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How to write a great cover letter in 2024: tips and structure

A cover letter is a personalized letter that introduces you to a potential employer, highlights your qualifications, and explains why you're a strong fit for a specific job.

Hate or love them, these brief documents allow job seekers to make an impression and stand out from the pile of other applications. Penning a thoughtful cover letter shows the hiring team you care about earning the position.

Here’s everything you need to know about how to write a cover letter — and a great one, at that.

What is a cover letter and why does it matter?

A professional cover letter is a one-page document you submit alongside your CV or resume as part of a job application. Typically, they’re about half a page or around 150–300 words.

An effective cover letter doesn’t just rehash your CV; it’s your chance to highlight your proudest moments, explain why you want the job, and state plainly what you bring to the table.

Show the reviewer you’re likable, talented, and will add to the company’s culture . You can refer to previous jobs and other information from your CV, but only if it helps tell a story about you and your career choices .

What 3 things should you include in a cover letter?

A well-crafted cover letter can help you stand out to potential employers. To make your cover letter shine, here are three key elements to include:

1. Personalization

Address the hiring manager or recruiter by name whenever possible. If the job posting doesn't include a name, research to find out who will be reviewing applications. Personalizing your cover letter shows that you've taken the time to tailor your application to the specific company and role.

2. Highlight relevant achievements and skills

Emphasize your most relevant skills , experiences, and accomplishments that directly relate to the job you're applying for. Provide specific examples of how your skills have benefited previous employers and how they can contribute to the prospective employer's success. Use quantifiable achievements , such as improved efficiency, cost savings, or project success, to demonstrate your impact.

3. Show enthusiasm and fit

Express your enthusiasm for the company and the position you're applying for. Explain why you are interested in this role and believe you are a good fit for the organization. Mention how your values, goals, and skills align with the company's mission and culture. Demonstrating that you've done your research can make a significant impression.

What do hiring managers look for in a cover letter?

Employers look for several key elements in a cover letter. These include:

Employers want to see that your cover letter is specifically tailored to the position you are applying for. It should demonstrate how your skills, experiences, and qualifications align with the job requirements.

Clear and concise writing

A well-written cover letter is concise, easy to read, and error-free. Employers appreciate clear and effective communication skills , so make sure your cover letter showcases your ability to express yourself effectively.

Demonstrated knowledge of the company

Employers want to see that you are genuinely interested in their organization. Mention specific details about the company, such as recent achievements or projects, to show that you are enthusiastic about joining their team.

Achievements and accomplishments

Highlight your relevant achievements and accomplishments that demonstrate your qualifications for the position. Use specific examples to showcase your skills and show how they can benefit the employer.

Enthusiasm and motivation

Employers want to hire candidates who are excited about the opportunity and motivated to contribute to the company's success. Express your enthusiasm and passion for the role and explain why you are interested in working for the company.

Professionalism

A cover letter should be professional in tone and presentation. Use formal language, address the hiring manager appropriately, and follow standard business letter formatting.

How do you structure a cover letter?

A well-structured cover letter follows a specific format that makes it easy for the reader to understand your qualifications and enthusiasm for the position. Here's a typical structure for a cover letter:

Contact information

Include your name, address, phone number, and email address at the top of the letter. Place your contact information at the beginning so that it's easy for the employer to reach you.

Employer's contact information

Opening paragraph, middle paragraph(s), closing paragraph, complimentary close, additional contact information.

Repeat your contact information (name, phone number, and email) at the end of the letter, just in case the employer needs it for quick reference.

Remember to keep your cover letter concise and focused. It should typically be no more than one page in length. Proofread your letter carefully to ensure it is free from spelling and grammatical errors. Tailor each cover letter to the specific job application to make it as relevant and impactful as possible.

How to write a good cover letter (with examples)

The best letters are unique, tailored to the job description, and written in your voice — but that doesn’t mean you can’t use a job cover letter template.

Great cover letters contain the same basic elements and flow a certain way. Take a look at this cover letter structure for ref erence while you construct your own.

1. Add a header and contact information

While reading your cover letter, the recruiter shouldn’t have to look far to find who wrote it. Your document should include a basic heading with the following information:

• Pronouns (optional)
• Location (optional)
• Email address
• Phone number (optional)
• Relevant links, such as your LinkedIn profile , portfolio, or personal website (optional)

You can pull this information directly from your CV. Put it together, and it will look something like this:

Christopher Pike

San Francisco, California

[email protected]

Alternatively, if the posting asks you to submit your cover letter in the body of an email, you can include this information in your signature. For example:

Warm regards,

Catherine Janeway

Bloomington, Indiana

[email protected]

(555) 999 - 2222

2. Include a personal greeting

Always begin your cover letter by addressing the hiring manager — preferably by name. You can use the person’s first and last name. Make sure to include a relevant title, like Dr., Mr., or Ms. For example, “Dear Mr. John Doe.”

