How to Write a Cover Letter That Gets You Interviews

A winning cover letter is short, tailored and specific. In three or four paragraphs it names the role, shows you understand the employer's needs, gives one or two concrete examples of how you have solved similar problems, and ends with a clear request for a conversation. Generic letters get skimmed; targeted ones give hiring managers a reason to call.

Key takeaways

  • Keep it to one page, ideally 250 to 400 words.
  • Match your examples to the two or three most important requirements in the job posting.
  • Show evidence through specific actions and honest results, not adjectives.
  • Do not repeat your resume line by line.
  • Proofread and address it to a real person when you can.

Do cover letters still matter?

Some employers make them optional, but a good one still helps when you are changing careers, explaining a gap, applying to a small company where a person reads every application, or competing for a role with many similar resumes. It is your chance to connect your experience to the employer's problem in your own voice. When an application asks for one, treat it as required.

A simple cover letter structure

SectionWhat to writeLength
OpeningThe role, where you saw it and a one-line reason you fit2 to 3 sentences
Evidence paragraph 1A specific example matching the top job requirement3 to 5 sentences
Evidence paragraph 2A second example or a skill the resume does not show well3 to 5 sentences
Why this employerWhat you know about their work and why it interests you2 to 3 sentences
CloseThanks and a clear request to discuss the role1 to 2 sentences

How to write each part

Start with the job posting

Highlight the duties and qualifications that appear first or are repeated. Those are usually the priorities. Pick two or three and plan one example for each. If you are applying for federal roles, the USAJOBS Help Center has how-to guidance on applying, and the same principle holds everywhere: reviewers look for evidence that matches the stated qualifications.

Write an opening that is about them

Skip "I am writing to apply for." Try: "Your posting for a payroll specialist mentions multistate compliance and a system migration. I have spent three years on both at a regional retailer, and I would like to bring that experience to your team." Replace the details with your own true facts.

Use the problem, action, result pattern

For each example, describe the situation, what you personally did and what changed. Results do not need to be dramatic, but they must be accurate. Exaggeration can surface in interviews or reference checks, a risk we discuss in resume honesty versus exaggeration.

Explain the "why this employer" part honestly

Spend ten minutes on the employer's website, recent news and the team's public work. Mention one specific thing that connects to your experience or interests, such as a product line, a market they serve or a stated value that matches how you work. Avoid flattery. A sentence showing you understand what the team does is more persuasive than a paragraph of praise.

Close with confidence

Thank the reader and ask for a conversation: "I would welcome the chance to discuss how I can help your team with the migration." Include your phone number and email in the header so the next step is easy.

Common cover letter mistakes

  • Sending the same letter to every employer with only the company name changed.
  • Focusing on what you want from the job rather than what you offer.
  • Repeating every bullet from your resume.
  • Using the wrong company or hiring manager name after copying a previous letter.
  • Writing more than one page.
  • Apologizing for missing qualifications instead of showing related strengths.

Using AI tools responsibly

AI writing tools can help you outline, tighten wording or check tone. They can also produce bland letters full of phrases every recruiter recognizes, and they may invent achievements. Use them for drafts and editing, then rewrite in your own voice and verify every claim. Your letter should still sound like the person who will show up to the interview. Once you land that interview, our tips on how to introduce yourself in an interview and how to ace a job interview will help you build on the impression the letter made.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long should a cover letter be?

Keep it to one page. Around 250 to 400 words is enough for an opening, two evidence paragraphs and a close. Hiring managers often scan letters quickly, so short paragraphs and specific examples work better than long explanations. If the employer gives a word or character limit, follow it exactly.

Who should I address a cover letter to?

Use the hiring manager's name if the posting, company website or a professional networking profile makes it clear. If you cannot find it, "Dear Hiring Manager" or "Dear [Team Name] Hiring Team" is acceptable. Avoid outdated greetings such as "To Whom It May Concern," which can make the letter feel generic.

Should I mention salary in a cover letter?

Usually no, unless the posting specifically asks for salary expectations. If it does, give a researched range and note that you are flexible based on the full compensation package. Otherwise, save salary discussions for later in the process, when you know more about the role and the employer knows more about you.

Next steps

  1. Pick one job posting and highlight its top three requirements.
  2. Write one problem, action, result example for each.
  3. Draft the letter using the structure table, then cut it to one page and proofread aloud.

Last reviewed: October 2026.

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