How to write a standout cover letter

Cover letters can be a useful addition to any application or resume, highlighting your experience, personality and passions, and how they align with the job description.

Before you start writing, be sure to understand the purpose of a cover letter and the benefits of including one in your job search.

A cover letter introduces you to potential employers, highlights your qualifications, and explains why you're a good fit for the position. It complements your resume by providing context and personality — it should not simply relay the same information that is on your resume.

A resume is a list providing the facts about your qualifications and experience. You can generally use the same resume across applications.

A cover letter is a narrative piece explaining why you're applying and why you're a good fit for the job. It should be highly personalized for each job application.

Together, a resume and cover letter offer a comprehensive view of your qualifications and demonstrate both your interest and ability to succeed in the role you're applying for.

Make your application stand out: When the job market is competitive and employers are looking at many qualified applicants, take every opportunity to stand out. Research shows a cover letter can make your application 38% more likely to get noticed. As many as 45% of employers may skip over an application that’s lacking a cover letter. A cover letter can give you the competitive edge.

Help you prepare for an interview: All the steps required to write a good cover letter are the same needed to prepare for an interview. You want to connect your skills and experience to the company’s needs and illustrate why you’d be a great employee.

Show off your writing skills: If the role you’re applying for requires strong writing skills, a cover letter is a perfect opportunity for you to highlight those. Beyond relaying information about yourself, a cover letter can also serve as a writing sample, showcasing your ability to communicate effectively and write succinctly. Even if writing is not a primary part of the job, good communication skills are always desirable.

The answers to your questions about cover letters, plus hacks and tips.

In 2024, some employers are foregoing the longtime trend of requiring a cover letter. And it is true that cover letters don’t always get read. But a majority of recruiters still want and expect them, even if it’s optional to include.

So, a few may view the cover letter as outdated, but there’s no harm in including a well-written piece that conveys information about you that’s not covered in your resume. At the very least it demonstrates that you took the time to articulate your desire for the job. That alone can elevate your standing.

In short, when in doubt, it’s always better to include one than not. Never forget to attach a cover letter when specifically asked to include one.

Yes, using a template can help you structure your letter. Just make sure to customize it for each application to reflect your personality and the specific position. 

Here’s a cover letter template to get you started.

It’s no secret that AI tools like ChatGPT can produce a cover letter in seconds. In fact, those tools can be a helpful starting point when crafting a cover letter. But because of the importance of personalization in cover letters, it is crucial to only use those prompts as an outline or suggestion, and always elaborate with your own personal language.

Nearly a third of job applicants are said to use the same generic cover letter. That’s a huge mistake to avoid. A tailored, thoughtful cover letter can really capture a recruiter’s attention.

Absolutely. Personalizing each cover letter to reflect the job and company shows genuine interest and helps you stand out. Highlight specific skills and experiences that align with the job description, like co-ops and internships.

A cover letter should ideally be one page, typically consisting of three to four paragraphs. Keep it concise and focused on relevant information.

Writing a standout cover letter involves creativity, personalization and a clear demonstration of your value. Here are some tips to help you make your cover letter memorable:

• Tailor it to the company: Research the company’s culture, mission and recent achievements. Mention specific details that resonate with you and relate to the role.
• Address the hiring manager: Whenever possible, use the hiring manager’s name instead of a generic greeting.

• Highlight your key achievements: Use quantifiable achievements to demonstrate your skills. Back up your examples with real-life results — using statistics when you can — to show how your contributions saved a company time or money.
  For example: In my last role, I increased sales by 30% through targeted marketing strategies.
• Connect your skills to company needs: Clearly illustrate how your skills and experiences directly address the company’s challenges or goals.

• Be authentic: Let your voice shine through. Use a conversational tone, but maintain professionalism. Share a personal story that highlights your passion for the field.

• Limit to one page: Get to the point quickly while still being engaging. Avoid unnecessary fluff and focus on what’s most relevant to the position.

Use a strong opening, customize your content every time, demonstrate your unique value with specific achievements, and let your personality shine through while maintaining professionalism.

Writing a cover letter can be a key part of your job application. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you craft an effective one.

• Use a professional font (like Arial or Times New Roman, size 10-12), maintain standard margins, and align text to the left.
• Use a professional format:    
  • Your name and contact information at the top.
  • Date.
  • Employer’s name and contact information.
  • A formal greeting (e.g., “Dear [Hiring Manager's Name],”).
• Tip: If you’re applying for a more creative or untraditional role, you can have a little more fun with it. But don’t go overboard: Let your experience speak for itself.

• Hook the reader: Begin with an engaging statement or anecdote related to the job or industry. For example: As a lifelong advocate for sustainable practices, I was thrilled to see the opening for [Position] at [Company].
• Introduce yourself, state the position you're applying for, and mention how you found the job listing (e.g., job board, company website, personal reference).

• First paragraph: Highlight your relevant experience or skills. Use specific examples to demonstrate how you meet the job requirements.
• Second paragraph: Discuss why you’re interested in the company and the position. Show that you’ve researched the company and align with its values or goals.
• Third paragraph (optional): Include any additional information that may strengthen your application (e.g., certifications, relevant projects).

• Express enthusiasm: Reiterate your excitement about the opportunity and your eagerness to discuss how you can contribute.
• Include a follow-up statement: For example: I would love to discuss my application in more detail and explore how I can help [Company] achieve its goals.

• Thank the reader for considering your application.
• Use a professional closing (e.g., “Sincerely,” “Best regards,”) followed by your name.

• Study the job description. It’s a goldmine of information and a helpful guide for your cover letter. Get a solid idea of what the company wants from prospective employees.
• Scour the company’s website, LinkedIn page and other resources to learn more about the organization. Find examples of work you’d be doing in the role.
• Your top priority when writing your cover letter and preparing for interviews is to align your skills and experiences with the qualities they’re looking for. Use specific examples.

If you're a recent graduate trying to make your applications stand out, a cover letter might just give you an edge, which might be exactly what you need to get an interview and stand out from other applicants.

Not all cover letters get read, but most recruiters still expect cover letters to indicate effort and interest. A personalized cover letter can help boost the visibility of your application, which is crucial for entry-level positions, where distinguishing your application from other applicants is key.

Cover letters provide an opportunity to highlight how your specific skills align with the job requirements. This can all make up for having less experience right out of college.

A cover letter allows you to directly align your skills with the job requirements. Use it to demonstrate how your background and abilities make you a suitable candidate. This is really helpful for early-career applicants who may lack direct experience but might have relevant skills, coursework or projects to show their potential value to the employer.

You can use your cover letter to write a narrative around your resume, so the hiring manager understands why you're the perfect fit.