Let’s be honest, your resume is the star of the show when applying for jobs. But like in any good story, the supporting cast can make all the difference — and your cover letter is that key side character. It’s got one job: to bring depth to your application and go beyond what was covered in your resume. 

Recruiters don’t need a rewrite of what they’ve already read about you. They want to see more dimension beyond a list of bullet-pointed experiences. The challenge is keeping their attention after they’ve just skimmed through your resume.

Need some help? Check out our AI Cover Letter Builder. All you need to do is enter the job title and company, then our technology will tailor a cover letter for you in seconds. 

It’s time to go beyond the basics. This guide will tell you: 

• What to include in a cover letter to deliver the best first impression. 
• All the red flags and common mistakes of writing a cover letter. 
• The best formatting to keep everything looking clean and professional.

What Is a Cover Letter for a Resume? (And What It’s Not)

A cover letter is your introduction to the company and hiring manager — a 3 to 4-paragraph page that goes along with your resume. It’s a way to explain why you’re excited about the job and how you’re a great fit for the role.

Now, the cover letter isn’t a recap of your resume — you need to go beyond that. Why are you interested in the job and the company? It’s about connecting your skills, experience, and achievements to what they’re looking for in the job description. 

If your resume says what you did and how well you did this, a cover letter explains why they should even care.

While your cover letter is still a professional document, there’s more leeway in letting your personality come through. You want the employer to see you as someone who’s not only qualified but also enthusiastic about joining their team.

Not sure how to differentiate the two? Take a look: What’s the Difference Between a Cover Letter vs. a Resume?

How Important Is a Cover Letter?

A cover letter used to be what it says in the name — a cover for your resume. Historically, hiring decision-makers would read a cover letter before getting around to reviewing a resume.

That’s not the case anymore — with Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) and an ever-shrinking attention span, cover letters just don’t get as much attention as they used to. Even so, a 2020 study found that 87% of hiring managers still read cover letters, and 65% said a cover letter influences their decision to interview or hire.

So yes — cover letters are important. 

They let you connect the dots between your experience and the specific job you’re going after. Plus, a well-written cover letter lets you show some personality. You can show that you’re not just qualified, but also someone who’d mesh well with their team.

In a pile of resumes, a strong cover letter can help you stand out and show them you’re serious about the role — it’s a great opportunity to make a lasting impression.

Find out when to include a cover letter and when to skip it: Are Cover Letters Necessary?

Cover Letter Tips: What to Include

If you’ve spent more than ten minutes researching how to write a cover letter, you’ve probably seen the usual advice. Stick to a few paragraphs about your achievements and why you’re interested in the company. 

That’s just the foundation, but let’s take it up a notch.

It’s not just about feeding companies what they want to hear with the same recycled phrases you found online. The best way to stand out from the crowd is by giving yourself a voice and showing you genuinely care about the opportunity. 

Check out these tips to add some flair to your resume: 

Send your cover letter to the hiring manager

I get it — hiring managers can be intimidating, but underneath having your future in their hands, they’re just like you and me. So, try to acknowledge them personally. Find out the name and title of the hiring manager for the position. Personalizing your message shows you care about the role enough to make a genuine connection.

If you know who they are, sending your application via email or even reaching out through LinkedIn can make a confident impression. Start with a friendly yet professional greeting and a quick introduction about yourself and why you’re reaching out. Attach your cover letter and resume, and double-check that everything looks sharp before hitting send.

Once your cover letter is out there, don’t hesitate to follow up after about a week. A friendly nudge can keep you on their radar and show that you’re really interested in the position. 

Here’s how to make that initial connection: 

Hello [hiring manager’s first and last name],

I hope you’re doing well. My name’s [your name], and I recently saw an open position for the [Job title] position. I’m really excited about the opportunity to join [company name] because of [specific reason related to the company or position].

I’ve attached my cover letter and resume for your review. If you have a moment, I’d love to chat more about how I can contribute to your team

Thanks for your time. 

All the best,

[your name]
[your LinkedIn profile]

Find out more: What Should a Cover Letter Include?

Align with the tone and voice of the company

Ever been on a date that felt more like a formal job interview? Yes, tone matters — get it wrong, and you risk not getting a callback. The same goes for your cover letter. Employers aren’t just hiring your skills; they want to know how you’ll gel with the company culture. 