Avoid generic openings like “To whom it may concern,” “Dear sir or madam,” or “Dear hiring manager.” These introductions sound impersonal — like you’re copy-pasting cover letters — and can work against you in the hiring process.

Be careful, though. When using someone’s name, you don’t want to use the wrong title or accidentally misgender someone. If in doubt, using only their name is enough. You could also opt for a gender-neutral title, like Mx.

Make sure you’re addressing the right person in your letter — ideally, the person who’s making the final hiring decision. This isn’t always specified in the job posting, so you may have to do some research to learn the name of the hiring manager.

3. Draw them in with an opening story

The opening paragraph of your cover letter should hook the reader. You want it to be memorable, conversational, and extremely relevant to the job you’re pursuing. 

There’s no need for a personal introduction — you’ve already included your name in the heading. But you should make reference to the job you’re applying for. A simple “Thank you for considering my application for the role of [job title] at [company],” will suffice.

Then you can get into the “Why” of your job application. Drive home what makes this specific job and this company so appealing to you. Perhaps you’re a fan of their products, you’re passionate about their mission, or you love their brand voice. Whatever the case, this section is where you share your enthusiasm for the role.

Here’s an example opening paragraph. In this scenario, you’re applying for a digital marketing role at a bicycle company:

“Dear Mr. John Doe,

Thank you for considering my application for the role of Marketing Coordinator at Bits n’ Bikes.

My parents bought my first bike at one of your stores. I’ll never forget the freedom I felt when I learned to ride it. My father removed my training wheels, and my mom sent me barrelling down the street. You provide joy to families across the country — and I want to be part of that.”

4. Emphasize why you’re best for the job

Your next paragraphs should be focused on the role you’re applying to. Highlight your skill set and why you’re a good fit for the needs and expectations associated with the position. Hiring managers want to know what you’ll bring to the job, not just any role.

Start by studying the job description for hints. What problem are they trying to solve with this hire? What skills and qualifications do they mention first or more than once? These are indicators of what’s important to the hiring manager.

Search for details that match your experience and interests. For example, if you’re excited about a fast-paced job in public relations, you might look for these elements in a posting:

• They want someone who can write social media posts and blog content on tight deadlines
• They value collaboration and input from every team member
• They need a planner who can come up with strong PR strategies

Highlight how you fulfill these requirements:

“I’ve always been a strong writer. From blog posts to social media, my content pulls in readers and drives traffic to product pages. For example, when I worked at Bits n’ Bikes, I developed a strategic blog series about bike maintenance that increased our sales of spare parts and tools by 50% — we could see it in our web metrics.

Thanks to the input of all of our team members, including our bike mechanics, my content delivered results.”

5. End with a strong closing paragraph and sign off gracefully

Your closing paragraph is your final chance to hammer home your enthusiasm about the role and your unique ability to fill it. Reiterate the main points you explained in the body paragraphs and remind the reader of what you bring to the table.

You can also use the end of your letter to relay other important details, like whether you’re willing to relocate for the job.

When choosing a sign-off, opt for a phrase that sounds professional and genuine. Reliable options include “Sincerely” and “Kind regards.”

Here’s a strong closing statement for you to consider:

“I believe my enthusiasm, skills, and work experience as a PR professional will serve Bits n’ Bikes very well. I would love to meet to further discuss my value-add as your next Director of Public Relations. Thank you for your consideration. I hope we speak soon.

Tips to write a great cover letter that compliments your resume

When writing your own letter, try not to copy the example excerpts word-for-word. Instead, use this cover letter structure as a baseline to organize your ideas. Then, as you’re writing, use these extra cover letter tips to add your personal touch:

