What is a Cover Letter for an Application? Complete Guide 2025
TL;DR - Quick Answer
A cover letter for an application is a one-page professional document submitted alongside your resume that explains why you're the ideal candidate for a specific job. It bridges the gap between your resume's facts and the hiring manager's needs by highlighting relevant achievements, demonstrating your understanding of the role, and showcasing your personality and enthusiasm. Unlike your resume which lists credentials, your application cover letter tells your professional story and makes a compelling case for why you deserve an interview.
Key Takeaways
Purpose: A cover letter explains why you want the job and why you're qualified, going beyond the resume's factual listing
Structure: Opening hook, 2-3 body paragraphs highlighting achievements, and a strong closing with call-to-action
Customization: Each cover letter must be tailored to the specific job application—generic letters are easily spotted and rejected
Length: Keep it to one page (250-400 words) that complements rather than repeats your resume
Impact: 49% of hiring managers say a cover letter influences their decision, and applications with cover letters are viewed as more serious
What is a Cover Letter for an Application?
When you apply for a job, you're not just submitting a list of qualifications—you're introducing yourself as a potential solution to the company's needs. A cover letter for an application is your opportunity to make that introduction personal, persuasive, and memorable.
Think of your application as a complete package: your resume provides the facts (education, experience, skills), while your cover letter provides the context (why you're applying, what you bring to the table, and why you're the best fit). Together, they create a compelling narrative that helps hiring managers see you as more than just another applicant.
According to recent surveys, 49% of hiring managers consider a cover letter important in their decision-making process, and applications that include tailored cover letters are 53% more likely to receive interview requests. Whether you're applying for your first job, making a career transition, or seeking advancement, understanding what a cover letter is and how to write one effectively can significantly improve your chances of landing an interview.
In this comprehensive guide, we'll explore everything you need to know about application cover letters—from their fundamental purpose to advanced strategies for making yours stand out. For step-by-step guidance on creating your cover letter, check out our detailed how to write a cover letter guide.
The Core Definition: What Makes It an 'Application' Cover Letter
Not all cover letters are created equal. While there are various types of professional letters, an application cover letter has a specific purpose: to support a formal job application.
Three Defining Characteristics
Job-Specific Focus: Unlike a general letter of interest, an application cover letter responds directly to a specific job posting with known requirements
Resume Companion: It's designed to work alongside your resume, explaining and contextualizing the information listed there rather than repeating it
Action-Oriented: The goal is clear—to secure an interview by demonstrating you're qualified and genuinely interested in this particular position
This specificity is crucial. When you submit an application cover letter, you're answering the hiring manager's fundamental questions: "Why are you interested in this job at this company?" and "Why should we interview you instead of the hundreds of other applicants?"
For insights on related concepts, read our guide on what does cover letter mean to understand the broader context of professional correspondence.
Essential Components of an Application Cover Letter
A well-structured application cover letter follows a proven format that makes it easy for hiring managers to quickly find the information they need. Let's break down each component:
1. Header with Contact Information
Your cover letter should include:
Your full name
Phone number and professional email address
LinkedIn profile (optional but recommended)
City and state (full address no longer necessary)
Date
Employer's contact information (name, title, company, address)
This professional header immediately signals that you understand business correspondence standards and makes it easy for recruiters to contact you.
2. Professional Greeting
Address your letter to a specific person whenever possible. Research to find the hiring manager's name—it shows initiative and personalizes your application. Use "Dear [Name]" rather than generic greetings like "To Whom It May Concern."
If you absolutely cannot find a name, use "Dear Hiring Manager" or "Dear [Department] Team" rather than outdated phrases.
3. Compelling Opening Paragraph
Your opening should immediately capture attention by:
Stating the specific position you're applying for
Mentioning how you learned about the opportunity
Including a strong hook—a relevant achievement, shared connection, or compelling reason for your interest
Conveying genuine enthusiasm for the role and company
Example: "As a digital marketing specialist who increased email engagement by 240% at my current company, I was thrilled to see your opening for Senior Email Marketing Manager. Your company's innovative approach to personalized customer communication aligns perfectly with my passion for data-driven marketing strategies."
