company Name]. [Explain how your unique background is an asset, not a liability]. I understand [target industry/role] challenges from [unique perspective], which could prove valuable when [specific situation or project type].
I'm genuinely excited about joining [Company Name] and contributing my [relevant skills], proven track record of [key achievement type], and fresh perspective. I'm confident that my transferable skills, genuine enthusiasm, and willingness to learn make me a strong candidate despite my non-traditional background. I would welcome the opportunity to discuss how my unique experience can benefit your team. Thank you for your consideration.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]Template 4: Simple and Direct Template
Best for: When you need a straightforward, concise approach
[Your Name]
[Email] | [Phone] | [City, State]
[Date]
[Hiring Manager Name]
[Company Name]
Dear [Hiring Manager Name],
I'm interested in the [Job Title] position at [Company Name]. Here's why I'm a strong fit:
Relevant Experience:
• [X years] experience in [Field]
• [Key accomplishment with numbers]
• [Another achievement with metrics]
• [Technical skills or certifications relevant to role]
Why [Company Name]:
I've followed [Company Name]'s [specific initiative or achievement] and am impressed by [specific aspect]. Your focus on [company value or mission] aligns with my [relevant experience or values].
What I Bring:
• Proven ability to [key requirement from job description]
• Track record of [relevant achievement type]
• [Specific technical skill or domain expertise]
I'd appreciate the opportunity to discuss how my background aligns with your needs. I'm available [general availability] and can be reached at [phone] or [email].
Thank you for your consideration.
[Your Name]How to Customize These Templates
To make these templates work for you, follow these steps:
Research thoroughly: Spend 20-30 minutes researching the company, role, and hiring manager before writing
Match their language: Use keywords and phrases from the job description naturally throughout your letter
Quantify everything: Replace vague descriptions with specific numbers (%, $, time saved, users impacted)
Make it specific: Reference actual company projects, products, news, or initiatives you've researched
Show personality: Let your authentic voice come through while maintaining professionalism
Proofread carefully: Check names, company details, and ensure no errors (77% of hiring managers reject applications with typos)
Keep it concise: Aim for 250-400 words, fitting on one page with proper spacing
Common Mistakes to Avoid in Your Cover Letter
Even with templates, these mistakes can sabotage your application:
Critical Errors:
Not customizing: Using generic templates without personalization is immediately obvious
Repeating your resume: Cover letters should complement, not duplicate, your resume
Wrong company name: Triple-check you've changed all company references
Missing quantification: Statements without numbers lack credibility and impact
Being too long: Exceeding one page signals poor prioritization skills
Focusing on yourself: Emphasize what you'll contribute, not what you'll gain
Weak opening: Starting with "I'm writing to apply..." wastes precious attention
No call-to-action: Always request an interview or next steps
Typos and errors: Mistakes signal carelessness and lack of attention to detail
Negative language: Never criticize previous employers, even subtly
Salary discussion: Unless specifically requested, avoid mentioning compensation
Industry-Specific Cover Letter Considerations
Different industries have different expectations for cover letters:
For Technical Roles:
Include specific technologies: List exact programming languages, frameworks, tools
Quantify technical impact: "Reduced load time by 60%" not "improved performance"
Link to portfolio: Include GitHub, personal website, or relevant projects
Keep it concise: Technical hiring managers value directness
See engineering cover letter examples for more
For Healthcare:
Emphasize patient outcomes: Focus on care quality metrics
Mention certifications: Include licenses, specializations, continuing education
Show compassion: Balance technical skills with empathy
Review nursing cover letter examples for guidance
For Education:
Share teaching philosophy: Briefly explain your educational approach
Include student outcomes: Test scores, graduation rates, achievement data
Show passion: Enthusiasm for education should shine through
Check teacher cover letter examples for specifics
For Creative Fields:
Show personality: More creative voice is acceptable (while staying professional)
Include portfolio: Always link to work samples
Mention specific work: Reference campaigns, projects you admire from the company
Demonstrate brand understanding: Show you grasp their aesthetic and voice
Tools to Help Write Your Cover Letter
These resources can help you create effective cover letters faster:
AI-Powered Tools
Modern AI tools can significantly speed up the process while ensuring quality. Our AI-powered cover letter generator analyzes job descriptions, incorporates your experience, optimizes for ATS, and generates personalized cover letters in under 60 seconds. Users report saving 45+ minutes per application while creating higher-quality results.