• Keep your cover letter different from your resume : Your cover letter should not duplicate the information on your resume. Instead, it should provide context and explanations for key points in your resume, emphasizing how your qualifications match the specific job you're applying for.
• Customize your cover letter . Tailor your cover letter for each job application. Address the specific needs of the company and the job posting, demonstrating that you've done your homework and understand their requirements.
• Show enthusiasm and fit . Express your enthusiasm for the company and position in the cover letter. Explain why you are interested in working for this company and how your values, goals, and skills align with their mission and culture.
• Use keywords . Incorporate keywords from the job description and industry terms in your cover letter. This can help your application pass through applicant tracking systems (ATS) and demonstrate that you're well-versed in the field.
• Keep it concise . Your cover letter should be succinct and to the point, typically no more than one page. Focus on the most compelling qualifications and experiences that directly support your application.
• Be professional . Maintain a professional tone and structure in your cover letter. Proofread it carefully to ensure there are no errors.
• Address any gaps or concerns . If there are gaps or concerns in your resume, such as employment gaps or a change in career direction, briefly address them in your cover letter. Explain any relevant circumstances and how they have shaped your qualifications and determination.
• Provide a call to action . Conclude your cover letter with a call to action, inviting the employer to contact you for further discussion. Mention that you've attached your resume for their reference.
• Follow the correct format . Use a standard cover letter format like the one above, including your contact information, a formal salutation, introductory and closing paragraphs, and your signature. Ensure that it complements your resume without redundancy.
• Pick the right voice and tone . Try to write like yourself, but adapt to the tone and voice of the company. Look at the job listing, company website, and social media posts. Do they sound fun and quirky, stoic and professional, or somewhere in-between? This guides your writing style.
• Tell your story . You’re an individual with unique expertise, motivators, and years of experience. Tie the pieces together with a great story. Introduce how you arrived at this point in your career, where you hope to go , and how this prospective company fits in your journey. You can also explain any career changes in your resume.
• Show, don’t tell . Anyone can say they’re a problem solver. Why should a recruiter take their word for it if they don’t back it up with examples? Instead of naming your skills, show them in action. Describe situations where you rose to the task, and quantify your success when you can.
• Be honest . Avoid highlighting skills you don’t have. This will backfire if they ask you about them in an interview. Instead, shift focus to the ways in which you stand out.
• Avoid clichés and bullet points . These are signs of lazy writing. Do your best to be original from the first paragraph to the final one. This highlights your individuality and demonstrates the care you put into the letter.
• Proofread . Always spellcheck your cover letter. Look for typos, grammatical errors, and proper flow. We suggest reading it out loud. If it sounds natural rolling off the tongue, it will read naturally as well.

Common cover letter writing FAQs

How long should a cover letter be.

A cover letter should generally be concise and to the point. It is recommended to keep it to one page or less, focusing on the most relevant information that highlights your qualifications and fits the job requirements.

Should I include personal information in a cover letter?

While it's important to introduce yourself and provide your contact information, avoid including personal details such as your age, marital status, or unrelated hobbies. Instead, focus on presenting your professional qualifications and aligning them with the job requirements.

Can I use the same cover letter for multiple job applications?

While it may be tempting to reuse a cover letter, it is best to tailor each cover letter to the specific job you are applying for. This allows you to highlight why you are a good fit for that particular role and show genuine interest in the company.

Do I need to address my cover letter to a specific person?

Whenever possible, it is advisable to address your cover letter to a specific person, such as the hiring manager or recruiter. If the job posting does not provide this information, try to research and find the appropriate contact. If all else fails, you can use a generic salutation such as "Dear Hiring Manager."

Should I include references in my cover letter?

It is generally not necessary to include references in your cover letter. Save this information for when the employer explicitly requests it. Instead, focus on showcasing your qualifications and achievements that make you a strong candidate for the position.

It’s time to start writing your stand-out cover letter

The hardest part of writing is getting started. 

Hopefully, our tips gave you some jumping-off points and confidence . But if you’re really stuck, looking at cover letter examples and resume templates will help you decide where to get started. 

There are numerous sample cover letters available online. Just remember that you’re a unique, well-rounded person, and your cover letter should reflect that. Using our structure, you can tell your story while highlighting your passion for the role. 

Doing your research, including strong examples of your skills, and being courteous is how to write a strong cover letter. Take a breath , flex your fingers, and get typing. Before you know it, your job search will lead to a job interview.

If you want more personalized guidance, a specialized career coach can help review, edit, and guide you through creating a great cover letter that sticks.

Ace your job search

Explore effective job search techniques, interview strategies, and ways to overcome job-related challenges. Our coaches specialize in helping you land your dream job.

Elizabeth Perry, ACC

Elizabeth Perry is a Coach Community Manager at BetterUp. She uses strategic engagement strategies to cultivate a learning community across a global network of Coaches through in-person and virtual experiences, technology-enabled platforms, and strategic coaching industry partnerships. With over 3 years of coaching experience and a certification in transformative leadership and life coaching from Sofia University, Elizabeth leverages transpersonal psychology expertise to help coaches and clients gain awareness of their behavioral and thought patterns, discover their purpose and passions, and elevate their potential. She is a lifelong student of psychology, personal growth, and human potential as well as an ICF-certified ACC transpersonal life and leadership Coach.

3 cover letter examples to help you catch a hiring manager’s attention

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• Cover Letter

How to Write a Cover Letter for Any Job [2024 Guide]

A cover letter can make or break your entire job application. Discover how to write a cover letter that will impress any recruiter.

Many people think that writing a cover letter is daunting and anxiety-inducing, but the truth is that more than half of employers prefer candidates with cover letters. Missing a cover letter means missing a lot of interviews. Having a bad cover letter means...almost the same. 

If you don't know how to write a cover letter, do not worry. We'll teach you how to write a good cover letter. The one employers want to see and will get you a lot of job interviews. 

This guide will show you:

• How to write a cover letter for a job application that stands out.
• A cover letter sample that will get you more interviews.
• How to write a cover letter for different types of jobs. 
• A full step-by-step guide to writing a cover letter quickly and painlessly

Save hours of work and get a cover letter like this. Pick a template, fill it in. Quick and easy. Choose from 20+ cover letter templates and download your cover letter now.

