How to Write a Cover Letter in 2025
- 37% higher chance of getting a job
- 44% higher response rate from recruiters
- Prepare tailored and ATS-friendly job application papers
- Build cover letter online in 9 minutes
- Format and design documents in one click
What You'll Learn in This Guide
We'll explore the following:
- A detailed example with notes on what to include.
- Step-by-step instructions on how to write a cover letter, even if you have no experience.
- Expert advice from a career specialist on making your letter stand out.
- High-quality cover letter samples tailored to different professions and unique situations.
By the end of every segment of this guide, you will also gain knowledge on how to craft a cover letter that will make a lasting impression on your job application.
Already know the basics of cover letter writing?
It's time to polish what you've learned. You're going to learn how to upgrade your cover letter and showcase your special skills according to what the company requires. You are given guidance on customizing each part of the original letter, which little extras should be included, and how you should take pride in your accomplishments so that the reader becomes truly impressed.
Whether you are switching careers or starting from scratch, we will help you put together a letter that will be a door-opener. Time to dive deep into this!
How to Write a Cover Letter: A Detailed Guide
Fil a clean, professional one that is easy to read; stick to standard fonts like Arial or Times New Roman. The letter should be formatted the same way as a business letter. Input your name and contact, the date, and then the details of the recipient. A well-flowing cover letter sends the right message concerning how well you pay attention to detail, and a structure will clearly build the tone for the rest of your application. Our website is packed with professional templates you can structure your letter on if you are not quite sure what to do.
If possible, address your cover letter directly to the hiring manager. This just shows that you have done your research, and such a move goes a long way. A custom greeting can set the right tone for the rest of your letter.
The first paragraph should immediately grab attention. Mention the job you're applying for, introduce yourself, and briefly state why you’re excited about the role. Highlight a key skill or experience that makes you a good fit.
Review the job posting carefully and match your skills and experiences with the key requirements. In the body of your letter, emphasize how your background aligns with the company’s needs. Personalization is key, and by tailoring your cover letter to each job posting, you'll significantly improve your chances in the job search.
Review the job posting carefully and match your skills and experiences with the key requirements. In the body of your letter, emphasize how your background aligns with the company’s needs. With the help of our website, you can quickly tailor your letter to any job posting.
Demonstrate that you have researched the company by mentioning something specific about their work or values. Explain why you are excited to join their team. This not only shows your enthusiasm but also your knowledge of the company.
Career Expert: How to Make Your Cover Letter Effective
Cover Letter Layout: What to Include
Add your full name, phone number, email address, and current date to ensure that the hiring manager can easily reach you and notice your open disposition for contact.
Also include the contact information of the employer, the name, title with company name, and address.
Start with a professional greeting, addressing the hiring manager by name if possible. This personal touch shows your attention to detail and respect for the recipient. If the name isn’t available, use a professional greeting such as "Dear Hiring Manager."
Start with an attention-grabbing introduction. Mention the position you're applying for, how you found it, and a brief statement on why you're excited about the opportunity. Highlight your enthusiasm and key qualifications.
Highlight the skills you have and give specific examples of achievements that match the company’s needs. Say something about the company, like one of their values, a recent project they've done, or one of their goals.
Close with a good closing statement, reiterate your interest in the position, state your qualifications again, and be excited about the upcoming events. Politely ask for an interview or discussion opportunity.
Finish with a formal sign-off and your name. This last detail helps keep the cover letter professional.
Before submitting, carefully proofread your letter for any spelling or grammatical errors. A well-edited cover letter reflects your professionalism and attention to detail. Even the best content can be overshadowed by simple mistakes. Taking the time to refine your letter or using an AI-powered tool to help you can make all the difference.
- Mention any mutual connections or referrals.
- Include availability (if applicable).
- Add a postscript (P.S.) to highlight a key achievement or draw attention to something unique.
Tips for Writing an Effective Cover Letter: Even with No Experience
- Start by acknowledging the lack of formal experience, but pivot quickly to your strengths.
- Mention skills from school, internships, or projects, like time management and communication.
- Relate these skills to the requirements of the job.