4. Body Paragraphs (1-2 Paragraphs)
This is where you make your case. The body should:
Highlight 2-3 relevant achievements: Choose accomplishments that directly relate to the job requirements, using specific metrics and outcomes
Demonstrate company knowledge: Show you've researched the company and understand their challenges, culture, or recent initiatives
Connect your experience to their needs: Explicitly explain how your background makes you the solution to their problems
Showcase soft skills: Weave in evidence of communication, leadership, teamwork, or other relevant interpersonal abilities
Remember: don't just repeat what's on your resume. Instead, tell the story behind your accomplishments and explain their relevance to this specific position.
5. Strong Closing Paragraph
Your conclusion should:
Reiterate your enthusiasm and fit for the role
Include a clear call-to-action (requesting an interview)
Mention your attached resume
Thank the reader for their time and consideration
Provide your contact information again
End with a professional sign-off like "Sincerely" or "Best regards," followed by your full name.
For visual examples of properly formatted cover letters, check out our guide on what should a cover letter look like.
The Purpose: Why Application Cover Letters Matter
Despite debates about their necessity in the digital age, application cover letters serve several critical functions that can't be replicated by resumes alone:
Personalizing Your Application
Resumes follow a standardized format that limits personality expression. Your cover letter allows you to:
Show your communication style and writing ability
Express genuine enthusiasm and cultural fit
Demonstrate that you see this as more than just another application
Connect on a more human level with the hiring manager
Explaining Your Story
Some career situations require context that a resume can't provide:
Career changes or gaps in employment
Relocations or significant life transitions
Why you're leaving your current position
How diverse experiences come together for this role
Why you're interested in this specific company and position
Highlighting Relevance
Your resume lists everything you've done, but your cover letter emphasizes what matters most for this particular job. It's your chance to say, "Here's why items A, C, and F on my resume are especially relevant to your needs."
Demonstrating Effort and Interest
In an era of one-click applications, a well-crafted, customized cover letter immediately sets you apart. It shows you're willing to invest time and effort because you're genuinely interested in this specific opportunity—not just blasting applications to every company.
Research shows that hiring managers spend 73% more time reviewing applications that include customized cover letters, and these applicants are 40% more likely to progress to interviews.
Still wondering if you need one? Read our analysis on does a resume need a cover letter for a detailed breakdown.
When Should You Include an Application Cover Letter?
Understanding when to include a cover letter can be the difference between landing an interview and being overlooked.
Always Include When:
The job posting requests one: This is non-negotiable. If they ask for it and you don't provide it, you're demonstrating an inability to follow instructions
The application system includes a field for it: If there's a space for it, they expect to see it—leaving it blank looks like you didn't complete your application
You're making a career change: You need to explain how your transferable skills apply to this new field
You have employment gaps: A cover letter provides context that prevents assumptions
You're applying to a competitive position: Every advantage matters when you're up against dozens or hundreds of qualified candidates
The company culture values communication: Industries like marketing, communications, education, and non-profits typically expect cover letters
You have a referral or connection: A cover letter is the appropriate place to mention that mutual connection
You Might Skip When:
The posting explicitly says not to include one: Follow instructions—some companies are testing your ability to do so
You're applying through a quick-apply system that doesn't allow it: Many mobile and one-click applications don't have cover letter fields
You're in certain technical fields: Some tech companies prioritize portfolios, GitHub contributions, or technical assessments over cover letters
Time is critical: If a position is closing in hours and you have a strong, relevant resume, it may be better to submit quickly than to craft a cover letter
However, even when optional, a well-crafted cover letter rarely hurts your chances and often helps. When in doubt, include one—but make sure it's tailored and high-quality. A generic, obvious template is worse than no cover letter at all.
Different Types of Application Cover Letters
While all application cover letters share the same basic purpose, different situations call for different approaches:
Standard Application Cover Letter
Used when responding to a specific job posting where you meet most or all requirements. This is the most common type and follows the traditional structure outlined above.
Career Change Cover Letter
Emphasizes transferable skills and explains your motivation for changing fields. Requires more explicit connection-drawing between your previous experience and the new role's requirements.
Key strategy: Focus on skills and accomplishments rather than job titles. A teacher transitioning to corporate training, for example, would emphasize curriculum development, public speaking, assessment design, and managing diverse groups.
