When a cover letter matters
Not every application requires a cover letter. Some postings explicitly request one, some accept one as optional, and some do not mention it at all. The rule is straightforward.
- Required: always write one. Skipping it can disqualify you immediately.
- Optional: write a short one if you have something specific to say.
- Not mentioned: skip it unless you have a strong reason to include one.
- Referral or direct email to a hiring manager: always include one.
If you are unsure, write a short, specific cover letter. A weak generic letter is worse than no letter, but a strong specific one is better than either.
The cover letter has three parts
A cover letter is not an essay. It is a short document with three jobs: introduce you, connect your experience to the role, and close with a clear ask. Each part is one or two paragraphs.
Part one: the opening
The opening states who you are, what role you are applying for, and why this specific company or team. Do not open with I am writing to apply for. Open with something that shows you understand the role or the company.
Part two: the connection
The middle section connects your experience to the specific requirements of the role. Pick two or three requirements from the posting and show how your work has demonstrated each one. This is where you provide context that a resume bullet cannot carry.
Part three: the close
The close states your interest clearly and invites a next step. Keep it short. Thank the reader for their time, confirm you are available to interview, and sign off.
What a good cover letter does
- Names the specific role and the specific company.
- Says something the resume does not: why you are interested, what you have done with the company's product or in the company's market, or how you found out about the role.
- Connects two or three specific requirements from the posting to specific experience.
- Uses plain, direct language.
- Stays under 350 words.
- Ends with a clear, confident close.
What a weak cover letter does
- Repeats the resume in paragraph form.
- Uses language like I am a passionate and dedicated professional.
- Uses generic phrases like your company or your team instead of the actual name.
- Lists everything the candidate has ever done instead of choosing the most relevant items.
- Runs to a full page or more.
- Ends with I look forward to hearing from you without a specific next step.
A working structure
Opening paragraph
One to three sentences. Name the role, name the company, say something specific about why you are interested. If you have a connection to the company, mention it here.
Body paragraph one
Three to five sentences. Pick the most important requirement from the posting and show how your work has demonstrated it. Use one specific example with a concrete outcome.
Body paragraph two
Three to five sentences. Pick one or two additional requirements and connect them to specific experience. Keep this paragraph shorter than the first.
Closing paragraph
Two to three sentences. Confirm your interest, thank the reader, and state that you are available for an interview. Sign off with Sincerely or Best regards.
Formatting the cover letter
- Use the same header as your resume: name, contact info, and links.
- Address the letter to a specific person if you can find one. Dear Hiring Manager is acceptable when no name is available.
- Use single spacing, 11 to 12 point font, and standard margins.
- Keep the total length to one page.
- Save as PDF with selectable text. Name the file FirstName-LastName-Cover-Letter.pdf.
Common mistakes
- Sending the same letter to every company.
- Addressing the letter to Dear Sir or Madam in 2026.
- Copying sentences from the job posting verbatim.
- Writing about the candidate's journey instead of the company's needs.
- Using the letter to explain gaps or negatives that do not need explaining.
- Leaving a typo. Cover letters are short enough that a single typo stands out.
When to skip the cover letter
Some postings make it clear that a cover letter is not read. If the posting says do not include a cover letter, do not include one. If the application form has no field for a cover letter, do not force it. If you cannot write something specific, do not send a generic letter. A strong resume with no cover letter beats a weak cover letter every time.
Frequently asked questions
How long should a cover letter be?
Under 350 words and on one page. Three to four short paragraphs. Anything longer suggests the candidate did not edit.
Should I address the letter to a specific person?
Yes, if you can find the name. Search LinkedIn or the company's team page. Dear Hiring Manager is fine when no name is available.
Can I use the same cover letter for multiple jobs?
The structure can stay the same. The content should change for each application. If you can send the same letter to twenty companies, it is not specific enough.
Is a cover letter necessary if it is optional?
Only if you have something specific to say. A generic letter is worse than no letter. A specific one that adds context is better than either.
Should I include my cover letter in the same file as my resume?
No. Keep them as separate files. Some systems only accept one file per field, and reviewers typically want them separately.