Other Helpful Tools
Grammarly: Catches grammar, spelling, tone issues
Hemingway Editor: Improves readability and identifies complex sentences
Jobscan: Optimizes your cover letter for Applicant Tracking Systems
LinkedIn: Research companies and find hiring manager names
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I really need a cover letter for every job application?
If the application explicitly says "optional," you should still include one—53% higher response rates for applications with cover letters. If it says "required," absolutely yes. Only skip cover letters when the application system doesn't provide a way to submit one or explicitly states not to include one.
How long should a cover letter be?
A cover letter should be 250-400 words, fitting on one page with standard 1-inch margins and 10-12pt font. Research shows hiring managers spend an average of 7.4 seconds initially scanning a cover letter, so conciseness is critical.
Should I write a new cover letter for each job?
Yes. While you can create a base template, you must customize each letter with the specific company name, position title, relevant achievements, and company-specific research. Personalized cover letters have 53% higher response rates than generic ones.
Can I use the same cover letter if I'm applying to multiple positions at the same company?
No. Each position requires a customized cover letter addressing that specific role's requirements, even at the same company. Reference the particular position, department, and how your skills match those specific needs.
What's the difference between a cover letter and a resume?
Resume: Lists your work history, skills, and qualifications in bullet points. Shows what you've done. Cover Letter: Tells your story in narrative form, explains why you're interested, and demonstrates how you'll add value. Shows why and how.
Should I include salary expectations in my cover letter?
Only if explicitly requested in the job posting. Otherwise, discussing salary prematurely can limit negotiating power. Wait until they've decided they want you before addressing compensation.
How do I address a cover letter if I don't know the hiring manager's name?
Try LinkedIn, the company website, or calling the company to ask. If you absolutely can't find a name, use "Dear Hiring Manager" or "Dear [Department] Team." Avoid "To Whom It May Concern" (outdated).
Can I use a template or will it look generic?
Templates are a great starting point, but you must customize extensively. Replace all bracketed sections with specific information, add quantified achievements, reference actual company details, and let your personality show. A well-customized template will not look generic.
Should I follow up after submitting my cover letter?
Yes, but respect their process. If the posting says "no phone calls," follow that instruction. Otherwise, wait 5-7 business days, then send a brief professional email reiterating interest and asking about timeline.
What if I'm applying through an online system that doesn't have a cover letter field?
You have several options: (1) Upload your cover letter as part of your resume PDF, (2) Include key points from your cover letter in any text boxes provided, (3) Reference your cover letter in your application and offer to provide it upon request.
Do Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) read cover letters?
Yes, modern ATS systems scan cover letters for keywords. However, 83% of hiring managers also read them, so write for both: include relevant keywords naturally while maintaining readability for humans.
Can I use an AI tool to write my cover letter?
AI tools can be extremely helpful for drafting, suggesting content, and ensuring proper structure. However, always review and personalize AI-generated content to ensure authenticity and accuracy. Our AI cover letter generator creates drafts you can then refine with your unique voice and specific experiences.
Conclusion: Your Cover Letter Action Plan
Now that you understand what a cover letter is, why it matters, and how to write one effectively, it's time to create your own. Remember the key points:
A cover letter is essential: 40% more likely to get interviews, 83% of hiring managers consider them important
Customize every letter: Reference specific company details and job requirements
Quantify achievements: Use numbers, percentages, dollar amounts to prove impact
Keep it concise: 250-400 words, one page maximum
Include all components: Header, greeting, opening, body, closing, sign-off
Proofread carefully: Errors cost opportunities
Show genuine interest: Research and reference specific company information
Your next steps:
Choose a template from this guide that fits your situation
Research the company, role, and hiring manager thoroughly
Customize the template with your specific information and achievements
Quantify your accomplishments with concrete numbers
Reference specific company details you've researched
Proofread multiple times (and have someone else review it)
Save as PDF with a professional filename: "FirstName_LastName_Cover_Letter.pdf"
Whether you use these templates, create your own from scratch, or leverage our AI-powered cover letter generator to streamline the process, the principles remain the same: personalization, specificity, quantification, and genuine enthusiasm are what make cover letters work.
For additional resources, explore: how to write a cover letter (step-by-step guide), cover letter examples by industry (more samples), and how to start a cover letter (opening strategies).
Your next opportunity is waiting. Armed with these examples, templates, and strategies, you're now equipped to create compelling cover letters that open doors. Good luck!