Entry-Level Cover Letter
When you lack extensive professional experience, highlight:
Relevant coursework and academic projects
Internships, volunteer work, or part-time jobs
Leadership roles in student organizations
Specific skills you've developed (technical or soft skills)
Enthusiasm and willingness to learn
Internal Application Cover Letter
When applying for a position within your current company, acknowledge your existing relationship while making a fresh case for why you're right for this new role. Highlight accomplishments in your current position and explain how they prepare you for increased responsibility or a different function.
Referral Cover Letter
When someone has referred you or you have a connection to the company, mention this in your opening paragraph. However, don't rely solely on the connection—you still need to demonstrate your qualifications and fit.
For detailed writing guidance for each type, see our comprehensive cover letter writing guide.
What to Include in Your Application Cover Letter
The content of your cover letter is more important than the format. Here's what makes a cover letter compelling:
Specific Examples and Achievements
Instead of: "I am a results-driven sales professional with excellent communication skills."
Write: "In my role as Regional Sales Manager, I increased territory revenue by 34% in 18 months by implementing a consultative sales approach and building relationships with key decision-makers at Fortune 500 companies."
Notice the difference? Specific numbers, concrete actions, and measurable outcomes are far more persuasive than generic claims.
Research About the Company
Demonstrate that you've done your homework:
Reference recent company news, initiatives, or achievements
Mention specific products, services, or projects that interest you
Cite company values or mission statements and explain how they resonate with you
Show awareness of industry challenges and how you can help address them
This research shows genuine interest and helps you stand out from applicants who submit generic letters.
Keywords from the Job Description
Many companies use Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to screen applications before human eyes see them. Include relevant keywords from the job posting, but integrate them naturally rather than just listing them.
If the job requires "cross-functional collaboration" and "stakeholder management," use those exact phrases when describing relevant experiences.
Your Unique Value Proposition
Answer the question: "What makes you different from other qualified candidates?" This might be:
A unique combination of skills or experiences
A track record of specific, impressive achievements
Deep expertise in a niche area relevant to the role
A perspective or approach that aligns with the company's direction
Relevant certifications, publications, or recognition
Enthusiasm and Cultural Fit
While maintaining professionalism, let your personality show. Explain why this particular role at this particular company excites you. Hiring managers want team members who are genuinely engaged, not just looking for any job.
For more on structuring this content effectively, check out how to format a cover letter.
What NOT to Include in Your Application Cover Letter
Knowing what to leave out is just as important as knowing what to include:
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Repeating your entire resume: Don't just restate every job and responsibility. Select the most relevant experiences and expand on them
Generic statements: Avoid clichés like "I'm a team player" or "I think outside the box" without specific examples
Negative information: Don't badmouth previous employers, explain why you were fired, or focus on what you can't do
Salary expectations: Unless specifically requested, wait until later in the process to discuss compensation
Desperate language: Don't write "I really need this job" or beg for consideration—present yourself as a valuable professional they'd be lucky to hire
Irrelevant personal information: Your hobbies, marital status, age, or personal struggles aren't appropriate unless directly relevant to the role
Typos and errors: Even minor mistakes can disqualify you—proofread multiple times and have someone else review your letter
Obvious flattery: Don't overdo praise for the company—it can come across as insincere
Humor or casual language: Unless you're applying to a very casual startup culture, maintain professional tone throughout
Length exceeding one page: If you can't make your case in 250-400 words, you haven't prioritized well
Remember: your cover letter is a professional business document. Every word should serve a purpose—building your case as the ideal candidate.
Format and Style Guidelines
How your cover letter looks is almost as important as what it says. Poor formatting can cause your letter to be dismissed before it's even read.
Professional Formatting Standards
Length: One page maximum, 250-400 words, 3-5 paragraphs
Font: Professional, readable fonts like Arial, Calibri, or Times New Roman in 10-12 point size
Margins: 1-inch margins on all sides
Spacing: Single-spaced with a blank line between paragraphs
Alignment: Left-aligned (not justified) for easy reading
File format: Save as PDF to preserve formatting unless the application specifically requests .doc or .docx
Writing Style Best Practices
Active voice: "I increased sales by 30%" is stronger than "Sales were increased by me by 30%"
Confident but not arrogant: Strike a balance between self-assurance and humility
Specific and concrete: Use numbers, percentages, and concrete examples rather than vague claims
Vary sentence structure: Mix short, punchy sentences with longer, more detailed ones to maintain interest
Use transition words: Connect ideas smoothly with words like "furthermore," "additionally," "however," and "as a result"
Proofread meticulously: Read your letter aloud, use spell-check, and have someone else review it
For a visual guide to proper formatting, see what should a cover letter look like.