- Emphasize your motivation to grow and your strong work ethic.
- Highlight successes in your current role and any initiatives where you exceeded expectations.
- Be able to demonstrate that you know the goals of the company and how you could help it strategically.
- Mention leadership skills and ideas for improving efficiency.
- Express confidence in your readiness while remaining humble and eager to learn.
Effective Cover Letter Examples
How to design and compose your cover letter if nothing comes to mind?
Summary
We understand that writing a cover letter can sometimes feel like a challenge, but you’re not alone in this! With our tips and guidance, you’re well on your way to crafting something that shows your best self. And if you ever need a bit more support, we’ve got you covered—our website has a feature that can write your cover letter for you using AI, so all you need to do is choose a template and watch it come together.
We’re here to help you succeed, every step of the way.
Keep going—you’re closer than you think!
Effective Cover Letter Users
Have more questions?
A cover letter serves as a concise, one-page document that accompanies your resume or CV during a job application. Its primary objectives include:
- Demonstrating your enthusiasm for the company;
- Drawing attention to key aspects of your professional background;
- Illustrating how your experience aligns with the company's requirements.
It's important to note that a cover letter should not duplicate the content of your resume.
While you should highlight essential details, avoid verbatim repetition.
Typically, recruiters review cover letters after assessing your resume to confirm your suitability for the role.
Your cover letter matters as much as, if not more than, your resume.
While your resume gets you noticed, the cover letter is what truly introduces you.
If you've invested time in perfecting your resume, why not give the same attention to your cover letter?
Using a well-crafted cover letter template can demonstrate your commitment to the job, especially if it complements your resume design.
Here's a simplified version:
1. Header: At the top, include your contact information and the recruiter's details like name, company, and address.
2. Greeting: Start with a formal greeting like "Dear Sir or Madam," or use the recruiter's name if you know it.
3. Opening Paragraph: Introduce yourself briefly, mention your experience ("financial analyst with X+ years"), state the position you're applying for, and highlight one or two achievements.
4. Second Paragraph: Explain why you're a good fit for the position and why the recruiter should consider you.
5. Third Paragraph: Discuss why you're interested in the company, whether it's shared values or exciting projects.
6. Formal Closing: End with a summary and a call to action, expressing your enthusiasm for the opportunity.
These sections are essential for crafting an effective cover letter.
Writing an effective cover letter involves several key steps. If you want detailed guidance, you can refer to our cover letter writing guide.
However, here's a quick summary with our top 4 tips:
- Be Specific: Avoid vague language and aim for clarity in your cover letter. Skip generic statements like "I'm a good fit" and focus on concrete examples.
- Research Thoroughly: Companies appreciate applicants who demonstrate genuine interest. Take time to research the company and the position you're applying for, and incorporate your findings into your cover letter.
- Customize Your Cover Letter: Tailor your cover letter to each job application. Personalize it by addressing the hiring manager by name and highlighting specific aspects of the role or company that excite you.
- Use Quantifiable Achievements: Whenever possible, quantify your accomplishments with data. Instead of vague claims, provide measurable results to showcase your contributions, such as exceeding sales targets or improving company revenue.
Many recruiters believe that a good cover letter should be short and to the point. Ideally, it should be around half a page to one full page, with a word count ranging from 250 to 400 words.
Writing a cover letter as an entry-level candidate can feel daunting. Without work experience or achievements, you might wonder what to include. But here's the bright side - You can emphasize these points instead:
1. Highlights from your education;
2. Skills that are relevant to the job;
3. Any independent projects you've tackled;
4. Experience gained through volunteering;
5. Involvement in extracurricular activities;
6. Your eagerness to learn and develop as a candidate.
Here are the basics of formatting your cover letter properly:
- Pick a cover letter template that suits your industry. A good match means you won't need to mess around too much with how it looks;
- Keep colors minimal. Unless you're in a field like marketing, advertising, or design where creativity is key, stick to a professional look;
- Choose clear and professional fonts, and stick to standard sizes;
- Set the margins to 1 inch on all sides. This ensures there's enough space on the page, and your text doesn't feel cramped.
