Before writing
Confirm the exact role, company name, recipient when available, and two or three needs emphasized in the posting. Research enough to explain specifically why the work or organization interests you.
Opening paragraph
Name the role and give a concise reason you are a strong match. Avoid a generic opening that could be sent unchanged to any company.
Evidence paragraphs
Choose one or two accomplishments that match the employer’s priorities. Explain the situation, your contribution, and the result. You can also connect transferable experience when changing fields.
Closing paragraph
Reaffirm interest, make the next step easy, and thank the reader. Confidence is useful; demands, exaggerated enthusiasm, and promises you cannot support are not.
Personalization checklist
- Correct company, role, recipient, and contact details.
- Specific connection to the job’s needs.
- Evidence not simply copied from the resume.
- Consistent dates, facts, and tone across both documents.
- No placeholders, spelling errors, or claims you cannot explain.
Length and format
A focused cover letter is usually three to five short paragraphs on one page. Use readable type and styling that is consistent with your resume. Save or submit the file type requested by the employer.