What to Write on a Cover Letter for a Job
TL;DR - Quick Answer
A cover letter for a job should include five essential elements: a compelling opening that hooks the reader, specific achievements that demonstrate your value, evidence you've researched the company, a clear connection between your skills and the job requirements, and a confident closing with a call to action. The goal is to complement your resume by showing personality, enthusiasm, and fit—not to repeat what's already there.
Unlike resumes that list qualifications, cover letters tell the story of why you're the right person for this specific role at this specific company. A well-written cover letter can differentiate you from equally qualified candidates and earn you an interview.
This guide covers exactly what to write in each section of your cover letter, with examples and templates you can adapt. For a complete step-by-step process, see our guide on how to create a cover letter.
Key Takeaways
Open with impact: Skip generic openings. Lead with enthusiasm for the role or a relevant achievement.
Show, don't tell: Use specific examples and metrics rather than vague claims about your abilities.
Research the company: Reference specific projects, values, or news that shows genuine interest.
Match job requirements: Address 2-3 key qualifications from the posting with concrete evidence.
Close confidently: End with enthusiasm and a clear next step, not passive hope.
The Essential Sections of a Cover Letter
Every effective cover letter contains these core components:
1. Header and Contact Information
Start with your professional contact details:
Your name: Full name, prominently displayed
Phone number: Professional voicemail is essential
Email: Use a professional address (firstname.lastname@email.com)
LinkedIn: Include if your profile is complete and professional
Date: Current date of submission
Recipient: Hiring manager's name and title if known
For detailed addressing guidance, see our guide on how to address a cover letter.
2. Opening Paragraph
Your opening has seconds to capture attention. Include:
The specific position: Name the exact role you're applying for
How you found it: Referral, job board, company website
Your hook: A compelling reason you're excited about this opportunity
Weak opening: "I am writing to apply for the Marketing Manager position I saw posted on your website."
Strong opening: "When I led my team to increase conversion rates by 40% using the exact strategy your company pioneered, I knew I wanted to bring that expertise to TechCorp's Marketing Manager role."
3. Body Paragraphs
The body is where you prove your value. Use one or two paragraphs to:
Highlight relevant achievements: Choose 2-3 accomplishments that directly relate to job requirements
Quantify results: Numbers and metrics make your impact concrete
Show company knowledge: Demonstrate you've researched their challenges and goals
Connect your experience: Explain how your background prepares you for this specific role
For more on what experiences to highlight, see our guide on what to put in a cover letter.
4. Closing Paragraph
End strong with:
Enthusiasm: Reiterate your interest in the role
Value summary: Brief reminder of what you bring
Call to action: Express interest in discussing further
Thank you: Appreciate their time and consideration
For closing strategies, see our guide on how to conclude a cover letter.
What to Write for Different Experience Levels
Entry-Level Positions
When you have limited professional experience, emphasize:
Relevant coursework and academic projects
Internships, part-time jobs, and volunteer work
Transferable skills from any context
Enthusiasm and eagerness to learn
Fresh perspective and recent training
For students and new grads, see our specialized guide on how to make a cover letter for an internship.
Mid-Career Professionals
With several years of experience, focus on:
Specific achievements with measurable outcomes
Leadership experience and team collaboration
Industry expertise and specialized skills
Career progression and growth trajectory
How your experience solves their current challenges
Senior-Level Candidates
For executive and senior roles, highlight:
Strategic vision and leadership philosophy
Major accomplishments with business impact
Team building and organizational development
Industry thought leadership
Alignment with company direction and values
Writing Tips for Maximum Impact
Use the CAR Method
Structure achievements using Challenge-Action-Result:
Challenge: What problem did you face?
Action: What specifically did you do?
Result: What measurable outcome did you achieve?
Example: "When customer complaints increased 30% (challenge), I implemented a new feedback system and trained 15 support staff (action), reducing complaints by 45% within three months (result)."
Mirror the Job Posting
Use keywords and phrases from the job description naturally throughout your letter. This shows alignment and helps with applicant tracking systems (ATS).
Be Specific, Not Generic
Generic: "I have excellent communication skills."
Specific: "I presented quarterly results to our 200-person company and wrote the internal newsletter read by 5,000 employees."
What NOT to Write
Avoid these common mistakes:
Resume repetition: Don't simply restate what's on your resume
Salary expectations: Save this for later in the process unless specifically asked
Negative comments: Never criticize previous employers or colleagues
Personal issues: Avoid sharing why you need the job (financial stress, etc.)
Irrelevant information: Stick to professionally relevant content
Overconfidence: "You'd be lucky to have me" is never appropriate
Excessive humility: "I know I'm not the most qualified..." undermines your candidacy
Industry-Specific Considerations
Corporate and Business Roles
Emphasize: metrics, ROI, leadership, strategic thinking, cross-functional collaboration, and business acumen.
Creative Industries
Emphasize: portfolio highlights, creative process, collaboration style, and unique perspective. More personality is acceptable.
Technical Positions
Emphasize: specific technologies, problem-solving examples, project outcomes, and continuous learning.
Healthcare and Education
Emphasize: patient/student outcomes, certifications, compassion, and commitment to the field's mission.
Cover Letter Length Guidelines
Keep your cover letter concise:
Word count: 250-400 words is ideal
Page length: Never exceed one page
Paragraphs: 3-4 focused paragraphs
Sentences: Vary length but keep most under 20 words
For detailed length guidance, see our guide on how long a cover letter should be.
Using AI to Write Your Cover Letter
AI tools can help you create a professional first draft that you then personalize. Our AI cover letter generator analyzes job descriptions and your background to create targeted content in under 60 seconds.
For more AI writing strategies, see our guide on how to use ChatGPT to write a cover letter.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I start a cover letter without saying 'I am writing to apply'?
Lead with what makes you excited about the role or a relevant achievement. "Your company's recent expansion into sustainable products aligns perfectly with my five years of experience in green marketing" is more engaging than announcing you're applying.
Should I address gaps in employment?
Only if directly relevant. Brief gaps don't need explanation. For longer gaps, a single sentence framing it positively (caregiving, skill development, education) is sufficient. Focus on what you bring now, not past circumstances.
How do I write a cover letter if I'm changing careers?
Focus on transferable skills and explain your motivation for the change. Show how your unique background provides fresh perspective. Address the career shift directly but briefly, then focus on what you offer.
Should I mention the salary in my cover letter?
Only if the job posting explicitly requests salary expectations. Otherwise, save salary discussion for later in the hiring process. If you must include it, provide a range based on market research.
How personal should a cover letter be?
Professional but personable. Show enthusiasm and let your voice come through, but avoid oversharing personal details. The focus should remain on your professional qualifications and fit for the role.
Do I need a different cover letter for every job?
Yes. While you can reuse structure and some content, each letter should be customized for the specific role and company. Generic letters are obvious and ineffective.
What if I don't know the hiring manager's name?
Try LinkedIn or the company website first. If unavailable, use "Dear Hiring Manager" or "Dear [Department] Team." Avoid outdated phrases like "To Whom It May Concern."
Should I include references in my cover letter?
No. "References available upon request" is outdated. Prepare a separate reference list to provide when asked during the interview process.
Conclusion
A strong cover letter tells employers why you're the right person for this specific job at their company. Include a compelling opening, evidence-backed achievements, company research, and a confident close. Keep it concise, specific, and tailored to each application.
Remember: your cover letter's job is to earn you an interview, not get you hired. Focus on sparking enough interest that they want to learn more about you.
Ready to write your cover letter? Our AI cover letter generator helps you create professional, tailored content in under 60 seconds. For inspiration, explore our cover letter examples.
