How to Write a Cover Letter for a Job in 2024 (+Examples)

Wondering how to stand out from the job-hunting crowd? Do that by writing a good cover letter that can effectively hold the recruiter's attention and convince them that you're the ideal candidate for the job. 

Knowing how to write a cover letter for a job application can significantly boost your career. Read on cause I'm about to show you exactly how to make a cover letter that will increase your chances of getting invited to that job interview.

Want to write your cover letter fast? Use our cover letter builder. Choose from 20+ professional cover letter templates that match your resume. See actionable examples and get expert tips along the way.

Create your cover letter now

Use this cover letter template

Sample cover letter for a resume—See more cover letter samples here.

What Is a Cover Letter?

A cover letter is a one-page job application document serving as an introduction to your resume or CV. A cover letter should never be a reiteration of a resume or CV. Its purpose is to introduce you in a personal way as well as provide a broader context for your qualifications and achievements.

But—do you really need a cover letter? Yes. On average, a corporate job attracts 250 candidates, and a cover letter offers you a perfect opportunity to stand out from this crowd to get that job interview invitation.

So, unless the job ad asks you not to send a cover letter, you should always attach one.
Read more: Distinguishing Between a Letter of Interest and a Cover Letter: What Sets Them Apart?

How to Write a Cover Letter in 10 Easy Steps

Here’s the answer in a nutshell: Use a business letter format and a professional cover letter template. Include your and the employer's contact details, and address the hiring manager by name. In 200–400 words, highlight your achievements, professional skills, and relevant experience that make you the best fit for the job.

Let me present you with detailed instructions on how to write a great cover letter:

Prefer to get your cover letter help from a video? Watch the one below to uncover the simple truth of how to write a cover letter for a job application:

1. Prepare Yourself Beforehand

You may feel tempted to dive into writing a good cover letter straight away. But hold your horses for a few more minutes! Before writing a cover letter, it's worth knowing what to write, right? That's why you should spend some time gathering info first.

Here are a few things to research before writing a cover letter:

• Job requirements: make sure you understand what they are because your letter will refer to them.
• Company website: that's the minimum. Check the company history, its goals, and try to learn about the company culture.
• Hiring manager: you want to address them by name, so do your best to find it!
• Your resume: make sure it clearly shows you're a good fit for the role, and keep it nearby so you can take a look at it whenever necessary. 

Pro Tip: You can reach out to someone from the company you're applying to via LinkedIn. It's best to pick the hiring manager. Try to ask them a clever question about the position. Then, you will be able to refer to this exchange in your cover letter. 

2. Use the Proper Cover Letter Format

Here’s how to format your cover letter:

• Choose a legible cover letter font like Arial or Garamond, and keep it between 10 and 12 points in font size.
• Set even margins on all sides: 1-inch margins should be perfect.
• Left-align all your contents.
• Use double cover letter spacing between paragraphs and 1–1.15 between lines.
• Title your cover letter by JobTitle—CoverLetter—YourName.
• Let your cover letter layout stay intact en route to the recruiter by saving the file in PDF.
• Fit all the information included in the letter on one page. That's how long a cover letter should be.

Remember: your cover letter should consist of all the key cover letter elements. Take a look at the image below:

USE THIS COVER LETTER TEMPLATE

If you decide to go for a ready-made cover letter template, you'll save a lot of time on formatting your cover letter from scratch. There's a large variety of styles and designs out there, including modern cover letter templates and cover letter templates for creative professions. But you can also make the template from scratch in Word or Google Docs. It's entirely up to you.

Need some good examples? Check our article: How the Best Cover Letter Should Look Like?

3. Create a Cover Letter Header

A professional cover letter opens with a header. Ideally, your cover letter header should be the same as in your resume (for consistency), so feel free to use the same template.

If you prefer to write the header of your cover letter from scratch, include the following contact information: 

• Full name
• Job title
• Phone number
• Email address

Pro Tip: If you send your cover letter via email, don’t use your current work email address. It’s impolite to your current and potential employer.

4. Address the Reader

Once you’re done with the header, it’s time to mention the location and date of writing. 

Then, address your cover letter directly to the hiring manager like so:

According to studies, people respond actively to hearing/seeing their names—so use it in the cover letter salutation. Look for the hiring manager's name by:

• Checking the job description
• Going to the company’s LinkedIn page (to look for the person responsible for uploading the job offer)

If you can’t find the name by any means possible, opt for “Dear Hiring Manager.” I recommend you avoid starting a cover letter with “To Whom It May Concern” like the plague. And if you’re not living in Victorian England, don’t start a cover letter with “Dear Sir or Madam,” either. 

Follow this template to make sure you include everything: 

Pro Tip: Wondering whether you should use the hiring manager’s first or last name? That depends on the company culture. Use the first name if you’re applying to a relaxed, casual company. For corporate cover letters, it’s safer to use the addressee's last name.

