As a recruiter, I’ve seen countless cover letters cross my desk over the years — but many of them are far from the interview-worthy documents job seekers hope they are. Yes, a cover letter can complement a strong resume, grabbing the attention of recruiters and hiring managers. A good cover letter can even be the secret to you landing your dream job.
But generic cover letters can be feel neglected or be overlooked by hiring managers. In some cases, they can even be the reason a talented applicant is rejected.
Ready to craft a cover letter so compelling that you’ll need to start prepping for interviews?
Why Do You Need a Cover Letter?
There are three main reasons why you need a cover letter:
You’re making a career transition or switching industries: A cover letter is your chance to explain how your skills translate to a new role and why your unique perspective is an asset to a company
You want to set yourself apart from the rest: If a cover letter isn’t required, providing one can be an opportunity to distinguish yourself from your competition and show why you’re the best candidate
It’s required: This one should be obvious!
The most important to remember is that you shouldn’t treat the cover letter like a chore — if it’s generic and bland for you, it’s going to feel that way to the person reading it.
1. Do Your Research
Before you even begin writing a cover letter, you need to do your research. No two companies are the same, and the same applies to cover letters.
You should:
Read the job description. Make note of the key skills and experiences the employer is looking for
Research the company and their products and services
Research the company’s culture and mission — is this a place you would like to work? Does it fit your values and what you’re looking for in a company?
Research their competitors and the industry as a whole — this will help you see where your target company may specifically need your skills
Read blogs posts, news articles, and social media updates to get a sense of their messaging and voice
Know the name of the person who will be reading the letter: Don’t address your letter to “Hiring Manager” — address it to a specific person. Often, their names will be listed in the job posting, and you can also poke around on LinkedIn.
2. Get Personal
One size does not fit all. Tailor your cover letter based on the company and research that you’ve done, and add your personality. Let your voice, charisma, and unique perspective shine through. It doesn’t just make you memorable and capture the value you’ll bring to the company, but it shows the hiring manager that you care enough to put in the effort.
Remember that everything you do is an extension of your personal brand, including your cover letter. And your personal brand is likely far more interesting and dynamic than a basic and generic cover letter. People hire people they like. And if they like, they’ll remember you out of a sea of applicants.
Personalization is power!
Don’t forget to personalize your resume, too.
3. Be Concise
That’s a lot to include, right? Not quite.
Your cover letter should be 1 page. Max.
Think about how many cover letters and applications hiring managers are receiving. They don’t have the time to read lengthy letters, and longer letters risk burying your true qualifications.
You should:
Include clear and impactful details in brief sentences — make it easy to read, and easy to find the important information
Be specific and brief to maintain the reader's interest and convey your qualifications
Avoid lengthy paragraphs and focus on highlighting your most relevant skills and experiences
4. Capture Their Attention
First impressions matter.
With your cover letter, that means your first line. Capture your reader’s attention from the start with a strong opening sentence that seizes their attention.
Examples:
“Are you looking for a Marketing Manager who can bring strategic vision, creativity, and a proven track record of driving successful marketing campaigns? Look no further.”
"Accelerate ABC Company’s success with a dynamic Marketing Manager who knows how to captivate audiences, unlock untapped markets, and boost revenue like never before!"
"Drive seamless efficiency and unparalleled growth at your valve manufacturing company with a results-oriented Project Manager, skilled in orchestrating precision engineering projects while streamlining processes to maximize productivity and profitability."
A strong opening sentence demonstrates your enthusiasm for the position and highlights your relevant skills and experiences.
5. Tell Your Story
Your cover letter is not an opportunity to rehash what’s in your resume. It’s your chance to tell your story – who you are, what you’ve accomplished, and why you’re the best fit for the position.
Start by highlighting one or two of your most relevant skills or experiences
Use specific examples to demonstrate how you’ve used those skills to achieve results before
Examples:
“In my current role as a Marketing Manager at XYZ Company, I’ve led several successful campaigns that drove a 25% increase in website traffic and a 15% increase in lead generation. One of the campaigns I’m most proud of was our recent social media campaign, which resulted in a 40% increase in engagement and a 20% increase in conversions.”
“Throughout my career, I have honed my expertise in building high-performing marketing teams, nurturing brand identities, and implementing dynamic campaigns that leave a lasting impact. Leveraging my in-depth knowledge of the Adtech industry and my ability to harness the power of emerging technologies, I have consistently driven significant ROI and surpassed ambitious growth targets.”
People remember specifics stats and stories. Make yourself memorable.
6. Solve Their Probems
Employers need more than a qualified candidate. They need a problem solver.
One key mistake many job applicants make is failing to address the employer’s needs in their cover letter.
Based on the research you’ve done, show how your specific skills or experiences address the employer’s needs. How do those skills and experiences impact the company? What problems are they solving?
Example:
“I am genuinely excited about the potential to collaborate with your talented team of engineers and developers, envisioning groundbreaking ways to optimize marketing strategies through seamless integration of technology and creativity. I strongly believe that my proven track record in data analysis and market insights will complement your company's passion for disruption, further propelling your business towards unrivaled success.”
By addressing the employer’s needs, you’ll set yourself apart by establishing you’re ready to make the company stronger.
7. Close Strong
Conclude with a strong closing paragraph. It should:
Summarize your interest in the position and highlights your enthusiasm
Thank the employer for their time and consideration
End with a call to action: ask for an interview or meeting to discuss your qualifications further.
Example:
“ABC’s commitment to fostering a culture of innovation and adaptability deeply resonates with me. Together, we can propel your valve manufacturing company to new heights, forging ahead as a trailblazer in the industry. I am eager to contribute my strategic vision, unwavering determination, and collaborative spirit to your team. Let's join forces and redefine the future of marketing in the Adtech landscape.”
By closing strong and highlighting your enthusiasm for the position, you’ll leave a lasting impression on the employer and increase your chances of getting an interview.
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A good cover letter can help you land a job, but another top job searching secret? Don’t apply to job postings. That’s not a typo: our Bypass Applying to Job Posting course can help you land your next job and avoid falling into the application abyss.
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