Cover Letter Writing Best Practices
Master the art of writing compelling cover letters that get you noticed and help you land more interviews.
Header & Greeting
Include your contact info and address the hiring manager by name when possible
Opening Paragraph
Hook the reader with your enthusiasm and briefly mention the specific role
Body Paragraphs
Demonstrate your qualifications with specific examples and achievements
Closing Paragraph
Reiterate interest, mention next steps, and thank the reader
Writing Examples: Good vs. Bad
✅ Strong Opening
"As a marketing professional with 5 years of experience driving 200% growth in digital campaigns, I was thrilled to discover the Marketing Manager position at [Company]. Your recent expansion into sustainable products aligns perfectly with my passion for purpose-driven marketing."
❌ Weak Opening
"I am writing to apply for the marketing position I saw on your website. I think I would be a good fit for this role because I have marketing experience."
Cover Letter Checklist
Before You Submit
Length & Format Guidelines
Length
One page maximum, 3-4 paragraphs
Font
Arial, Calibri, or Times New Roman, 10-12pt
Margins
1 inch on all sides for proper formatting
File Name
FirstName_LastName_CoverLetter.pdf
Industry-Specific Tips
Corporate/Finance
- • Conservative, professional tone
- • Focus on numbers and results
- • Mention relevant certifications
- • Highlight analytical skills
Creative Industries
- • Show personality and creativity
- • Mention portfolio or work samples
- • Discuss creative process
- • Reference company's creative work
Technology
- • Mention specific technologies
- • Discuss problem-solving approach
- • Reference GitHub or portfolio
- • Show continuous learning
Ready to Write Your Perfect Cover Letter?
Use our cover letter builder to create a compelling cover letter that complements your resume.