All it takes is some digging online. Spend some time browsing their website, checking out their social media, or reading employee reviews to get an insight into their culture, tone, and how they communicate. You don’t want to come off as too stiff or too casual, so it helps to get a feel for the company’s voice. 

Not finding much online? Stick to a conversational but professional tone. Most industries appreciate warmth, though fields like law or finance may expect something more formal. Just remember, don’t lose your personality in the process. 

Here’s how to use a conversational tone to connect to the company culture: 

I love how your company focuses on collaboration and fresh ideas. With my background in creative marketing and passion for working closely with teams, I’m really excited about the chance to contribute to your innovative environment.

Learn more about tailoring your cover letter to your industry: 52 Skillful Cover Letter Examples

Show your personality 

Resumes get your foot in the door, but let’s be honest, they come off a little robotic. Your cover letter is your chance to bring some life into your application and show the real you. It’s where you can show your enthusiasm, character, and ambition — things that don’t always come through in a list of job duties.

Turns out, our parents were right — just be yourself. Share what excites you about the role or why you’re passionate about the company’s mission. Offering a glimpse into your values or what motivates you can set you apart and help employers see how you’d fit into their team.

But you don’t want to sound like you’re chatting with an old friend. Remember, this is still a professional document. Show who you are while keeping the tone respectful and polished. Grammar, spelling, and formatting matter here, so don’t slack on the details. 

Here’s how to show your values and enthusiasm while staying professional:

I’m drawn to your company’s mission of sustainability, and I’m excited about the opportunity to use my marketing skills to help grow such an important cause. My expertise in digital strategy, combined with my passion for eco-friendly initiatives, makes me eager to contribute to your team’s efforts to make a real difference.

Balance enthusiasm with authenticity 

Fun fact: I love Disney World — but there’s a time and place for that level of excitement. In a serious conversation, too much enthusiasm can feel fake. If you’re too over-the-top in your cover letter, employers will question if you’re truly interested or just saying what they want to hear.

You need to show you’re genuinely excited without coming off as too eager. A little enthusiasm shows you’re motivated, but too much can feel forced. So, avoid excessive flattery or making promises you can’t back up. Skip the overly dramatic language or too many “I’m incredibly thrilled beyond belief” type of lines. Enthusiasm should feel real, not like you’re trying too hard. 

Here’s how to show genuine excitement in your cover letter: 

I’m really excited about the chance to join your team and bring my passion for graphic design to a company that values creativity as much as you do. The blend of innovation and collaboration at your company is exactly the kind of environment where I thrive.

Show interest in the company, not just the job

Your job is more than just tasks and a paycheck. While that’s part of it, employers care about the bigger picture — how you’ll help move the company forward. They want to know you’re not just in it for you, but that you’re aligned with their mission.

So, dig deep. Check out the company’s website, mission statement, and social media. You can even look up employees on LinkedIn to get a sense of their culture. The goal is to connect your goals with theirs, not just the role itself.

Once you’ve done that, pick a couple of things that stand out to you. It helps to focus on two key areas — one that aligns with the company’s values and another that’s relevant to their industry or any current trends. And if you’ve used their product or service, don’t play it cool. It’s a great way to show a personal connection to the company. 

Here’s how to express interest in the company as a whole:

Your commitment to delivering exceptional customer service truly stands out to me. I’ve always admired how your team goes above and beyond to create memorable experiences for your clients. As someone who thrives on building relationships, I’d love the opportunity to contribute to such a dedicated team and help elevate that standard even further.

Take a look for some more inspiration: Short Cover Letter Samples to Inspire You

Identify your Unique Value Proposition (UVP)

Everyone has a UVP — in the professional world, it’s what makes you shine in a sea of candidates. Instead of just listing your experiences, think about how your background can directly benefit the company. What challenges can you tackle? What goals can you help reach? The closer you connect your strengths to what the employer needs, the stronger your UVP becomes.

Think about past wins that made you feel the most successful or fulfilled, or moments where you truly excelled. Drawing blanks? Reach out to colleagues or mentors for feedback on your standout skills or achievements you might’ve overlooked.

Once you have a good idea of what sets you apart, focus on the skills that align with the job and what makes you unique. Maybe you’ve learned fresh insights or developed a skill set that’s rare in your field. Highlight those and show how they can help the company meet its goals or overcome obstacles.