Application Cover Letters in the Digital Age
Modern job applications often happen online, which creates new considerations for your cover letter:
Email Application Cover Letters
When emailing your application, you have two options:
Cover letter as email body: Write a slightly shorter version directly in the email, with resume attached
Cover letter as attachment: Write a brief email message introducing yourself and mentioning both attached documents (resume and cover letter)
Most experts recommend the first approach—put your cover letter in the email body so hiring managers see it immediately without having to open an attachment.
Online Application Systems
Many companies use Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) that parse and rank applications. To ensure your cover letter gets through:
Use standard section headings
Avoid tables, text boxes, headers, and footers
Use standard fonts and formatting
Include keywords from the job description
Save as a PDF (unless otherwise specified)
Name your file professionally: FirstName_LastName_CoverLetter.pdf
LinkedIn and Professional Network Applications
When applying through LinkedIn or other professional networks, you might have character limits or different formatting options. Adapt your core cover letter content to fit the platform while maintaining your key messages.
Some positions may allow you to include a brief cover letter-style message with your application. Always take advantage of these opportunities to personalize your submission.
Real Examples of Effective Application Cover Letters
Let's look at examples that demonstrate what makes an application cover letter effective:
Example 1: Marketing Professional Applying for Manager Role
Opening: "When I increased email open rates by 147% at my current company through personalized segmentation strategies, I thought of how that approach would work even better at scale. That's why I'm excited to apply for the Marketing Manager position at [Company]—a company known for data-driven customer engagement and innovative digital strategies."
Why it works: Immediately showcases a quantifiable achievement, connects it to the new role, and demonstrates company knowledge.
Example 2: Career Changer (Teacher to Corporate Trainer)
Body paragraph: "While my background is in education, the skills I've developed translate directly to corporate training. Over eight years of teaching, I've designed curricula for diverse learning styles, managed classrooms of 30+ students with varying skill levels, and consistently achieved 95%+ satisfaction ratings. I've also implemented technology tools for remote learning—experience that's increasingly valuable as companies embrace hybrid work models. My passion for helping people develop new skills doesn't change whether they're students or professionals; only the context shifts."
Why it works: Acknowledges the career change upfront, explicitly connects teaching experience to training roles, provides specific achievements, and addresses potential concerns about the transition.
Example 3: Entry-Level Applicant
Body paragraph: "As a recent graduate with a degree in Computer Science and a passion for user experience, I've actively built skills beyond the classroom. My capstone project—a mobile app for local food banks—required me to conduct user research, design interfaces, write clean code, and manage a team of four developers. The app launched in March and has already connected 200+ donors with local nonprofits. Additionally, my internship at [Company] gave me hands-on experience with Agile methodologies, version control, and collaborative development."
Why it works: Compensates for limited professional experience by highlighting relevant projects, demonstrates initiative, provides concrete outcomes, and shows practical experience through internships.
For more examples across different industries and experience levels, use our cover letter generator to see AI-powered examples tailored to your specific situation.
Tools and Resources for Creating Application Cover Letters
You don't have to create your cover letter from scratch. Several tools and resources can help you craft a compelling application cover letter more efficiently:
AI-Powered Cover Letter Generators
Modern AI tools like Cover Letter Copilot can generate personalized, job-specific cover letters in under 60 seconds by analyzing your resume and the job description. These tools:
Identify relevant keywords and requirements
Suggest specific achievements to highlight
Ensure proper structure and formatting
Customize tone for different industries and roles
Help you create multiple tailored versions quickly
While AI tools provide an excellent starting point, always review and personalize the output to ensure it authentically represents your voice and experiences.
