Free cover letter guide
The structure, length and tone that work, plus a simple outline you can follow for your next application.
The basics
A cover letter introduces you and makes the case for why you fit this specific job. It should not repeat your resume line by line. Instead, pick your most relevant accomplishments, explain them in a little more depth and connect them to what the employer needs.
Between 250 and 400 words, and never more than one page.
Professional but human. Write the way you would speak in a good interview.
Written for one job at a time, using the language in the posting.
Same header, font and look as your resume, so they read as a set.
Structure
Your name and contact details, the date, then the hiring manager’s name and title, the company and its city and state.
Use the hiring manager’s name if you can find it on the posting or LinkedIn. If not, "Dear Hiring Manager" is fine.
Name the role and give your strongest reason you fit it in the first two sentences. Skip generic lines like "I am writing to apply."
One or two short stories that show you solving a problem the job requires: the situation, what you did and the result.
Show you have done your homework. Connect your experience to the company’s goals, products or recent news.
Thank the reader, say you would welcome a conversation and sign off with "Sincerely" or "Best regards."
Example
Use this structure as a starting point and replace the highlighted parts with your own details.
Dear Ms. Rivera,
The Operations Manager role with Company Name lines up closely with what I do best: cutting costs and building teams that hit their numbers. In my current role I reduced shipping costs by 18% in one year, and I would bring the same focus to your team.
Tell one short story: the problem, what you did and the result, tied to a top requirement in the posting.
Explain why this company, in two or three sentences, using something specific you learned about them.
Thank you for your time and consideration. I would welcome the chance to talk about how I can help Company Name reach its goals for the year.
Sincerely,
Your Name
Do and do not
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