Here’s how to stand out with your UVP:

I’ve spent years honing my skills in user experience design, which I know is crucial for your team’s goals. My track record of improving customer engagement by 30% in my last role speaks to my ability to understand user needs and drive results. I’d love to bring that expertise to your company.

Use storytelling methods to describe real examples

Using storytelling in your cover letter can turn it from a list of qualifications into a compelling narrative. It’s all about showing, not just telling, which means sharing real-life examples to back up your skills.

A great way to do this is through storytelling methods like the Challenge-Action-Result (CAR) method or the Situation-Task-Action-Result (STAR) framework. These are simple structures to help you explain your experiences in a clear and engaging way.

Here’s a breakdown with examples: 

Challenge-Action-Result (CAR)

• Challenge: Describe the problem or challenge you faced. This sets the context for your story.
• Action: Explain the specific actions you took to address the challenge and highlight your problem-solving skills. 
• Result: Share the outcomes of your actions, focusing on how they benefited the team or company.

When I joined the team, we were struggling to meet deadlines on a major project (challenge). I implemented a new tracking system (action) that helped us stay on top of tasks, resulting in a 20% faster completion rate and positive feedback from our clients (result).

Situation-Task-Action-Result (STAR)

• Situation: Set the scene by outlining the context or situation you encountered.
• Task: Describe the task or responsibility you were given in that situation.
• Action: Detail the actions you took to complete the task. This is where you showcase your skills.
• Result: Highlight the results of your actions, emphasizing the positive impact you made.

When I took over the customer service team, we were facing high call wait times (situation). My task was to improve our response rate without sacrificing quality (task). I introduced a new scheduling system that optimized staff availability during peak hours (action), which reduced wait times by 30% and significantly improved customer satisfaction scores (result).

Don’t have a strong professional background? Take a look: Crafting a Winning Cover Letter with Zero Experience

Cover Letter Mistakes: What to Avoid

Moving into red flag territory: rambling, repeating, and robotic language. None of this would fly in a normal social interaction, so don’t fall into these traps when talking to your future employer. Small mistakes or badly worded sentences can raise alarms for hiring managers and give the edge to someone else.

Here are all the things not to do when writing a cover letter: 

Avoid repeating your resume 

Your cover letter and resume are two different tools. The resume lays out the facts, while the cover letter tells the story behind those facts. This is your chance to add new context to your experience, not just summarize what’s already in your resume. Hiring managers already have that information — they don’t need it twice.

Use your cover letter to dive deeper into a couple of standout experiences. Pick a specific accomplishment from your resume and explain how you achieved it, what hurdles you faced, or what valuable lessons you learned along the way. This paints a fuller picture of your skills and personality.

You can also expand on your motivation and excitement for the role. Why do you want to work for this company? What draws you to this particular position? This is something your resume doesn’t always clearly convey. 

Don’t ramble and get off-topic

We’ve all zoned out during a long-winded conversation. But employers don’t have to pretend — they’ll just toss your cover letter aside once they lose interest. 

A recent study found that 52% of employers spend less than a minute reading your resume. So, keep it short and sweet — no more than a page. You don’t need to list every single thing about yourself or just repeat your resume, that’s not what a cover letter is for.

A solid structure to follow is four clear paragraphs. 

Start with a quick introduction about who you are and why you’re excited about the job and the company. Next, spotlight your most relevant skills and experiences, showing how they fit the role. In the third paragraph, sprinkle in some personality — share why you’d fit well with the company culture. Finally, wrap things up by reinforcing your enthusiasm and interest.

Learn more about keeping your cover letter concise: How Long Should a Cover Letter Be?

Steer clear from generic statements 

We all want to feel a little special, right? Well, employers can sense a generic cover letter from a mile away. Sure, it’s tempting to just swap out the company name on an old letter and hit send, but most hiring managers want to see that you’re genuinely excited about their specific role, not just any job that comes your way.

Personalization is key. Take time to tailor your letter for each position, like referencing specifics about the company or job that excite you. A cover letter that lacks that personal touch won’t grab the hiring manager’s attention. 

That said, if you have a few strong lines that work across multiple applications, feel free to recycle them. Just steer clear of sending out a completely cookie-cutter letter. Instead, focus on sharing stories that highlight the skills they’re looking for. Rather than saying, “I’m great at teamwork,” paint a picture of how you thrived in a collaborative environment similar to theirs.