Templates and Guides
Useful resources include:
Professional templates from job sites like Indeed, LinkedIn, and Glassdoor
Industry-specific examples from professional associations
University career services (many provide templates for alumni)
Our comprehensive guide: How to Write a Cover Letter
Proofreading and Editing Tools
Grammarly or Hemingway Editor for grammar and readability
Read aloud feature (many word processors have this)
Peer review from friends, mentors, or career counselors
Professional resume/cover letter review services
Research Resources
To gather information for customizing your letter:
Company website (About, News, Careers sections)
LinkedIn company page and employee profiles
Glassdoor for company culture insights
Recent news articles about the company or industry
The company's social media presence
The time you invest in research and customization will pay off in higher response rates and better interview opportunities.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How long should an application cover letter be?
An application cover letter should be one page maximum, typically 250-400 words or 3-5 paragraphs. Hiring managers spend an average of just 6-7 seconds on an initial cover letter review, so conciseness is critical. Focus on your most compelling qualifications and achievements rather than trying to include everything. If you're struggling to keep it to one page, you're probably including too much detail or repeating resume information. Every sentence should serve a clear purpose in building your case as the ideal candidate.
2. Should I address my cover letter to a specific person?
Yes, whenever possible. Research to find the hiring manager's name through the company website, LinkedIn, or by calling the company directly. Using a specific name ("Dear Ms. Johnson") shows initiative and personalizes your application. If you genuinely cannot find a name after thorough research, use "Dear Hiring Manager" or "Dear [Department] Team." Avoid outdated phrases like "To Whom It May Concern" or "Dear Sir or Madam." However, never guess at a name or gender—an incorrect assumption can immediately disqualify you.
3. Can I use the same cover letter for multiple applications?
No—this is one of the most common and costly mistakes. Hiring managers can instantly spot generic cover letters, and they typically result in immediate rejection. Each cover letter must be customized to the specific job and company. While you can maintain a master template with your general structure and some reusable content, you must tailor at least 60-70% of each letter to reference the specific position requirements, company details, and how your experience aligns with their particular needs. The extra time spent customizing significantly increases your interview chances.
4. What if the job posting doesn't request a cover letter?
When a job posting doesn't mention a cover letter, it's generally still beneficial to include one unless the application system doesn't allow it or the posting explicitly says not to. A well-crafted cover letter rarely hurts your chances and often helps you stand out. However, quality matters—a generic, template-based cover letter is worse than no cover letter at all. If you're applying to dozens of jobs quickly, prioritize your efforts: create customized cover letters for your top choices and consider skipping them for less relevant positions where your resume is already a strong match.
5. How do I address employment gaps in my cover letter?
Address employment gaps briefly and positively without making them the focus of your letter. Mention the gap in one or two sentences, providing honest but brief context: "After being laid off due to company restructuring, I took time to complete advanced certifications in project management and data analytics." Then immediately pivot to what you accomplished during that time (skills developed, courses taken, volunteer work, freelance projects) and your enthusiasm for this new opportunity. Focus 90% of your cover letter on your qualifications and fit for the role rather than explaining the gap. For more guidance, see how to write a cover letter.
6. Should I mention salary expectations in my cover letter?
No, unless the job posting specifically requests salary requirements. Bringing up compensation in your cover letter can work against you by focusing the conversation on cost rather than value. It can also anchor negotiations too early in the process before you've had a chance to demonstrate your worth. If the application requires salary expectations, provide them in a separate field or only in the final paragraph of your cover letter with a range based on research: "Based on my research of industry standards for this role and my experience level, I'm targeting a salary in the $X-Y range, though I'm open to discussion based on the full compensation package."
7. How do I write a cover letter when changing careers?
Career-change cover letters require extra attention to transferable skills and explicit connection-making. Start by acknowledging your transition positively: "I'm excited to bring my eight years of project management experience in healthcare to the tech industry." Then dedicate most of your letter to drawing clear parallels between your previous experience and the new role's requirements. Focus on skills rather than industry-specific details: leadership, problem-solving, communication, technical abilities, etc. Provide specific examples of achievements that demonstrate relevant capabilities. Address your motivation for the change and show you've done homework about the new field. Consider mentioning relevant courses, certifications, or projects you've completed to prepare for the transition.
8. What's the difference between a cover letter and an application letter?
The terms "cover letter" and "application letter" are often used interchangeably, but there's a subtle distinction. A cover letter typically accompanies your resume in response to a specific job posting—it "covers" your resume and explains why you're a good fit. An application letter (also called a letter of interest) might be sent without a job posting, expressing interest in working for a company even if they haven't advertised an opening. In practice, most people use "cover letter" to refer to both types, and the core writing principles are similar: personalize to the company, highlight relevant qualifications, and request consideration for employment opportunities.