5. Make a Proper Introduction

Here’s the brutal truth: these few sentences at the beginning of your cover letter will determine whether the hiring manager will read on. So you need to write the cover letter's intro in a way that attracts and holds the reader’s interest.

Here are several proven strategies for starting your cover letter: 

• Highlight your achievements.
• Display your passion and enthusiasm.
• Drop names.
• Do all the above.

Have a look at these two sample cover letter opening paragraphs:

Why is the wrong example not delivering? Because it provides no value and details. The bottom line is: “I’ve already done this job, so I think I’d fit in.” And it’s just not enough for someone with more than eight years of experience to get the job.

6. Explain Why You’re the Perfect Fit

The second paragraph (main body) of your cover letter should give the hiring manager what they’re looking for and show them that you’ll satisfy the company’s specific needs.

Job seekers impress employers by identifying transferable skills related to new positions. People often apply to new positions, so it’s likely you’ll not have the exact experience requested. But employers would rather know how your past experiences will inform future decisions. You were a hostess? Relate those management and organizational skills to the Executive Assistant position.

Let’s look at another cover letter example to see how to make a cover letter body. Remember Jane, our digital marketing manager candidate? The XYZ company she applies to needs (based on the job ad):

• A savvy digital marketing manager (1)
• Someone who will supervise the development of their new online portal (2)

Let’s look at how Jane managed to show that she’s both:

Your go-to strategy on what your cover letter should say in the main body: 

• In the first sentence, prove you’re an expert in your field (refrain from bragging too much).
• The remaining part should be all about how your previous experiences will help your future employer press ahead with their plans.

A cover letter is also a great place to explain gaps in your employment, if you have any.

7. Show Your Motivation to Join the Company

Your future employers have needs. If they’re willing to hire you, it’s because they think you’ll satisfy those needs. But they also want you to enjoy working with them. That way, they know you’re more likely to stay with them for longer.

The key to writing a good cover letter third paragraph is showing the hiring manager why you want this job, not just any job. That’s particularly important for entry-level candidates—enthusiasm and passion help prove you'll hit the ground running.

Have a look at these examples:

Above all, you want to avoid writing too much of a general cover letter. Generic doesn't win jobs; targeted does. (We’re, of course, assuming you tailored your resume to every job description you’re after, too.) 

Make your cover letter more impressive by including relevant resume keywords from the job ad.

8. Close With a Promise

How to write a great cover letter ending that gets people excited? By providing value. 

The worst mistakes you can make in writing your cover letter's final paragraph are:

• Coming off needy
• Focusing on how much you want the job, not on what you have to offer
• Repeating the clichéd phrase, “Thank you for your consideration and your time”

Instead, tell the hiring manager that you’re looking forward to meeting in person and discussing how your experience and knowledge can help your future employer fulfill their goals. Like here:

Trying to find exciting ways to end your cover letter, but to no avail? See how to write a convincing final paragraph here: How to Successfully Close a Cover Letter

9. Stay Formal in the Closing Salutation

Once you’ve written the body of your cover letter, you just need to put a formal closing at the very end. Write “Sincerely” and follow it with your full name. Adding your handwritten signature is optional (recommended for more formal cover letters).

If you’re not a fan of the well-worn “Sincerely,” feel free to use any of the following:

 Want to learn more? Check here: Examples of Professional Cover Letter Signatures

10. Add a Postscript

All of the above sections are must-haves in a good cover letter. But there’s one special trick you can use—the postscript. Why do I think it is so important? Because it’s like a magnet for the hiring manager’s eyes that screams: “you cannot miss this information.”

Write a cover letter postscript to tell the hiring manager about something impressive about your career, even if it’s not strictly related to the job opening. And say you’d be happy to provide them with more details if they find it interesting.

Here's an example of how to do a cover letter postscript that grabs attention :

Worried you might miss something? We’ve got a checklist guide for you: What to Include in a Cover Letter

Writing a Good Cover Letter: The One Mistake You Must Avoid

The biggest mistake you can make when writing a cover letter is simply restating your resume.

A resume is a detailed outline of your professional experiences, skills, and accomplishments, while a cover letter is your chance to tell a story about yourself. It allows you to explain why you’re the right fit for a specific job and how your qualifications align with the company’s goals. Simply repeating your resume does not utilize the opportunity to make a personal connection with the hiring manager or to emphasize how your background uniquely qualifies you for the position.

So, how to write a great cover letter that doesn’t repeat the info in your resume?

• Start with an engaging opener that will immediately hook your reader.
• Highlight your key achievements, but remember to tie them back to what the company needs—because this is about them as much as it is about you.
• Keep it concise, personal, and positive. Show them why you're not just a great fit for the job, but also a perfect fit for their team.

Ultimately, a great cover letter should be all about “why should we hire you” and “what’s in it for us.” The winning tactic here is focusing on them, not just on you, which will ultimately make you stand out from other applicants—and that’s exactly why it’s worth spending time writing a solid cover letter. 

