Hey there! If you’re reading this, you’re probably staring at a blank page, trying to figure out how to write a cover letter that doesn’t sound like every other one out there. I get it—cover letters can feel like a chore, especially when you’re not sure what to say or how to stand out. But here’s the good news: writing a good cover letter doesn’t have to be complicated. In fact, it’s your chance to show off a bit, tell your story, and make a connection with the hiring manager. So, let’s break it down together, step by step, like we’re chatting over coffee.
Advertisements
Why Does a Cover Letter Even Matter?
First things first why bother with a cover letter? Isn’t the resume enough? Well, not really. Your resume lists your skills and experience, but your cover letter is where you get to explain why you’re the right fit for the job. It’s your opportunity to show your personality, enthusiasm, and how you can solve the company’s problems. Plus, did you know that 83% of hiring managers actually read cover letters? That means a great one can be the difference between getting an interview or getting passed over.
Advertisements
So, let’s make sure yours is one they’ll remember—for all the right reasons.
Step 1: Research the Company (Yes, It’s Important)
Before you even think about typing “Dear Hiring Manager,” take a few minutes to research the company. I know, it sounds like extra work, but trust me, it pays off. Look at their website, check out their social media, and read the job description carefully. What’s their mission? What problems are they trying to solve? Understanding this will help you tailor your cover letter to show you’re not just looking for any job—you’re looking for this job.
Pro Tip: Look for keywords in the job posting, like “team player” or “detail-oriented,” and sprinkle them naturally into your letter. This not only shows you’re a good fit but also helps your application get past those pesky applicant tracking systems (ATS).
A cover letter doesn’t need to be fancy, but it does need to look professional. Stick to a standard business letter format: your contact info at the top, followed by the date, and then the employer’s details. Use a clean font like Arial or Times New Roman, and keep it between 250-400 words. No one wants to read a novel, so be concise.
Quick Tip: If you can’t find the hiring manager’s name, “Dear Hiring Manager” is fine. But if you can, use their name—it shows you did your homework.
Step 3: Start Strong (Hook Them Early)
Your opening paragraph is like the first sip of coffee—it needs to be good. Start by mentioning the job you’re applying for and how you found it. If you have a connection or referral, drop that name here. Then, give a brief reason why you’re excited about the role.
Good Example:
“I was thrilled to see the Marketing Coordinator position at Creative Co. posted on LinkedIn. With three years of experience in digital marketing and a passion for storytelling, I’m excited to help your team grow its online presence.”
Bad Example:
“I’m applying for the job I saw online. I think I’d be good at it.”
See the difference? The good example is specific, enthusiastic, and shows you’ve done your research.
Step 4: Show, Don’t Tell (Use Examples)
Now, let’s get to the meat of your cover letter—the body. This is where you highlight your relevant skills and achievements. But here’s the key: don’t just list what you’ve done. Instead, tell a story about how you’ve made an impact. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your examples.
Example:
“At my last job, I noticed our social media engagement was dropping (Situation). I was tasked with turning it around (Task). I created a new content calendar and ran A/B tests on our posts (Action). As a result, engagement increased by 40% in three months (Result).”
This shows you’re not just experienced—you’re effective.
Step 5: Explain Why You’re a Great Fit (And Why You Care)
Hiring managers want to know why you’re interested in their company, not just the job title. So, explain what draws you to the role and the organization. Be specific—generic flattery won’t cut it.
Example:
“I’ve been following XYZ Corp’s work in renewable energy for years, and I’m inspired by your commitment to sustainability. As someone who’s passionate about green tech, I’d love to use my project management skills to support your mission.”
This shows you’ve done your homework and genuinely care about the company’s goals.
Step 6: Wrap It Up with a Call to Action
Your closing paragraph should be short but impactful. Thank the hiring manager for their time, restate your enthusiasm, and invite them to contact you for an interview.
Example:
“Thank you for considering my application. I’d love to discuss how my experience can help [Company Name] achieve its goals. Please feel free to reach me at [phone number] or [email].”
Simple, polite, and to the point.
Common Cover Letter Mistakes (And How to Avoid Them)
Even the best writers can trip up on cover letters. Here are a few pitfalls to watch out for:
Being Too Generic: Don’t send the same cover letter to every job. Tailor it each time.
Typos and Grammar Mistakes: Proofread, proofread, proofread. Tools like Grammarly can help.
Talking Too Much About Yourself: Focus on what you can do for the company, not just what you want.
Forgetting to Customize: Swap out the company name and job title for each application. Trust me, they notice.
Cover Letter Examples to Inspire You
Need a little inspiration? Here are two quick examples,one for an entry-level candidate and one for someone with more experience.
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[City, State, ZIP Code]
[Email Address]
[Phone Number]
[Date]
[Sarah Johnson]
[Tech Innovate]
[123 Tech Lane]
Austin, TX 78701
Dear Ms. Johnson,
I’m excited to apply for the Junior Software Developer role at Tech Innovate, which I found on Indeed. As a recent Computer Science graduate with hands-on experience in Python and Java, I’m eager to bring my skills to your cutting-edge projects.
During my internship at CodeWorks, I collaborated on a team project that streamlined a client’s database system, reducing query times by 25%. I’d love to contribute similar results to Tech Innovate’s mission of delivering efficient solutions.
Thank you for your time. I’d welcome the chance to discuss how I can support your team. Please reach me at [phone number] or [email].
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Example 2: Experienced Professional
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[City, State, ZIP Code]
[Email Address]
[Phone Number]
[Date]
[Mark Thompson]
[Global Solutions]
[456 Business Ave]
[Seattle, WA 98101]
Dear Mr. Thompson,
I’m writing to apply for the Senior Project Manager position at Global Solutions, as advertised on LinkedIn. With over eight years of experience leading cross-functional teams and delivering multimillion-dollar projects, I’m confident in my ability to drive success for your organization.
At my current role with Horizon Inc., I spearheaded a product launch that increased revenue by 20% in its first year. I’m particularly drawn to Global Solutions’ focus on innovation and would love to contribute to your upcoming initiatives.
Thank you for considering me. I look forward to discussing how my background aligns with your needs. Contact me at [phone number] or [email].
Best regards,
[Your Name]
by 
