A cover letter is a short, specific pitch for why you’re right for one particular job. It’s not a summary of your résumé — it’s the argument your résumé can’t make: why this role, why this company, and what you’d bring. Done well, it takes three short paragraphs.
The structure that works
- Opening (2–3 sentences). Name the role and lead with your single strongest, most relevant point. Skip “I am writing to apply for…” — the reader knows.
- Body (1–2 paragraphs). Pick two or three achievements that match what the job asks for, and show the result. Numbers beat adjectives: “cut response time by 40%” lands harder than “improved efficiency.”
- Close (2–3 sentences). Say why this company specifically, and end with a clear, confident next step.
Make every line specific
The fastest way to get skipped is to sound generic. A letter that could be sent to any company will be read by none. Mention the actual role, the actual team, the actual problem you’d help solve. If you could swap in a competitor’s name and the letter still works, it’s too vague.
Match the tone to the company
A startup and a law firm expect different registers. Draft your letter once, then use the paraphraser to shift it: Formal mode for traditional industries, a more relaxed pass for creative or early-stage teams. Writing in a second language? Draft in your strongest language and translate it as a starting point, then polish.
Proofread like your job depends on it
Because it sort of does — a typo in a cover letter signals carelessness. Before you send:
- Run the grammar checker for spelling, grammar and punctuation.
- Check the readability so it’s easy to skim.
- Confirm the company name and hiring manager are spelled correctly (the most damaging error to miss).
Keep it short
One page, ideally under 300 words. A hiring manager reads dozens; the clear, specific, confident one wins. Say less, but make every line earn its place.
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