Create your cover letter now

What users say about ResumeLab:

I had an interview yesterday and the first thing they said on the phone was: “Wow! I love your cover letter.” Patrick I love the variety of templates. Good job guys, keep up the good work! Dylan  My previous cover letter was really weak and I used to spend hours adjusting it in Word. Now, I can introduce any changes within minutes. Absolutely wonderful! George

Want to see cover letter examples for a specific positions? Feel free to check out these articles:

• Business Cover Letter
• Consulting Cover Letter
• Customer Service Cover Letter
• Digital Marketing Cover Letter
• Human Resources Cover Letter
• Internal Position Cover Letter
• Internship Cover Letter
• IT Cover Letter
• Marketing Cover Letter
• No Experience Cover Letter
• Non-profit Cover Letter
• Project Management Cover Letter
• Social Work Cover Letter
• Teacher Cover Letter

Looking for a different cover letter example? See Cover Letter Examples for all professions . 

How to Write a Cover Letter—Example

Jennifer J. Amato

Customer Service Specialist

89 Westfield Road

Anytown, CA 92301

552-993-0888

[email protected]

linkedin.com/in/jenny-j-amato

Anytown, 1/10/2021

Mr. James Stipe

Head of Product

3015 Round Table Drive

Anytown, CA 90544

Dear Mr. Stipe,

When I found the opening for the Senior Customer Service Specialist with ABC Bank I felt as if it was addressed to me, personally. In my current position as CSR at Acme Corp, I’ve boosted customer retention by 37% in 9 months and raised the mean NPS from 7.9 to 8.8. I’m sure my expertise can translate into similar results for ABC.

I realize that the major upcoming challenge for your Customer Service Team will be to assist other teams in launching the new AI-based platform for Personal Internet Banking. While working at Acme, I:

• Planned and supervised online and phone surveys prior to the redesign of our internet banking platform.
• Oversaw collaboration with colleagues in a cross-departmental project team of customer service reps, data analysts, and software developers to design a consumer-insight-driven product.
• Trained 46 customer service agents in resolving customer queries related to the new online banking platform; after the launch of the platform, these agents had a 97% satisfaction rating on average.

I love that your Customer Service Team operates with one goal in mind only: to maximize the business opportunities by finding and implementing tailor-made solutions for all customers. It perfectly reflects my core professional value: the drive to connect every customer with personalized support at every step of their consumer life journey.

When can we schedule a call to discuss solutions for boosting ABC’s Customer Satisfaction Scores by 20% in the next Fiscal Year?

P.S. I’d also value the opportunity to tell you how I raised customers’ satisfaction rates with my team by 48% above the company average.

After reading this cover letter, Mr. Stipe couldn’t resist inviting Ms. Amato to a job interview. Yours can be just as effective. Let’s start with the basics:

What is a Cover Letter?

A cover letter is a one-page document that’s a part of your job application alongside your resume. In your cover letter, you get a chance to introduce yourself, set yourself apart from all the other candidates, and prove you’re the best person for this job.

A cover letter isn’t just a retelling of the facts you share in your resume. It gives a glimpse of your personality while showcasing your professional achievements in greater detail. It should also show your passion for the specific job you’re applying for—otherwise, the recruiter will think you don’t really want the job and move on to the next candidate.

In short, a cover letter is a document that can make or break your entire job application. Let’s see how to write one that’s guaranteed to become a success: 

How to Write a Cover Letter

Many people—even seasoned professionals—aren’t quite sure how to write a cover letter. So, if the very thought of writing it makes you anxious, you’re definitely not alone. But you’re not doomed to dedicate half of your day to anxious guesswork along the lines of “How do I even get started?”

Effective cover letters follow a clear underlying structure that you can easily borrow:

• Opening paragraph that grabs the reader’s attention
• Paragraph that shows why you’re the best candidate
• Another paragraph that demonstrates your passion for this specific job at this specific company
• Call to action
• P. S. (optional)

If you include all these elements in your cover letter, you’ll be a lot closer to getting your dream job than you think.

Now, let’s go through all these elements. Here's how to write a successful cover letter:

1. Stick to the Proper Cover Letter Format

Your cover letter should follow the best practices for writing business letters.  Keep your cover letter short and to the point—in fact, your entire cover letter shouldn’t be longer than 350 words. Yes, that doesn’t look like much, but it’s a good cover letter length to aim for.

Pick a professional, easy-to-read font, set the line spacing to 1 or 1.15, and align your paragraphs to the left . This formatting is easy on the eyes and won’t give the recruiter a headache.

Recruiters are busy people, remember? Add an extra line between paragraphs so that your cover letter is easy to scan within a few seconds.

Not sure how to format your cover letter and choose the best layout? Check out our guide to cover letter formatting or, even better, use our cover letter builder that does the job for you.

