What is a Cover Letter? Complete Guide for Job Seekers

TL;DR

A cover letter is a one-page document you send with your resume that introduces you to employers, explains why you're interested in the role, and highlights why you're the right fit. It's your chance to show personality, explain career moves, and make a compelling case beyond what your resume can say.

What is a Cover Letter? (Definition)

A cover letter is a professional document—typically one page—that accompanies your resume when applying for jobs. It serves as your personal introduction to the hiring manager and explains:

• Who you are

• Why you're interested in this specific role

• What makes you qualified

• How you can contribute to the company

Think of it as your elevator pitch in written form. While your resume lists your experience and skills, your cover letter tells the story behind them.

A cover letter is where you connect the dots between your experience and the job. It's not just what you've done—it's why it matters to them.

Why Do You Need a Cover Letter?

You might be wondering: Do cover letters even matter anymore? The answer is yes—and here's why.

1. Hiring Managers Actually Read Them

According to a ResumeGo study, 87% of hiring managers read cover letters. Despite rumors of their demise, they're still a critical part of the hiring process.

2. It Shows You Care

Submitting a thoughtful cover letter signals that you took the time to personalize your application. It separates you from candidates who clicked "Easy Apply" without a second thought.

3. It Explains What Your Resume Can't

Your cover letter fills in the gaps:

• Career transitions or gaps

• Why you're moving cities or industries

• Context behind your achievements

• Genuine interest in the company

4. It Demonstrates Communication Skills

How you write reflects how you think and communicate. A well-crafted cover letter proves you can articulate ideas clearly—a valuable skill in any role.

5. It Can Make Up for Weak Qualifications

Don't meet every requirement? Your cover letter is where you make the case for why you're still the right fit by highlighting transferable skills and genuine enthusiasm.

What Should a Cover Letter Include?

Every strong cover letter has five essential parts:

1. Header

Your contact information at the top:

Your Name\nYour Phone | Your Email | LinkedIn\nCity, State\n\nDate\n\nHiring Manager Name\nCompany Name\nCompany Address

2. Opening Paragraph

Start strong with:

• The position you're applying for

• Where you found the job posting

• A compelling hook (achievement, connection, or relevant insight)

Example:

When I helped increase customer retention by 40% at XYZ Corp, I learned that great service starts with understanding people. That's why I'm excited to apply for the Customer Success Manager role at [Company]—your commitment to putting customers first aligns perfectly with my experience and values.

3. Body Paragraphs (1-2 paragraphs)

This is where you prove you're qualified:

• Highlight 2-3 relevant achievements with numbers

• Connect your experience to job requirements

• Show you understand the company's needs

• Explain why you're interested in this specific company

4. Closing Paragraph

End with confidence:

• Reiterate your interest

• Include a call to action

• Thank them for their time

5. Professional Sign-Off

Best regards,\nYour Name

For a step-by-step guide with templates, check out our complete guide on how to write a cover letter.

Types of Cover Letters

Not all cover letters serve the same purpose. Here are the four main types:

1. Application Cover Letter

The most common type. You're responding to a specific job posting.

When to use: Applying for an advertised position

2. Prospecting Cover Letter

Also called a "letter of interest" or "cold contact letter." You're reaching out to companies that haven't posted openings.

When to use: Targeting companies you'd love to work for, even without job postings

3. Networking Cover Letter

Sent when someone refers you to a position.

When to use: You have an internal referral or mutual connection

Pro tip: Mention the referral's name in the first sentence

4. Value Proposition Letter

A more direct approach that focuses on what you bring to the table. Less about your background, more about their needs.

When to use: Career changers or situations where you need to make a strong business case

Cover Letter vs Resume: What's the Difference?

Many job seekers confuse cover letters with resumes. Here's how they differ:

Bottom line: Your resume shows your qualifications. Your cover letter shows your personality and motivation.

When Do You Need a Cover Letter?

The short answer: almost always. Here's when to include one:

Always Submit a Cover Letter When:

• The job posting requests one

• It says "optional" (shows you go above and beyond)

• You're changing careers or industries

• You have employment gaps to explain

• You're relocating for the job

• You're applying for a highly competitive role

You Can Skip a Cover Letter When:

• The application explicitly says "no cover letter"

• There's no option to upload one

• You're applying through a recruiter who says it's not needed

When in doubt, include one. It shows initiative.

Common Cover Letter Mistakes to Avoid

Even well-meaning job seekers make these mistakes:

1. Using a Generic Template

Hiring managers can spot a copy-paste job. Always customize for the company and role.

2. Repeating Your Resume

Don't list every job you've had. Tell the story behind your experience.

3. Making It All About You

Instead of "This job would be great for my career," write "My experience in X can help your team achieve Y."

4. Being Too Long or Too Short

Aim for 250-400 words. Any longer and you risk losing their attention.

5. Typos and Grammar Errors

One spelling mistake can tank your application. Proofread carefully or use tools like Grammarly.

