Most cover letters follow the same tired formula: “I am writing to express my interest in the [Position] role at [Company].” And most cover letters end up unread. Here’s how to write one that doesn’t.

The opening: hook them in two sentences

Your first two sentences determine whether the rest gets read. Skip the generic opener. Instead, lead with something specific — a connection to the company, a relevant achievement, or a compelling reason why this particular role caught your attention.

Instead of: “I am writing to apply for the Marketing Manager position.”

Try: “When your team launched the rebrand campaign last quarter, it caught my attention because I led a similar initiative that drove a 40% increase in brand engagement. I’d love to bring that same strategic thinking to the Marketing Manager role.”

The middle: show, don’t tell

The body of your cover letter should do one thing: provide evidence that you can do the job. Pick 2-3 key requirements from the job description and show how your experience directly addresses them. Use specific examples and results, not vague claims about being a “team player” or “hard worker.”

The connection: why this company

Hiring managers can tell when you’ve sent the same letter to 50 companies. Take a few minutes to research the company and include something specific — a recent initiative, a company value that resonates with you, or a product you genuinely admire. This signals that you’re intentional about this role, not just spraying applications.

The close: make it easy to say yes

End with confidence, not desperation. Don’t say “I hope to hear from you.” Instead, express enthusiasm and suggest a next step: “I’d welcome the opportunity to discuss how my experience in [specific area] could contribute to [specific team goal]. I’m available for a conversation at your convenience.”

Length and formatting

Keep it to one page — ideally 3-4 paragraphs. Use the same font and header formatting as your resume for a cohesive look. And for the love of your career, proofread it. Twice.

A great cover letter doesn’t repeat your resume. It tells the story behind it.

The cover letter is your chance to be a person, not just a list of qualifications. Use it to connect the dots between what you’ve done and what the employer needs. When done well, it can be the difference between getting filed away and getting called in.