Double your impact with a matching resume and cover letter combo. Use our cover letter generator and make your application documents pop out.

CREATE YOUR COVER LETTER NOW

Want to try a different look? There's 21 more. A single click will give your document a total makeover. Pick a cover letter template here .

2. Write a Professional Cover Letter Header

Writing a cover letter heading sounds simple, but if you happen to get it wrong, your job application is doomed.

Fortunately, writing cover letter headers is easy. Just follow this template:

[Your First and Last Name]

[Your Job Title]

[Phone Number]

[Email Address]

[LinkedIn Profile URL]

[Location / Date of Writing]

[Hiring Manager’s First and Last Name]

[Hiring Manager’s Professional Title]

[Name of Company]

[Company Street Address]

[City, State, Zip Code]

You can also add links to other online profiles that are relevant for your job. For example, you can link to your GitHub if you’re a software developer. If you’re an illustrator, add a link to your portfolio on Behance.

Expert Hint: Double-check your cover letter header for typos—no hiring manager wants to see their name misspelled! Also, make sure your contact info is the same as the info you give in your resume header.

3. Open a Cover Letter with a Killer First Paragraph

Done with the header? Good, let’s move on to the next step.

Start with a simple, professional greeting . If you’re applying for a corporate job, opt for “Dear Mr./Ms. Lastname”. If your dream employer has a more relaxed company culture, you can write “Dear Firstname” instead.

Can’t find the hiring manager’s name in the job ad? Research the company’s website, do a quick search on Google or LinkedIn… or just call the company and ask who’s responsible for the hiring process.

If you still can’t find out their name, write “Dear Hiring Manager” or “Dear Hiring Team”. This greeting isn’t as great as addressing a letter to a specific person, but it’s still better than “Dear Sir or Madam” or “To whom it may concern”.

Now it’s time to write the first paragraph. Your main goal here is to grab the reader’s attention and make them read on. Here are some ways to start a cover letter :

• Tell a brief story of your key achievement
• Drop a name
• Mention the company’s recent achievement and compliment them on it

Let’s look at some examples.

How to Write a Cover Letter: Opening Paragraph

In this opening paragraph, the candidate shares two epic achievements and promises to bring similar value to the company she’s applying to.

Hi there, 

In response to your Senior Customer Service Specialist opening, I’d like to submit my application. With 7+ years of experience in customer service, I know I would be a perfect fit for the position.

First , “Hi there” isn’t the best way to address a hiring manager at a bank.

Second , simply having 7+ years of experience doesn’t automatically make you qualified for a specific job.

Third , this intro is simply boring. HR people see those clichés dozens of times every day, and, unless they’re extremely bored and have nothing else to do, they won’t read the rest of the letter.

4. Prove You’re the Best Person for This Job

Our candidate, Jennifer, is applying for a Senior Customer Service Specialist position with The ABC Bank.

Her prospective employer has specific plans: they’re launching a new AI-based, customized platform for personal internet banking . She researched the bank’s website, read the job ad once again, and identified that the employer is specifically looking for:

• A skilled Customer Service Specialist , obviously
• Someone experienced in developing customer surveys to analyze insights
• An employee good at collaboration with members from other teams

In the next paragraph of her cover letter, Jennifer shows two things:

• She’s researched the company and knows what project she’ll be working on.
• She has a history of professional achievements that clearly match the ideal candidate’s profile.

Here’s how she did it:

How to Write a Cover Letter: Second Paragraph

I realize that the major upcoming challenge for your Customer Service Team will be to assist other teams in launching the new AI-based platform for Personal Internet Banking . While working at Acme, I:

See how she gives specific, highly relevant proof? This is how you should write your own cover letter. 

Now, let’s look at what another candidate wrote:

In my career, I’ve performed a wide array of customer service duties. I was responsible for providing assistance to customers via phone, email, and fax, performing general clerical duties, filing, data entry, billing, as well as recognizing and resolving documentation errors.

OK, so they did customer service stuff. Were they good at it? Just listing a bunch of responsibilities doesn’t prove you were actually good at any of them. After all, someone was responsible for making the Titanic unsinkable!

5. Let Your Cover Letter Show Why This is Your Dream Job

In the next paragraph of your cover letter, show why you’re passionate about working for this particular company. Why?

Well, no one wants to hire a person who doesn’t care about their job.

Here are some ways to show your passion:

• Compliment the employer on an award they won or some other recent achievement
• Demonstrate that you share the company’s values
• Make it clear that you’d be honored to be a part of such an excellent team

How to Write a Good Cover Letter: Examples

Jenny wrote the following:

You may need to look at the company’s website to learn more about its values. But you always do your research before applying for a job, don’t you?

Also, make sure you tailor this paragraph to every job offer you’re applying to. Don’t be like this person:

This one screams, “I’VE ALREADY COPIED AND PASTED THIS A MILLION TIMES AND I’M NOT GOING TO STOP!”

