I’ve written close to a hundred cover letters for all types of reasons.
Here is a quick summary of how to write a good cover letter:
Write a good cover letter by tailoring it to the job, addressing it to a specific person, showcasing relevant skills and experiences, expressing genuine enthusiasm, and ending with a proactive call to action. Highlight key achievements with specific examples.
In this guide, you’ll discover everything that I have learned about how to write a standout cover letter.
What Is a Cover Letter?
A cover letter is a personalized document that accompanies your resume when applying for a job.
It acts as your personal introduction, explaining why you are the ideal candidate for the role.
Unlike a resume, which summarizes your entire professional history, a cover letter allows you to focus on specific qualifications and experiences that make you a perfect fit for the job.
It gives you the space to connect your skills to the job description and to express your enthusiasm about the company’s mission and goals.
But we don’t want to write any old cover letter.
We want to write a good — nay, a great — cover letter. The next section shares my best tips and tricks to do just that.
13 Best Ways to Write a Good Cover Letter
Let’s go through the 13 best ways for how to write a good cover letter — from start to finish.
1. Tailored Introduction
Begin your cover letter with a tailored introduction that immediately indicates the document is crafted for the specific job.
Reference the job title and where you found the listing.
This not only shows your attention to detail but also your specific interest in the role.
Explain briefly why this role is attractive to you and how your skills align with the company’s needs.
This helps set the tone for the rest of the letter, making it clear that you are not sending a generic application but one that is thoughtfully customized.
Example:
“Dear [Hiring Manager’s Name],
I am writing to express my interest in the [Job Title] position listed on [Where You Found the Job]. With over five years of dedicated experience in [Your Field], I am thrilled at the opportunity to bring my unique expertise to [Company Name], an innovator in [Company’s Field].”
2. Connection to the Company’s Goals
Demonstrate your knowledge of and alignment with the company’s objectives.
Mention specific aspects of the company’s goals, products, or projects that align with your career interests and past experiences.
This shows that you are not only familiar with the company but are genuinely interested in contributing to its success.
Link your personal career goals to these aspects, showing how you can contribute meaningfully.
Example:
“In reviewing your company’s vision to transform [Industry], I am particularly drawn to [Specific Goal or Project] that aligns perfectly with my professional interests and past achievements in [Relevant Experience].”
3. Highlighting Key Skills
Choose key skills from the job description and demonstrate how you have effectively applied these skills in your previous roles.
Be specific about your achievements related to these skills.
This section should convince the hiring manager that you have the necessary skills to perform well in the job. Use bullet points if necessary to make your achievements stand out.
Example:
“My role as [Previous Job Title] at [Previous Company] required robust [Skill 1] and [Skill 2], where I successfully managed to [Brief Description of Your Achievement]. This experience has equipped me to contribute effectively to your team immediately.”
4. Relevant Experience and Achievements
Discuss your relevant work experiences and specific accomplishments in this section.
Use quantifiable data to detail how your direct actions benefited previous employers.
This can include percentages, dollar amounts, or other figures that provide concrete evidence of your contributions.
Example:
“Under my leadership as [Job Title], the team surpassed the set goals by 15% for two consecutive years. I spearheaded a project that increased efficiency by 25%, directly contributing to an enhanced bottom line.”
5. Problem-Solving Capabilities
Illustrate your problem-solving skills by detailing a specific instance where you identified a challenge and implemented a solution.
Describe the situation, your approach, and the outcome.
This example should showcase your ability to think critically and solve problems effectively.
Example:
“Facing a significant bottleneck in production, I devised and implemented a strategic adjustment that reduced downtime by 30% and significantly accelerated the overall workflow without additional costs.”
6. Adaptability
Showcase your ability to adapt to new challenges and environments by discussing instances where you successfully adjusted to major changes or quickly learned new skills. This highlights your resilience and flexibility, qualities highly valued in any employee.
Example:
“When my previous employer underwent a major merger, I took the initiative to familiarize myself with the new operating systems and processes quickly. My ability to adapt ensured a smooth transition for my team, maintaining our performance metrics throughout the change.”
7. Cultural Fit
Discuss how your personal values and work ethic align with the company’s culture.
Mention specific elements of the company’s culture that resonate with you and provide examples from your past work that demonstrate how you embody these values.
This helps the hiring manager visualize you as a seamless addition to their team.
Example:
“Your commitment to innovation and quality in [Company’s Industry] resonates deeply with my professional philosophy and practices. I admire your work in [Specific Project or Value], and I am eager to bring my background in [Your Field] to further these initiatives.”
