A strong cover letter can be the difference between landing an interview and being overlooked. While your resume lists your qualifications, your cover letter is your opportunity to tell your story, show personality, and explain why you’re the perfect fit for the role. Here are the most important tips to help you write a cover letter like a professional.
1. Tailor Your Letter to the Specific Job
One of the most common mistakes job seekers make is sending the same generic letter to multiple employers. Recruiters can spot a copy-paste application instantly—and it’s a major turn-off.
To stand out, tailor each letter to the specific role you're applying for. Mention the company by name, reference the job title, and incorporate keywords or responsibilities from the job posting. This shows that you've taken the time to understand what the employer needs and that you're genuinely interested in their opportunity—not just any job.
Example:
"I’m excited to apply for the Social Media Manager position at BrightWave Media, where I can contribute my experience in content strategy and analytics to help grow your digital presence."
2. Write a Strong Opening Line
The opening line is your first impression—make it count. Avoid predictable phrases like “I am writing to apply for…” and instead open with enthusiasm, a major achievement, or a personal connection to the company or industry.
An effective opening line grabs the reader’s attention and sets the tone for the rest of the letter. It shows confidence and establishes your value right away.
Example:
"Having led a team that boosted engagement by 60% in just six months, I was excited to see your opening for a Digital Content Lead—a role that aligns perfectly with my strengths."
3. Keep It Concise and Focused
Hiring managers are busy and often skim dozens of applications in one sitting. Your goal is to make their job easier. Keep your cover letter to one page—ideally three or four short, focused paragraphs.
Every sentence should serve a purpose: either to connect your skills to the job or to show why you're a good cultural fit. Avoid repeating your resume point-by-point, and stay away from long-winded storytelling or generic language.
4. Use Specific Achievements
Saying you’re a “strong communicator” or a “motivated team player” isn’t convincing without proof. Instead of listing soft skills, demonstrate them through quantifiable achievements and real-world examples.
Instead of:
"I’m good at managing projects."
Try:
"I coordinated a cross-functional team during a six-month product launch, which exceeded expectations and increased annual revenue by 18%."
Specifics help hiring managers visualize your impact and make your letter more memorable.
5. Match the Tone to the Company
Every company has a different brand voice—and your cover letter should reflect it. If the job description is formal and professional, match that tone. If the company sounds modern, quirky, or creative, you can mirror that style (within reason) to show cultural alignment.
This subtle mirroring technique builds subconscious rapport and shows that you “get” their brand and communication style.
6. Avoid Repeating Your Resume
Your cover letter is not a summary of your resume—it’s your opportunity to provide context, tell a story, and explain why you’re applying.
Use it to:
- Clarify why you’re making a career change
- Explain employment gaps in a positive light
- Describe what motivates you about this specific role
- Share results that might not be obvious on your resume
Think of it as the “why” behind the “what” your resume presents.
7. Format Professionally
Your cover letter should look clean and polished. Use a standard format with:
- Your contact information at the top
- The date
- The employer’s name and company
- A professional greeting
- The body of the letter
- A closing with your name or signature
Use simple fonts like Arial, Calibri, or Times New Roman in 11–12 point size, with consistent spacing and alignment. Avoid colors or creative formatting unless you’re applying for a design or creative role.
8. Proofread for Spelling and Grammar
Nothing undermines your credibility faster than a typo in a document meant to show your professionalism. Even the most qualified candidate can lose an opportunity over careless mistakes.
Read your letter out loud. Use a spellchecker and grammar tool. Ask a trusted friend or mentor to review it. Double-check the company’s name and the job title. Small details matter—and catching errors shows you care.
9. Include a Clear Call to Action
Don’t end your letter passively. Use the final paragraph to confidently invite the employer to continue the conversation.
Example:
"I would welcome the opportunity to discuss how my background in customer service and passion for helping people can contribute to your team. Thank you for your time and consideration."
This signals initiative and professionalism without sounding aggressive or entitled.
10. Use Templates Wisely
Cover letter templates can be helpful—especially if you’re unsure where to start—but avoid relying on them too heavily. Recruiters can tell when a letter is copied from a template with only the name changed.
Instead, use templates for structure and formatting inspiration, then customize the content thoroughly. Your cover letter should reflect you—your personality, your experience, and your interest in the specific role.
What to Avoid in a Cover Letter
Starting with “To whom it may concern”
Focusing only on yourself instead of how you’ll add value
Overused phrases like “team player” and “go-getter”
Listing every past job
Sounding robotic or too formal
Cover Letter Structure Summary
Contact information
Greeting
Strong opening
Key achievements and experience
Connection to the company
Closing with call to action
Signature
Final Thoughts
Writing a great cover letter isn’t about being perfect—it’s about being relevant, sincere, and professional. With the tips above, you’ll be equipped to write a letter that gets results.
Need help getting started? Try our free [Cover Letter Builder] to create a job-winning letter in minutes.