If you just copy and paste generic phrases like this, recruiters will just assume that you don’t care about this specific job offer. So they won’t care to invite you to an interview either.

6. End Your Cover Letter with a Powerful Call to Action

What’s the point of your cover letter? To persuade the reader to take action and invite you to a job interview. And the best way to get someone to act is… by asking them. Yep, it’s that straightforward.

Ask the reader to schedule a call or a meeting, and offer to talk about the value you can bring to the company.

What to Write in a Cover Letter: Sample Call to Action

Jenny clearly means business. She’s confident, straightforward, and eager to help the employer achieve specific, measurable results. Looks like the right person for the job.

This doesn’t even look like a call to action. Rather, it’s yet another boring cliché—the recruiter will probably just yawn and move on to the candidate.

7. Sign off Like a Pro

You’re almost done! Now’s the time to end your cover letter . Write something like “Sincerely” (or any other classic closing formula for business letters ) and then add your full name.

If you’ve got a scanned version of your handwritten signature, paste it into the document for that cool, ultra-professional look. After that, repeat your contact information. This is a common practice in business letters and makes it easier for the reader to contact you immediately.

Here’s what it looks like for Jenny:

8. Add a Tasty P. S.

Now you know how to write a cover letter. But if you want to put an extra cherry on the cake, add a P. S. under your sign-off.

In the P. S., promise to tell the reader a story about one of your most impressive achievements. They won’t resist inviting you, even if it’s just to hear the story.

Expert Hint: You may be tempted to put a joke in the P. S., but that’s very risky. The joke might fall flat and ruin your entire job application. Stay professional throughout your entire cover letter.

9. Make Sure Your Resume is as Good as Your Cover Letter

We've covered all the information you need to write in a cover letter. But, your cover letter, no matter how amazing, is just one half of your job application. Your resume needs to be just as good, so give it some love, too.

We've prepared a dedicated guide on how to write a resume . It'll show you step-by-step instructions, similary to this one. 

With ResumeLab’s resume builder you’ll write your resume in a flash. Get specific content to boost your chances of getting the job. Add job descriptions, bullet points, and skills. Improve your resume in our resume builder now .

CREATE YOUR RESUME NOW

Nail it all with a splash of color, choose a clean font, highlight your skills in just a few clicks. You’re the perfect candidate and we’ll prove it. Just pick one of 21 resume templates and get started now .

You’ve just read a ton of information, so let’s recap. Here’s how to write a cover letter for any job or internship:

• Start with a professional cover letter layout and formatting (use our cover letter builder or a free MS Word cover letter template)
• Create a header and make sure it’s perfectly error-free
• Craft an attention-grabbing first paragraph
• Give specific examples showing that you’ve the right person for this specific job
• Show your passion for the company
• Add a call to action
• Sign off like a pro
• Surprise the reader with a P. S. (optional)

Got questions about how to write a great cover letter? Need assistance with writing your cover letter for a job? That’s what the comments section is for. Get in touch and I’ll respond right away.

About ResumeLab’s Editorial Process

At ResumeLab, quality is at the crux of our values, supporting our commitment to delivering top-notch career resources. The editorial team of career experts carefully reviews every article in accordance with editorial guidelines , ensuring the high quality and reliability of our content. We actively conduct original research, shedding light on the job market's intricacies and earning recognition from numerous influential news outlets . Our dedication to delivering expert career advice attracts millions of readers to our blog each year.

How to Write a Cover Letter: Frequently Asked Questions

How to write a good cover letter.

Here are some tips for writing a successful cover letter:

• Keep it  short  and to the point
• Pick a professional  cover letter template
• Tailor your cover letter to a specific job offer —never send out generic cover letters!
• Craft a  strong opening paragraph
• Explain how you'll  bring value  to the company
• Show  passion
• Close with a  compelling call to action

What is a cover letter?

A cover letter is a one-page document that you send in with your resume . Here's what to include in a cover letter : additional information about your achievements and skills, proof that you're the best candidate for this job, and proof of your passion for this specific company.

Use a cover letter builder to craft a cover letter that follows all best practices.

What do employers look for in a cover letter?

Here's what employers want to see in your cover letter:

• Clear , to-the-point writing
• Solid  proof  that your skills and achievements will bring value to the company
• A genuine  passion  for this specific company and this specific role
• Your understanding of the company's  values
• Signs that you've  researched  the company before applying

Check out more  cover letter writing tips .

How to address a cover letter without a name?

If you can't find the recruiter's name in the job ad or on the company website,  opt for "Dear Hiring Team" or "Dear Hiring Manager" .

Take care to avoid outdated, impersonal phrases like "Dear Sir or Madam" or "To whom it may concern". Learn more in the dedicated guide to  addressing cover letters .

How to format a cover letter?

Format your cover letter like you would format any business letter:

• Your contact info
• The date and your location
• The recruiter's contact info
• Business salutation (Ideally "Dear Mr./Ms...")
• Opening paragraph
• Closing paragraph
• Sign-off ("Best regards" followed by your name will do just fine)
• Optional P. S.

