How to Write a Cover Letter That Gets Read (with a Full Example)
A simple three-paragraph structure for cover letters, how to open and close, what to leave out, how long it should be, and a complete example you can adapt.
On this page
A good cover letter does something your résumé can’t: it connects your experience to this job and this company in plain, persuasive sentences. Most cover letters fail by repeating the résumé or by being generic enough to send anywhere. Yours doesn’t have to.
Do you still need one?
Not every recruiter reads them. But when they do, it’s often at a deciding moment: comparing close candidates, or trying to understand something your résumé doesn’t explain (a career change, a relocation, a gap). If the application has a cover letter field, or the post asks for one, write one. A short, specific letter is never a disadvantage. A generic one can be.
The three-paragraph structure
- Why you, for this role. Name the role and give the single strongest reason you’re a fit. One or two sentences.
- Proof. One or two achievements that match what the job needs most, with numbers. This is the heart of the letter.
- Why them, and a close. One specific reason you want to work at this company (a product, a mission, a recent milestone), and a simple request to talk.
Openings that work
I am writing to express my interest in the Marketing Manager position at your company.
I’m applying for the Marketing Manager role at Northwind because I’ve spent five years doing exactly what you describe: growing B2B pipeline through lifecycle email and paid search.
I believe I would be a great fit for this role.
Priya Shah on your data team suggested I reach out. She thought my experience building self-serve dashboards would help as you scale analytics.
If someone referred you, say so in the first line. It’s the strongest sentence in the letter.
A complete example
Mistakes to avoid
- Repeating your résumé. Pick one or two highlights and add context instead.
- Making it about what you want. “This role would be a great next step for me” is about you. Focus on what you’ll bring.
- Being generic. If you could swap in another company name and nothing changes, rewrite the last paragraph.
- Exaggerating. Every claim can come up in the interview.
- Typos in the company or manager’s name. Check twice.
Start from one of four proven structures in the free cover letter template builder, or use the job keyword scanner to see what the post emphasises before you write.
Frequently asked questions
How long should a cover letter be?
Around 250–350 words, or three to four short paragraphs. It should fit comfortably on one page with room to spare.
Who should I address a cover letter to?
The hiring manager by name if you can find it. Otherwise “Dear Hiring Manager” is fine. Avoid “To whom it may concern”.
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