8. Strong Closing
Conclude your cover letter by restating your enthusiasm for the role.
Summarize your qualifications briefly and express a keen interest in discussing your application in further detail through a personal interview.
Mention that you will follow up on your application, which shows initiative and reinforces your interest in the position.
Example:
“I am very excited about the possibility of contributing to [Company Name] and would love the opportunity to discuss how my background, skills, and enthusiasms align with your team’s goals. I will follow up next week to see if we can arrange a time to discuss this opportunity further.”
9. Professional Tone and Clarity
It is essential to maintain a professional tone throughout your cover letter.
Your language should be clear, concise, and formal without being overly stiff.
Avoid using jargon, slang, or colloquialisms unless they are industry-specific terms that are well-understood within your field.
This approach ensures that your message is effectively communicated to all potential readers, regardless of their familiarity with industry-specific language.
Example:
“As a seasoned sales professional with a demonstrated history of exceeding quotas and fostering client relationships, I am equipped to significantly boost your team’s performance by implementing proven sales strategies and engagement techniques.”
10. Passion for the Role
Expressing your genuine enthusiasm and passion for the role can significantly impact your cover letter.
Mention specific aspects of the job or company that excite you and relate them to your personal interests or career goals.
This personal touch can make your application stand out as it shows you are not only qualified but also highly motivated and likely to be engaged in your work.
Example:
“The innovative approach to digital marketing at [Company Name] excites me. I am particularly drawn to your recent campaigns on social platforms which align perfectly with my background in digital content creation and my passion for building engaging brand narratives.”
11. Call to Action
Include a clear call to action at the end of your cover letter.
This could be a statement expressing your desire for an interview or a discussion about how you can help the company achieve its goals.
By ending with a call to action, you guide the next steps and encourage the hiring manager to move forward with your application.
Example:
“I am eager to bring my unique skills to [Company Name] and am looking forward to the opportunity to discuss how I can contribute to your team. Please feel free to contact me at your earliest convenience to schedule an interview.”
12. Mention of Referrals or Connections
If you were referred to the job by someone within the company or have a connection to the company, mention this early in the cover letter.
This can create an immediate interest as referrals often suggest a pre-validated candidate.
Be sure to mention how you know the person and why they recommended you for the role.
Example:
“[Referrer Name], who leads your product development team, recommended that I apply for this position given my extensive background in product innovation and market analysis, which I believe could bring significant value to your ongoing projects.”
13. Attention to Detail
Finally, attention to detail can make or break your cover letter.
Proofread your letter multiple times, ensure all company and personal names are spelled correctly, and that all information is accurate.
This not only helps prevent potentially embarrassing mistakes but also shows your professionalism and respect for the application process.
Example:
“Thank you for considering my application. I have attached my resume for your review and included my portfolio link for more detailed examples of my work. I look forward to the possibility of contributing to the exemplary work being done at [Company Name].”
Here is a video I think you will like that will help you learn how to write a good cover letter:
Dos and Don’ts of Writing a Good Cover Letter
When writing a cover letter, it’s crucial to follow best practices and avoid common pitfalls.
Here’s a handy table summarizing the top dos and don’ts:
| Do | Don’t |
|---|---|
| Tailor your cover letter to each job. | Send the same cover letter for every job. |
| Address the cover letter to a specific person. | Use a generic greeting like “To whom it may concern.” |
| Highlight key skills that match the job description. | Overload with every skill you possess. |
| Use specific examples to demonstrate your achievements. | Make vague claims about your abilities. |
| Show genuine enthusiasm for the position. | Sound desperate or overly flattering. |
| Keep your cover letter concise and focused. | Write a lengthy cover letter that exceeds one page. |
| Proofread for grammar and spelling errors. | Submit without double-checking for mistakes. |
| Use a professional and positive tone. | Use casual or slang language. |
| Include a call to action. | Leave out next steps or how you will follow up. |
| Follow the application instructions carefully. | Ignore the specifics of the job posting. |
| Mention any direct referrals or connections. | Assume your connection guarantees the job. |
| Be honest about your background and skills. | Exaggerate or lie about your qualifications. |
| Show how you align with the company’s goals. | Focus only on what the job can do for you. |
| Express willingness to further discuss your application. | Presume an interview or decision in your favor. |
| Respectfully express your gratitude for consideration. | Fail to acknowledge the reviewer’s time. |
How to Write a Good Cover Letter for an Internship
When applying for an internship, your cover letter should emphasize your educational experiences, extracurricular activities, and the skills you can bring to the organization, even if you lack substantial professional experience.
