How to Write a Great Cover Letter
Follow these tips from hiring managers to make your cover letter stand out.
1
Start with a strong opening
Skip generic openers like "I am writing to apply." Instead, lead with your most relevant achievement or a genuine connection to the company.
✓ Good
“As a marketing manager who increased organic traffic by 180% at Acme Corp, I was excited to see your opening for a Senior Marketing Lead.”
✗ Avoid
“I am writing to express my interest in the marketing position at your company.”
2
Show, don't tell
Back up every claim with specific metrics, projects, or outcomes. Hiring managers want evidence, not adjectives.
✓ Good
“I led the migration of 3 microservices to Kubernetes, reducing deployment time by 60% and cutting cloud costs by $40K/quarter.”
✗ Avoid
“I am a hard-working team player with excellent communication skills.”
3
Tailor to the role
Mirror the language from the job description. Reference the company by name, mention specific projects or values that resonate with you.
✓ Good
“Your commitment to sustainable packaging, highlighted in your 2024 ESG report, aligns perfectly with my 5 years in green supply chain management.”
✗ Avoid
“I believe I would be a great fit for any role at your prestigious organization.”
4
End with a clear call to action
Close your letter by restating your interest and suggesting a next step. Make it easy for the reader to respond.
✓ Good
“I would welcome the opportunity to discuss how my experience in product analytics can support your Q3 growth targets. I am available for a call at your convenience.”
✗ Avoid
“Thank you for your time. I hope to hear from you soon.”
