45% of hiring managers read the cover letter before they even open the résumé, and 83% say they always or regularly read one. If you're applying for a job — first one or fifth career move — skipping it is leaving an easy opportunity on the table.

What a cover letter actually does

A cover letter is a personalized note that goes with your résumé, addressed directly to the hiring manager, explaining your motivation and connecting your experience to the specific role. Its only job is to get you an interview — not to repeat your résumé.

How to write one, step by step

  1. Research the company and role. Understand their culture and, if possible, name the hiring manager directly.
  2. Format it properly. Contact details at the top, then the date, then the employer's details.
  3. Open strong. Name the hiring manager, state the role, and mention how you found it.
  4. Write three clear paragraphs. Why this role and company → your most relevant skills and results → why you're a fit and what you share with their mission.
  5. Close with intent. Reiterate your interest and thank them for their time.
  6. Sign off professionally — "Sincerely" or "Best regards."
  7. Proofread twice for tone, spelling, and accuracy.
  8. Save as PDF to preserve formatting before you submit.

Copy-paste template

Cover Letter Template[Your Name] [City, State, ZIP] · [Email] · [Phone] [Date] [Recipient's Name] [Recipient's Title] [Company Name] [City, State, ZIP] Dear [Recipient's Name], I'm writing to express my interest in the [Job Title] position at [Company Name], which was published on [where you saw the listing]. With my background in [your field or major skill], I'm excited about the opportunity to contribute to your team. In my role at [prior company], I [a specific accomplishment relevant to this job]. This experience has given me the skills to succeed as [Job Title] — particularly in [essential job-related abilities]. I'm especially drawn to [Company Name] because of [something specific you admire]. I'd welcome the chance to bring my [specific talents] to your team and support [a goal or project at the company]. I've attached my résumé for your review, and would love to discuss how my background aligns with your goals. Sincerely, [Your Name]

Adapting it for different situations

Recent graduate

Lead with your degree and a specific academic or internship project with a measurable result — a 30% engagement lift, a launched feature, a completed research study. Employers weigh potential heavily here, so show initiative, not just coursework.

Career change

Name the transferable skills explicitly — analytical rigor, client relationships, regulatory knowledge — and connect them directly to the new field rather than assuming the reader will make the leap themselves.

Employment gap

Address it briefly and factually in one or two sentences — caregiving, health, or a deliberate break — then pivot immediately to what you learned and why you're ready now. Don't apologize; explain.

Do

  • Use metrics wherever you have them
  • Tailor every letter to the specific role
  • Address a named hiring manager when possible

Don't

  • Repeat your résumé line by line
  • Use "To Whom It May Concern"
  • Send the same letter to every company

Key Takeaways

  • Format correctly, and always tailor to the specific job and company.
  • Back up claims with metrics wherever you can.
  • Address an employment gap plainly, then move forward — don't dwell on it.
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