You’re in the right place to craft a cover letter that opens doors to new opportunities. Whether you’re writing your first letter or refining one for your next career move, this guide walks you through each step—helping you showcase your strengths, tell your story, and make a compelling case for why you’re the right fit.
This section should look polished and match your resume header for consistency.
What to include:
- Your full name (make it bold or larger if formatting allows)
- Phone number and professional email address
- LinkedIn profile or online portfolio (optional but recommended)
- The date you are sending the letter
- Employer’s name, title, company, and mailing address
Example:
Jordan Taylor
(555) 123-4567 | jordan.taylor@email.com | linkedin.com/in/jordantaylor
October 1, 2025
Ms. Ashley Johnson
Hiring Manager
Bright Path Consulting
123 Main Street
Atlanta, GA 30301
Start with a respectful, professional salutation. A personalized greeting shows effort.
Best practice:
- Use “Dear [Mr./Ms./Dr. Last Name],” whenever you know it.
- If unsure, “Dear Hiring Manager,” is acceptable.
- Avoid “To Whom It May Concern” or “Dear Sir/Madam” — they sound outdated.
Example:
- ✅ “Dear Dr. Rivera,”
- ✅ “Dear Hiring Committee,”
- ❌ “Hey there,”
Pro Tip: If the job posting doesn’t include a name, check the company website or LinkedIn before defaulting to “Hiring Manager.”
This is your hook — the first impression. You want to grab attention and show enthusiasm.
Include:
- The position you’re applying for.
- Where you found the job posting.
- A statement explaining why you’re excited about the role or company.
Example:
“I am excited to apply for the Marketing Coordinator role at Bright Path Consulting. With a passion for digital campaigns and a proven record of increasing social media engagement, I am eager to bring my skills to a company recognized for its innovative approach to branding.”
Pro Tip: Connect yourself to the company’s mission or values in the very first lines.
This is the heart of your letter — where you show how your skills match the job. Aim for 1–2 short paragraphs.
Focus on:
- Highlighting your top 2–3 skills that match the job description.
- Sharing a specific accomplishment or experience.
- Explaining how your background prepares you for this role.
Example:
“In my role as a Marketing Assistant at GreenLeaf Media, I coordinated content campaigns that boosted website traffic by 35% in six months. I also managed vendor relationships and assisted with event planning, which taught me how to balance deadlines and collaborate across teams. I am confident these experiences will help me succeed as your next Marketing Coordinator.”
Pro Tip: Use numbers and results whenever possible — employers love measurable impact.
End strong. Remind them why you’re a great candidate and invite them to take the next step.
Include:
- A brief recap of your fit for the role.
- Appreciation for their time.
- A call to action (express interest in an interview).
Example:
“I would welcome the chance to discuss how my skills can contribute to your team’s success. Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to the opportunity to interview with Bright Path Consulting.”
Pro Tip: Keep it confident but polite — don’t end with “I hope to hear from you.” Instead, show genuine interest in continuing the conversation.
Your closing should look polished.
Format:
- Professional sign-off: “Sincerely,” or “Best regards,”
- Your full name (typed)
- Optional: A digital signature if submitting as a PDF
Quick Do’s & Don’ts
Do’s:
- Keep it to one page.
- Tailor each letter to the specific role.
- Mirror keywords from the job description.
- Show enthusiasm for the company and role.
- Proofread carefully.
Don’ts:
- Don’t repeat your entire resume word-for-word.
- Don’t use generic phrases like “I’m a hard worker.”
- Don’t forget to personalize the greeting.
- Don’t send the same letter to every job.
- Don’t include irrelevant personal information.