How to Write a Cover Letter
A well-crafted cover letter can enhance your chances of a job interview by demonstrating your interest in the employer and the opportunity. This article will guide you through the elements of a successful cover letter and offer tips to make yours effective.
The Purpose of a Cover Letter
While your resume outlines your qualifications, your cover letter adds context, personality, and a tailored explanation for why you are a good fit for the role. A well-crafted cover letter can grab a hiring manager’s attention and set you apart from other candidates.
The cover letter serves as your personal introduction to each employer. It should focus on your motivation and how your background aligns with the job requirements. Employers read cover letters to learn about your communication skills, professionalism, and genuine interest in their organization’s efforts.
Preparing to Write Your Cover Letter
Before you begin writing, thoroughly research the position and employer. Review the job posting, visit the company’s website, and familiarize yourself with its values and culture.
Then, take some time to brainstorm and jot down your thoughts about why the job interests you. Do specific details in the job post jump out at you? Or do the organization’s goals and values overlap with your own? Your answers to these questions will help you draft a compelling letter for each application.
Structure of a Cover Letter
A standard cover letter has these key elements:
Header
Include your name, location, phone number, and email. Add the date and the employer’s contact details when available.
Tip: You can omit this section when sending your letter in an email message (as opposed to a Word document or PDF file), as long as your contact details appear below your signature at the bottom.
Greeting
Address the hiring manager directly if possible, e.g., “Dear Mr. Smith” or “Dear Ms. Johnson.” If you can’t find the person’s name, “Dear Hiring Manager” is an acceptable alternative. (Never use “To whom it may concern.”)
Introduction
Catch the hiring manager’s attention by citing one of your key qualifications and connecting it to the job opening.
Body
Tell why you’re interested in this particular job or employer. Highlight your relevant skills, experience, and accomplishments. Give specific examples to demonstrate your value, and back up your claims with concrete results.
Tip: Any time you’re stuck on part of your letter, try writing out your thoughts separately. As job search expert Richard N. Bolles pointed out, “the act of simply writing things down is a powerful tool, whether you’re scribbling them on paper or typing in a notes app or a blank document. If you can, consider writing with pen and paper, retro as that may seem.”
Closing
Thank the hiring manager for their time, and express eagerness to discuss your application further.
Signature
End with a professional sign-off (“Sincerely” or “Best regards”) and your name.
Cover Letter Examples
Avery Harris
Dublin, OH | [email protected] | (555) 987-6543 | LinkedIn
October 27, 2025
Mr. Blake Allen
Director of Operations
ABC Marketing Solutions
456 Elm Street
Dublin, OH 43017
Dear Mr. Allen:
I am excited to apply for the project manager position at ABC Marketing Solutions. With a strong background in project planning and process optimization, as well as two years of experience leading cross-functional initiatives, I’m confident I can drive successful outcomes for your organization.
During my time at Bright Ideas Media, I consistently met deadlines and exceeded quality standards on major client projects. I excel at team leadership, resource management, and risk mitigation, with a proven track record of streamlining workflows. I’m particularly drawn to ABC Marketing Solutions’s emphasis on collaboration and continuous improvement, which aligns with my own professional philosophy.
I’m eager to contribute my organizational expertise to your company. I look forward to the chance to discuss how my skills and experience can help support ABC Marketing Solutions’ future growth and success.
Sincerely,
Avery Harris
Frequently Asked Questions: Writing a Cover Letter
No more than one page, or between 200 and 300 words. Focus on quality rather than quantity, and make sure every sentence adds value.
It’s perfectly fine to have some common details across your resume and cover letter. However, remember that your cover letter should complement your resume, not duplicate it. Use the letter to give context, elaborate on key achievements, and explain why you’re interested in the role and company.
New artificial intelligence (AI) tools, such as ChatGPT or DeepL Write, can help you get started on your cover letter by quickly creating a first draft. This can make it easier to begin writing and help you avoid staring at a blank page. AI can also offer new ideas and suggest better ways to describe your interests and skills. But while AI is an excellent tool for getting started, it can’t do everything. You still need to think about your key achievements, pick the most relevant information for each section, and make sure all the details in your final letter are accurate.
Resume.org offers free, HR approved resume templates to help you create a professional resume in minutes. Choose from several template options and even pre-populate a resume from your profile.