Cover Letter Tips That Actually Work

A great cover letter can set you apart from hundreds of applicants. Learn the strategies that actually work to grab recruiters' attention.

Do Cover Letters Still Matter?

Yes. While not every job requires one, a strong cover letter can:

  • Explain career transitions
  • Show enthusiasm for the specific role
  • Highlight achievements that don't fit on your resume
  • Demonstrate communication skills
  • Set you apart from other candidates

    • Cover Letter Structure

    Opening Paragraph

    Hook the reader immediately:
  • Mention the specific role
  • Show genuine enthusiasm
  • Include a connection if you have one
  • Lead with your strongest qualification

    • Example: "When I saw the Senior Product Manager opening at Stripe, I knew I had to apply. After spending 5 years building payment products at Square and increasing merchant adoption by 40%, I'm excited about the opportunity to tackle payment challenges at scale."

    Body Paragraphs

    Prove you're the right fit:
  • Share 2-3 relevant achievements
  • Connect your experience to their needs
  • Quantify your impact
  • Show you've researched the company

    • Closing Paragraph

    End with confidence:
  • Reiterate your interest
  • Suggest next steps
  • Thank them for their time
  • Include contact information

    • Cover Letter Best Practices

    Do:

  • Customize for each application
  • Keep it to one page
  • Match the tone to the company culture
  • Proofread carefully
  • Address it to a specific person when possible

    • Don't:

  • Repeat your resume verbatim
  • Use generic templates unchanged
  • Write more than one page
  • Focus only on what you want
  • Forget to follow instructions

    • Cover Letter Mistakes to Avoid

  • Generic opening: "I am writing to apply for..."
  • All about you: Focus on what you offer them
  • No research: Show you know the company
  • Typos: Instant disqualification
  • Wrong company name: More common than you'd think

    • When to Skip the Cover Letter

  • Application specifically says not to include one
  • Quick-apply through LinkedIn/Indeed
  • Referral where the recommender provides context

    • Industry-Specific Tips

    Tech/Startup

  • Casual, energetic tone
  • Show product enthusiasm
  • Mention specific features you admire

    • Corporate/Finance

  • Professional, formal tone
  • Emphasize credentials
  • Show industry knowledge

    • Creative Fields

  • Personality and voice matter
  • Can be more creative with format
  • Show your unique perspective

    • Want a matching cover letter? Add it to your resume order for just $3. Get started.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    How long should a cover letter be?

    Keep it to one page, ideally 250-400 words. Hiring managers skim, so make every sentence count.

    Should I include salary requirements in a cover letter?

    Only if the job posting specifically asks for it. Otherwise, save salary discussions for the interview stage.

    How do I address a cover letter if I don't know who to send it to?

    Research the hiring manager on LinkedIn. If you can't find a name, use 'Dear Hiring Manager' or 'Dear [Company] Team.'

    Is it okay to use the same cover letter for multiple applications?

    No. Always customize your cover letter for each application. Recruiters can tell when you're using a generic template.