For more information on page margins, fonts and layout, check out our guide on cover letter formatting . Or head straight to a cover letter generator that will take care of the formatting.

Is a cover letter the same as a resume?

A resume provides an overview of your career and education, usually in the form of bullet points. A cover letter, on the other hand, provides context and explains why you're the best candidate. To make sure your job application is successful, submit both a resume and a cover letter. Use a resume builder and a matching cover letter builder for a consistent look.

Is a cover letter necessary?

Short answer: yes . More than 70% of recruiters prefer candidates who do send a cover letter, even if the job ad says it's optional.

Unless you're applying via an online form where you can't upload a cover letter, always make sure to include one . Use a cover letter builder to make the writing process quick and painless.

How long should a cover letter be?

200–350 words . This is a good cover letter length to aim for—just enough to put your message across without unnecessary fluff.

Olga is a career expert with a background in teaching. At ResumeLab, she writes actionable guides to help job-seekers highlight their unique strengths and unlock their career potential.

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General Cover Letter That’s Not Generic: Free Samples (2024)

A resume is just another sheet of paper without a cover letter to show your human side. Use these 3 generic cover letter samples to write your own non-general cover letter fast.

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20+ Modern Resume Templates [Examples for 2024]

You’ve just come across a modern resume template treasure trove. Now, take your time, look around, pick the modern resume you like most, and make a job-winning resume.

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Free Cover Letter Generator: Build a Cover Letter Online

Writing a cover letter has never been so easy.

With the Zety cover letter builder, writing a cover letter is no longer the long, frustrating, confusing process you’re used to. Write a job-winning cover letter in minutes and land your dream job!

Four simple steps to create a great cover letter:

Pick a template.

Fill in the blanks.

Personalize the design.

Click download.

Make a cover letter. See how it might look:

Don’t be so hard on yourself. The job application process can be intense. And it’s no surprise you find it difficult to create a cover letter worthy of an interview. That’s why Zety cover letter generator came to life—to take all that stress away and help you get your dream job. Start by browsing cover letter templates , and when you make your pick, let the wizard guide you through the writing process. The best thing? With our cover letter maker, you don’t have to worry about second-guessing every word. You only drag and drop the ready-made content developed by hiring professionals.

As seen in:

Get your 14-day trial

Don’t want to commit just yet? Take us for a test drive for 14 days and explore how the resume and cover letter builder work together to create the best application for a job.

What’s in it for you? Here’s what you get with our free cover letter generator:

1. Cover letter templates perfect for all kinds of jobs

You’ll get a chance to pick the layout from a wide selection of cover letter templates free to customize whichever way you want. Go for what stands out instead of saying yes to the mediocre.

2. Suggestions based on your years of experience and working style

If that isn’t personalisation, we don’t know what is. Our cover letter creator comes with specific questions about your experience and working style to ensure the end result sounds just like you.

3. Matching resume builder

Every recruiter wants consistency from their candidates, and that’s exactly what you’re going to give them. Write a resume with our resume builder first, and then create a matching cover letter—all in one place. Learn more about our resume builder now .

4. Pre-written paragraphs for every section

If you’re out of ideas because you’re tailoring your sixth cover letter, we’ve come to save you. Our cover letter maker lets you simply drag and drop entire paragraphs onto your cover letter—it’s that easy!

5. Cover letter in any file format

One employer wants a cover letter in PDF, but another requires a Word file? Don’t worry. Our cover letter creator allows you to download the same cover letter in various formats with no fear the layout will crash. You get what you see.

6. Use-your-resume feature

Do you have your resume prepared? That’s great! You can use it to generate a cover letter that’s ready to send. All you need to do is to upload your resume to the builder, and we’ll import the necessary information to create the letter. Take advantage of this feature and save even more time.

Read what people say about our cover letter creator:

If you don’t know how to build your own resume from scratch, don’t worry—the website walks you through the process step by step and tells you what information you need to input for each section… Zety is the best online [cover letter] builder overall.

The [Zety] cover letter maker is pretty powerful and offers a great degree of control without being overwhelming.

“You’re hired!”

Imagine that after so much effort, you’re the one who got the interview invitation. How does that make you feel? With Zety, it can all come true.

Use the Zety cover letter generator and seal the deal.

I utilized Zety’s builder app to the fullest, applying everything I learned, and even added some unique touches the resume software offered. Now, instead of stressing over what keyword or language to use on my resume, I can focus on which job offer to accept.

I went from fired to hired in less than 3 weeks. I was let go from my old job due to downsizing. With Zety, I was able to build custom resumes tailored to the jobs I was applying to quickly and easily. My last day was 3/9/18 and I had several offers by 3/25/18. Accepted an excellent job on 3/27/18. I can't thank you guys enough. You really helped save my family from some serious hardship.