How to Make a Cover Letter: Examples

If you get stuck when writing your cover letter, I suggest you take a look at the professional cover letter example below, as it can be really helpful. 

If you need more examples, we've gathered a selection of over 10 professionally-crafted cover letters that cater to a range of industries and job levels. Whether you're an entry-level candidate or an experienced professional, you'll find a sample that can guide you on your job application journey:

• Academic Cover Letter: that tenure might be waiting for you!
• Career-Change Cover Letter: great if you're planning to switch professions
• Cover Letter for an Internal Position: in case you're moving within the same company
• Entry-Level Cover Letter: for those who enter the job market
• Federal Cover Letter: getting a government job ain't easy, but it's worth trying
• General Cover Letter: you can quickly personalize it and adapt for any job you want
• IT Cover Letter: can help you prove you're more than your coding skills
• Manager Cover Letter: easy to customize for any management position
• No Experience Cover Letter: we've all been there at some point!
• Student Cover Letter: it will show you how to highlight educational achievements and skills
• Teacher Cover Letter: to inspire the headmaster before you can inspire your pupils

You can also browse our collection of pro cover letter samples here.

Plus, a great cover letter that matches your resume will give you an advantage over other candidates. You can write it in our cover letter builder here. Here's what it may look like:

Create my cover letter now

See more cover letter templates and start writing.

Key Takeaway

Here's how to write a cover letter:

1. Research the company.
2. Use proper formatting.
3. Add your contact info.
4. Address the recipient personally.
5. Grab their attention and prove you match their needs.
6. Show enthusiasm.
7. Finish with a call to action.
8. Add a formal closing sentiment and a P.S.

Or use our cover letter builder to remember it all for you!

Thank you for taking the time to read my article. Do you have any questions about how to make a cover letter? Want to share an example of a cover letter or your tried-and-tested tips on how to do a cover letter? Give me a shout in the comments, and I’ll reply!

About Zety’s Editorial Process

This article has been reviewed by our editorial team to make sure it follows Zety's editorial guidelines. We’re committed to sharing our expertise and giving you trustworthy career advice tailored to your needs. High-quality content is what brings over 40 million readers to our site every year. But we don't stop there. Our team conducts original research to understand the job market better, and we pride ourselves on being quoted by top universities and prime media outlets from around the world.

Sources

• https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1647299/
• https://career.ucsd.edu/succeed-search/cover-letter/index.html

Frequently Asked Questions about How to Write a Cover Letter

What are the four parts of a cover letter?

• Cover letter header with your contact information such as full name, phone number, and email address
• Cover letter introduction with your hiring manager’s address and a hook that hypes the reader up so much that they can’t stop reading
• Cover letter body with a description of your significant accomplishments and strengths that you’ll bring to the table. (Beware! It’s not a copy of your resume.)
• Cover letter closing with a call to action and your signature

Can you use ChatGPT to write a cover letter?

Yes, you can use ChatGPT to write a cover letter. ChatGPT can generate tailored cover letters for each of the jobs you're applying for, but you must provide it with all the necessary information, such as your resume and the job offer you're targeting.

What should a cover letter say?

A cover letter should:

• Introduce you to the recruiter.
• Present relevant information about your skills and experience.
• Include details about why you want to work at this particular company.
• Prove that you're a perfect match for the job.
• Provide context for frequent job switching or employment gaps.

How to write a simple cover letter?

To write a simple cover letter:

• Use proper cover letter format.
• Mention only information relevant to the job.
• Begin with a concise value statement.
• Provide additional context to your resume.
• Utilize bullet points and action verbs.
• Remember about proofreading.
• Consider sending your cover letter by email.

How to write a cover letter for an internship?

A cover letter to an internship resume is a fantastic way to shoo away your competition. So don't hesitate and write a cover letter for an internship you’ve dreamt of for too long.

First and foremost, prove to your potential employer that you’re worth hiring, and that they’re a great company to work for. Do your research and don’t be shy to show what you’ve learned. Later use that knowledge to give away your connection to the company and its values. Show your transferable skillset and achievements, and let your determination and motivation do their magic.

How to write a cover letter for 2024?

In 2024, write your cover letter with these simple steps:

• Create a consistent look by mirroring a resume header to your template.
• Make a clean cover letter layout to keep enough whitespace on the page.
• Find an angle to write your cover letter—motivation to advance, shared values or mission statement, recent developments in the industry. Doing thorough research always helps. 
• Start your cover letter with a relevant accomplishment that makes the reader want to carry on.
• Create a smooth transition from the hook through your strengths to motivation in 3 to 4 paragraphs, tops. 
• Call your recruiter to action in the cover letter closing and ask for a meeting with you.

Is a cover letter necessary?

A cover letter isn't always necessary, but attaching one can often be a great decision. Writing a cover letter can help you grab and hold the recruiter's attention, given the fact that each corporate job opening attracts, on average, 250 resumes.