6. Forgetting to Research the Company

Generic praise like "I admire your company" doesn't cut it. Mention specific projects, values, or recent news.

Real Cover Letter Example

Here's what a strong cover letter looks like:

Sarah Johnson\nsarah.johnson@email.com | (555) 123-4567 | linkedin.com/in/sarahjohnson\nSan Francisco, CA\n\nMarch 15, 2025\n\nMichael Chen\nHiring Manager\nTechStart Inc.\n123 Innovation Drive\nSan Francisco, CA 94102\n\nDear Michael Chen,\n\nWhen I helped launch a SaaS product that reached 10,000 users in six months, I learned that great marketing combines data with storytelling. That's why I'm excited about the Marketing Manager role at TechStart—your mission to democratize AI tools for small businesses aligns perfectly with my background in growth marketing and passion for accessible technology.\n\nIn my current role as Growth Marketing Lead at CloudWorks, I:\n• Increased organic traffic by 150% through content marketing and SEO\n• Launched three successful product campaigns, generating $500K in revenue\n• Built and managed a marketing team of four, reducing cost-per-lead by 35%\n\nI'm particularly impressed by TechStart's recent Series A announcement and your focus on user education. My experience creating educational content for non-technical audiences would help you scale your content strategy as you expand into new markets.\n\nI'd welcome the opportunity to discuss how my growth marketing experience can contribute to TechStart's ambitious goals. I'm available at your convenience.\n\nBest regards,\nSarah Johnson

For more examples tailored to specific industries, visit our cover letter examples page.

How to Write a Cover Letter Fast

Short on time? Here's the 30-minute method:

1. Research company (10 min) - Mission, recent news, job requirements

2. Pick 3 achievements (5 min) - Match them to job posting

3. Draft (10 min) - Use a template, don't overthink

4. Edit (5 min) - Cut fluff, fix typos

Or use our AI-powered cover letter generator and get a personalized draft in 60 seconds.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a cover letter in simple words?

A cover letter is a one-page document you send with your resume that introduces yourself, explains why you want the job, and highlights why you're qualified. Think of it as your chance to tell your story before the interview.

Do I really need a cover letter?

Yes, in most cases. 87% of hiring managers read cover letters, and they can make the difference between getting an interview or being overlooked—especially when you're competing with equally qualified candidates.

How long should a cover letter be?

Keep it to 250-400 words, or about half a page to three-quarters of a page. Hiring managers spend 30-60 seconds reading cover letters, so concise is better.

What should you not put in a cover letter?

Avoid:

• Salary expectations (save for later)

• Negative comments about past employers

• Generic phrases like "I'm a hard worker"

• Personal information (age, marital status, religion)

• Humor or overly casual language

Can I use the same cover letter for multiple jobs?

You can use a template, but customize each one. At minimum, change: company name, hiring manager, specific job requirements you're addressing, and company-specific research.

What's the difference between a cover letter and a resume?

Your resume lists your experience and skills. Your cover letter explains why you're interested, how you're qualified, and adds personality. The resume shows what you've done; the cover letter shows why it matters.

Should I address my cover letter to a specific person?

Yes, if you can find their name on the job posting, company website, or LinkedIn. If not, "Dear Hiring Manager" or "Dear [Department] Team" works fine.

What if I don't have experience for the job?

Focus on transferable skills, relevant coursework, projects, volunteer work, or internships. Your cover letter is where you make the case for why your unique background is valuable—even if it's not a perfect match.

Can I use AI to write my cover letter?

Yes! AI tools can help you draft quickly, but always personalize the output with specific achievements and your authentic voice. Check out our guide on the best AI cover letter creators for recommendations.

What file format should I use?

PDF is best—it preserves formatting across all devices. Only use Word (.docx) if the job posting specifically requests it.

Should I follow up after submitting my cover letter?

If you haven't heard back in 1-2 weeks, a brief, polite follow-up email is appropriate. Reiterate your interest and ask about next steps.

How do I make my cover letter stand out?

• Start with a compelling hook

• Use specific numbers and achievements

• Show you understand the company's challenges

• Write in your authentic voice

• Customize for each role

What if the job posting says "optional"?

Always include one. "Optional" is a test to see who goes the extra mile. Submitting a strong cover letter shows initiative and genuine interest.

Final Thoughts

A cover letter is more than a formality—it's your opportunity to stand out in a crowded job market. While your resume shows your qualifications, your cover letter shows your personality, motivation, and why you're the perfect fit for this specific role.

The best cover letters are:

• Tailored to the company and role

• Backed by specific achievements

• Written in your authentic voice

• Concise and error-free

Don't overthink it. Follow the structure in this guide, personalize it for each application, and you'll have a cover letter that gets noticed.

Need help getting started? Our AI cover letter generator creates personalized, professional cover letters in under 60 seconds. Just input your details, and you'll have a solid draft to refine.

Good luck with your job search!

For more resources:

• Professional cover letter templates

• Industry-specific examples