- Start Strong: Begin with why you are interested in the internship. Mention the company, its industry, and how it aligns with your career goals or academic studies.
- Highlight Relevant Coursework: Discuss classes you have taken that are relevant to the internship. This shows your educational foundation and readiness to apply academic concepts in a real-world setting.
- Include Extracurriculars: Mention any clubs, organizations, or projects that have helped you develop relevant skills or knowledge.
- Show Enthusiasm and Willingness to Learn: Convey your enthusiasm for the opportunity and your eagerness to learn and contribute. Internships are learning experiences, so highlighting your willingness to grow is key.
- Call to Action: Conclude by expressing your desire to discuss your application in an interview, underscoring your enthusiasm and readiness to engage further.
How to Write a Good Cover Letter for a Resume
Your cover letter should complement your resume by offering insights into your personality, explaining your interest in the role, and providing examples of your qualifications in action.
- Personal Introduction: Start by clearly stating the position you’re applying for, and weave in a personal touch that reflects your enthusiasm for the role.
- Connect the Dots: Use the cover letter to connect the experiences listed on your resume to the job description. Highlight how your previous accomplishments will allow you to meet and exceed the new job’s requirements.
- Add Value: Explain how you can contribute to the company’s objectives, not just fulfill the job duties. Provide specific examples of how your previous work provides the foundation for this.
- Be Concise: While your resume lists your experiences, your cover letter should focus on a few key points and be brief. Avoid repeating every detail from the resume.
- Professional Closure: End with a professional closing statement. Reiterate your interest and state your eagerness to discuss your application further in an interview.
How to Write a Good Cover Letter with No Experience
Writing a cover letter without professional experience can be challenging, but it’s an opportunity to highlight your soft skills, academic achievements, and personal enthusiasm for the role.
- Focus on Soft Skills: Emphasize qualities like teamwork, leadership, communication, and problem-solving. Use examples from school projects, volunteer work, or extracurricular activities.
- Showcase Your Academic Achievements: If applicable, mention any academic honors, relevant coursework, or projects that demonstrate your capability to succeed in the role.
- Highlight Transferable Skills: Discuss experiences from non-work settings, such as volunteering or school activities, that have equipped you with skills applicable to the workplace.
- Demonstrate Your Knowledge and Enthusiasm for the Company: Research the company and express how its mission aligns with your values and career goals. This shows that you’re genuinely interested in the position.
- Proactive Approach: End with a proactive call to action. Express your eagerness for an interview and your intention to follow up, demonstrating initiative and determination.
Free Cover Letter Template
Here’s a Mad Libs-style template for writing a good cover letter.
Fill in the blanks with your own information to create a personalized and engaging cover letter:
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[City, State, Zip]
[Email Address]
[Phone Number]
[Date][Hiring Manager’s Name]
[Company Name]
[Company Address]
[City, State, Zip]Dear [Hiring Manager’s Name],
I am writing to express my interest in the [Job Title] position at [Company Name], which I found through [Job Posting Source]. With a background in [Your Field/Industry] and a deep passion for [A Relevant Interest Related to the Job], I am excited about the opportunity to bring my skills to your team.
During my time at [Previous Company or Educational Institution], I developed strong [Skill #1] and [Skill #2] skills, which I believe align well with the requirements of the job. For instance, I led a [Project or Initiative] that resulted in [Specific Outcome], demonstrating my ability to [Relevant Skill or Trait].
I am particularly drawn to this role at [Company Name] because of [Something Specific About the Company or Its Goals]. I admire your [Mention a Company Project or Value], and I am eager to contribute my expertise to further these efforts.
Thank you for considering my application. I am looking forward to the possibility of discussing how my background, skills, and enthusiasms align with [Company Name]‘s goals. I will follow up next week to see if we can arrange a time to discuss this opportunity further. In the meantime, I am available at [Your Phone Number] or [Your Email Address].
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Tools to Write a Good Cover Letter
Try these tools to write the best cover letter ever and more:
| Tools | What It Does |
|---|---|
| The Bio Writer | Generates world-class bios and About me sections |
| Email Pro | Instantly writes professional emails on any topic |
| Jasper AI | AI-powered tool for all kinds of business (and creative) writing |
| Writersonic | AI platform for writing anything quickly and easily |
| Hoppy Copy | AI copywriting and marketing writer |
Final Thoughts: How to Write a Good Cover Letter
Along with a good cover letter, you’ll also need a standout resume, examples of your work, and remarkable references.
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