9. How do I make my cover letter stand out from other applicants?
Stand out by being specific, relevant, and authentic. Instead of generic claims ("I'm a hard worker"), provide concrete examples with numbers ("I increased production efficiency by 28% by implementing a new workflow system"). Research the company thoroughly and reference specific projects, values, or challenges that resonate with you. Use active, confident language and varied sentence structure to keep readers engaged. Tell a brief story that illustrates your qualifications rather than just listing them. Address the company's needs directly and explain exactly how you'll solve their problems. Finally, let your authentic personality show within professional bounds—hiring managers remember candidates who sound like real people, not template-following robots.
10. Should I include my cover letter as an email or attachment?
When emailing your application, the best approach is usually to write your cover letter directly in the email body with your resume as an attachment. This ensures the hiring manager sees your letter immediately without opening a second file. Write a professional email with a clear subject line ("Application for [Position Title] – [Your Name]"), then include your cover letter content below, followed by your signature. Attach your resume as a PDF labeled professionally (FirstName_LastName_Resume.pdf). If the job posting specifically requests separate attachments or if the email approach isn't possible due to submission system requirements, then attach both documents as PDFs.
11. How do I follow up after submitting my application and cover letter?
Wait 7-10 business days after submitting your application before following up, unless the job posting provides a different timeline. Send a brief, polite email to the hiring manager or HR contact expressing your continued interest: "I wanted to follow up on my application for the [Position] role submitted on [date]. I remain very interested in this opportunity and believe my experience in [relevant area] would be a strong match for your needs. I'd welcome the chance to discuss how I can contribute to [Company]. Thank you for your consideration." Keep it short (3-4 sentences), professional, and focused on your enthusiasm rather than demanding a status update. One follow-up is usually sufficient—multiple follow-ups can appear pushy.
12. What are the most common cover letter mistakes that get applications rejected?
The top mistakes that lead to rejection include: (1) Generic, template-based letters with no customization—54% of hiring managers immediately discard these; (2) Typos, grammatical errors, or wrong company names—these signal carelessness; (3) Simply repeating the resume without adding context or narrative; (4) Focusing on what you want from the job rather than what you offer the company; (5) Exceeding one page or writing overly long paragraphs that aren't read; (6) Using passive, weak language ("I believe I might be able to") instead of confident, active statements; (7) Including irrelevant personal information or inappropriate casual tone; (8) Failing to address the specific job requirements listed in the posting. Avoid these mistakes by carefully proofreading, customizing each letter, and focusing on how you solve the employer's problems.
Conclusion: Your Application Cover Letter as a Strategic Tool
An application cover letter is far more than a formality—it's a strategic tool that can significantly impact your job search success. When crafted thoughtfully, your cover letter humanizes your application, demonstrates genuine interest, explains your unique qualifications, and makes a compelling case for why you deserve an interview.
The key principles to remember:
Customize every letter to the specific job and company—generic applications are easy to spot and quick to reject
Focus on relevance by highlighting the 2-3 achievements and skills most aligned with the position requirements
Show, don't tell by providing specific examples with measurable outcomes rather than vague claims
Research thoroughly to demonstrate knowledge of the company and explain why you're excited about this particular opportunity
Keep it concise —one page maximum with every sentence serving a clear purpose
Proofread meticulously because even small errors can disqualify an otherwise strong application
Match the tone to the company culture while maintaining professionalism throughout
In today's competitive job market, a well-written application cover letter can be the difference between getting lost in a pile of resumes and landing an interview. It's your opportunity to control the narrative, address potential concerns, and present yourself as the solution to the employer's needs.
Whether you're crafting your first cover letter or your fiftieth, remember that each one is a fresh opportunity to make a strong impression. Take the time to research, customize, and refine your letter—the extra effort will pay dividends in interview invitations and, ultimately, job offers.
Ready to create your application cover letter? Use Cover Letter Copilot to generate a personalized, ATS-friendly cover letter in under 60 seconds, or explore our comprehensive guides on how to write, format, and type your cover letter for maximum impact.
Your next career opportunity is just one great cover letter away. Make it count.