Never get defensive 

Apologizing implies that you’ve done something wrong, which isn’t the best first impression. When you don’t meet all the job requirements, it’s tempting to start off with, “I don’t have much experience in management…” or “I haven’t worked in marketing before…”

Instead of focusing on what you don’t have, flip the script. If you don’t have direct experience, share what you do have that still makes you a solid candidate. Maybe you mentored a new colleague or led a project, which shows leadership potential even if your title didn’t include “manager.”

Think about how your unique background can bring a fresh perspective to the role. What experiences have prepared you for this job? Focus on selling those points instead of apologizing for any gaps. Employers want to know what you can offer, not what you’re missing.

Don’t make it all about you

It’s easy to fall into the trap of making your cover letter all about you — how the job is perfect for your career, how excited you are. But here’s the thing: hiring managers already assume you’re interested in the role. What they really want to know is how you can help them. 

Do some research on the company — figure out what they do, what challenges they’re facing, and where you can add value. Use your cover letter to show how your skills and experience can help address those challenges. It’s less about “I want this job because it’s great for me” and more about “Here’s how I can help you succeed in this role.”

Of course, you can still mention your professional aspirations but always tie them back to what the company needs. For example, instead of saying, “This position will help me grow as a marketer,” say, “I’m excited about the opportunity to apply my marketing skills to help drive brand awareness and increase customer engagement at your company.”

Find out more about the top cover letter red flags: 13 Common Cover Letter Mistakes

Cover Letter Example

Now, let’s put all those tips into action. Here’s an example of an authentic and professional cover letter to give you some inspiration. 

Jordan Smith
123 Maple Street
Springfield, IL 62701
jordan.smith@email.com
(555) 123-4567

Dear Taylor Johnson,

I’m thrilled to apply for the Sales Representative position at Innovative Solutions Inc. Your reputation for blending new technology with customer-focused solutions is why I had to reach out. I’ve been following the growth of your product line, particularly the recent success with your cloud-based CRM platform, and I’m eager to help push those boundaries even further.

In my last role, I not only exceeded my sales targets by 30%, but I also worked closely with clients to understand their challenges and provide tailored tech solutions. I admire your commitment to innovation and believe my sales approach and passion for technology will help expand your customer base while deepening existing client relationships.

The way your team emphasizes collaboration and long-term partnerships is something I would love to contribute towards. I’m confident I can help drive growth as Innovative Solutions continues to lead the market.

Thank you for considering my application. I’d love to discuss how my background and values align with the exciting work you’re doing at Innovative Solutions Inc.

Best regards,
Jordan Smith 

Need some more ideas? Take a look: 180+ Cover Letter Templates for All Jobs

How to Write a Cover Letter 

We’ve gone over all the insider tips to make your resume stand out — but what about the basics? Here’s a summary of the seven steps in creating a cover letter: 

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1. Tailor to each job: Don’t use the same cover letter for every job. Do your research on the company and position to show you’re genuinely interested. Focus on the key qualifications from the job posting and highlight how you’ve successfully carried them out in your past roles.
2. Include contact details: At the top, add your name, location, email, phone number, and LinkedIn profile. Make it easy for the hiring manager to follow up.
3. Open with a professional greeting: Address the letter to a specific person using their first and last name. If that’s not possible, “Dear Hiring Manager” works well. Avoid outdated phrases like “To whom it may concern.”
4. Grab attention with the opening paragraph: Hook them with why you’re excited about the role and why you’re a perfect fit. Mention your relevant background and how you learned about the opportunity.
5. Show your skills and achievements: Use the main body to expand on specific experiences, linking them to the company’s needs. Share real examples and quantifiable results that show your value.
6. Finish with a strong closing: End by emphasizing your enthusiasm and inviting further discussion. Highlight another key achievement or skill that makes you a great match.
7. Sign off and proofread: Close with a brief statement and a professional sign-off. Before hitting send, proofread for any errors to ensure a polished, professional letter.

Get the full lowdown on creating your cover letter here: How to Write a Cover Letter for a Job

How to Format a Cover Letter?

Imagine you’re a recruiter with just a few minutes to review two cover letters. One is from someone newer to the industry, and the other is from a more experienced candidate. But you find yourself drawn to the less experienced cover letter. Why? The seasoned pro’s letter is two pages of dense text, written in hard-to-read font. They didn’t even think about how it would be received. Not exactly someone you’d want on the team. 

That’s why formatting matters. Keep everything to one page. Anything longer, and you’re asking the hiring manager to skim, or worse — stop reading altogether. You don’t need to lay out your entire work history here; just hit the highlights most relevant to the role.

Stick to modern and professional fonts, like Arial, Helvetica, or Calibri (leave Times New Roman in the past). And make sure the font size is somewhere between 10 and 12 points — easy to read but not overcrowded. You want the focus to be on what you’re saying, not how hard it is to read.

Your text should be left-aligned, and use single spacing within each paragraph — just leave a blank line between sections, so there’s enough breathing room. And don’t forget one-inch margins on all sides. 

When you’re ready to send it, save your cover letter as a PDF. This locks in the formatting, so it looks the same on the hiring manager’s computer as it does on yours — no unexpected shifts or misplaced text.

Learn more about polishing up your cover letter: How to Format a Cover Letter 

Summary

Here’s a roundup of the best tips on writing an effective cover letter: 

• Personalize each cover letter by referencing the specific company, role, and key qualifications to show you’re not just sending a cookie-cutter copy. 
• Steer clear of phrases like “To Whom It May Concern.” Always try to address the letter to a specific person, or use “Hiring Manager.”
• Share specific accomplishments and real-world experiences that show how your skills match the job description.
• Let your enthusiasm and personality shine, but keep the tone respectful and professional.
• Avoid pointing out what you lack in experience. Instead, focus on your transferable skills and how they make you a strong candidate.
• Avoid being too stiff or robotic. You want your cover letter to sound natural and conversational, not like a legal document.
• Use the cover letter to provide a deeper context behind your experiences, not just a list of duties that mirror your resume. 
• Try not to start every sentence with “I.” Focus more on what you can do for the company rather than just talking about yourself.
• Use a clean format with modern fonts (Arial, Helvetica) and single spacing. Keep margins at one inch to make it easy on the eyes and avoid going over one page. 
• Double-check for grammar or spelling mistakes. A clean, error-free letter shows attention to detail.

FAQ

Are cover letters necessary?

While not always required, cover letters are definitely a good idea. They’re your chance to go beyond the bullet points in your resume and explain why you’re the perfect fit for the job. 

Even if the job posting doesn’t ask for a cover letter, including one shows that you’re going the extra mile and are truly interested in the role. So, are they necessary? Not always, but if you’re serious about landing the job, it’s worth the effort.

What is the purpose of a cover letter?

The purpose of a cover letter is to introduce yourself and explain why you’re excited about the role. It’s your opportunity to show your personality, highlight your most relevant skills, and explain how your experience aligns with the company’s needs. It also helps recruiters get a better sense of who you are beyond your resume, like your work style and motivation. 

How to start a cover letter?

Start your cover letter with a strong hook. Introduce yourself and immediately state why you’re excited about the job. Mention the role you’re applying for and include a specific reason why you’re drawn to the company or position. 

This can be something like their mission, a product you love, or an industry challenge you’re eager to tackle. Keep it concise but genuine, and if possible, address the hiring manager by name — it shows you’ve done your homework and makes the letter feel more personal.

Find out more about creating a strong first impression: How to Start a Cover Letter

How to write a creative cover letter?

A creative cover letter doesn’t mean you have to write in a quirky or over-the-top style. It’s more about telling a story or presenting your experience in a unique way. Use a memorable anecdote that connects to the job or explain a career achievement with personality and flair. 

Tailor your tone to match the company’s culture — some may appreciate a bit of humor, while others prefer a more straightforward approach. Just make sure to stay professional, and don’t overdo it. 

What is the rule of three in a cover letter?

The rule of three is about breaking your letter into three key sections: the intro, the body, and the close. In the introduction, grab their attention and explain why you’re applying. In the body, highlight key skills or experiences that align with the job and back them up with examples. Wrap up with a strong closing that expresses enthusiasm and invites the next step (like an interview). This structure makes your letter clear, focused, and easy to follow.

Learn more about writing a memorable closing paragraph: How to End a Cover Letter

How do you stand out in your cover letter?

Personalize your cover letter for each role to stand out. Focus on what excites you about the company and highlight achievements relevant to the position. Share a quick story or example to show how you’ve successfully tackled a challenge that’s similar to what the company might be facing. 

Use specific, quantifiable results when talking about your successes. Also, match the company’s tone and culture in your writing style — whether it’s casual and friendly or more formal. Most importantly, be authentic — let them see the real you.