Zety is what will make you stand out. In less than a month and a half, I got contacted by six employers and went in for three interviews. They’ve all commented on how my résumé caught their eye, and how “visually pleasant" it is. The cover letter tool has been a tremendous help as well. It has made my life so much easier!

Zety saved my resume and my career. I was applying for jobs with my own made resume and kept failing... until I came to Zety. I enhanced my resume and was amazed how professional the resume builder and the tips are. Guess what? I started to receive phone calls and emails for interviews. I have a job offer in the spring!

…and what will your future be?

Frequently Asked Questions about Zety Cover Letter Maker

What is a cover letter builder and should i use one.

A cover letter builder is an online app or piece of software that helps you generate a cover letter online with interactive forms and templates. The cover letter creator provides the right kind of information employers want to see, giving you expert tips and suggestions while you’re building your document.

Since a cover letter maker typically generates the whole letter for you, and takes care of the layout automatically , using one will save you precious time and allow you to make a different cover letter for every job application quickly and stress-free . And, before you run off thinking you don’t need a cover letter after all, know that cover letters are still necessary in 2024 .

What is the best cover letter builder online?

Zety is the best online cover letter generator. Our cover letter app is filled with features that will make the process of writing a cover letter fast and painless—features that you won’t find on other apps of this kind. You can generate cover letters for as many applications as you need. Here’s everything our software offers:

• Feature-rich cover letter builder.
• 18 professional cover letter templates , with dozens of varied color schemes and fonts.
• Resume Builder & CV Maker (with templates matching your cover letter).
• The option to duplicate your cover letters to make small adjustments and apply to many job offers at once.
• Built-in content for your cover letter and suggestions tailored to your job title and industry.
• Real-time cover letter checker with improvement tips.
• Multiple formats to download your cover letter as: PDF, Word, and TXT.
• Printing documents directly from the app.
• Ability to save an unlimited number of documents in the cloud.
• 14-day trial without feature restrictions.

What is the best cover letter format in 2024?

The best cover letter format in 2024 is one that follows a specific structure and flow, while being easy to read and visually appealing. Here’s how to format your cover letter:

• Keep a clean header , in the top-left corner of the page.
• Make your name visible by increasing the font size.
• Ensure your contact details stand out.
• Set sufficient margins on all sides : one inch is a good rule of thumb.
• Left-align all the content , don’t use justification.
• Use line spacing of 1 or 1.15.
• Put double spaces between paragraphs.
• Sign with your full name.
• Make sure your cover letter is only one-page long.
• Always download and send your cover letter in PDF.

Adjust the spacing so that you only need one page ( the ideal cover letter length ), and that it doesn’t look too busy. Chances are, hiring managers won’t even bother reading a cover letter that’s badly formatted and uninviting. Read our guide on how to format a cover letter for all our tips.

What should a good cover letter include in 2024?

A cover letter for a resume should contain details about your experience and abilities, as well as all the reasons why you want to work for a specific employer. You can read our guide on what to include in a cover letter for more information, but here’s a list of the main cover letter parts :

• Cover letter header : name, professional title, phone number, email, social media links, date, recipient’s details, and company’s name.
• Proper cover letter greetings . Read more on how to address a cover letter to do it right.
• A good cover letter introduction that hooks the reader.
• A second paragraph explaining why you’re the perfect candidate. It serves as your offer to the employer and highlights your achievements.
• A third paragraph proving that you’re eager to join the company. It shows your motivation.
• A great cover letter closing paragraph that must read as a call to action for your reader.
• The sign-off line, with a repetition of your contact details to encourage your reader to pick up the phone and invite you for an interview.
• A post-scriptum (P.S.), if you want to add something impressive about your career or make the recruiter even more curious about what you can offer.

Do I need a different cover letter for every job application?

Yes, you should send a unique cover letter for each job application , along with a tailored resume. Every company is different, and they all look for different things in candidates. For example, some may prefer hard skills , so you should focus on describing yours in your cover letter, but some may favor, soft skills . Your cover letter should also touch on company values or other unique factors that caused you to apply, and you can’t do that without writing a separate cover letter for each company. Besides, since you should tailor your resume , that means you must adjust your cover letter too, as the tasks and skills you describe will be different. That is why you need to learn how to write a cover letter , or an entry-level cover letter if you’re a fresher.

Sounds tedious? Relax! Write a general cover letter , duplicate it in our app, and let it generate new cover letters for you, based on the job titles you input. Not a fan of the first draft? Drag and drop other pre-written paragraphs to tailor your cover letter quickly and easily

Can the cover letter builder help with my resume, too?

When you create a cover letter in our builder, you will also be given the option to build a resume. Our 18 professional resume templates match our cover letter templates, so you can make and send a set of documents, complementing each other both in looks and content. All the features in our cover letter builder are also available in our resume builder. That includes pre-written content tailored to your profile and job title, as well as a resume check feature that will score your document and tell you how to improve it. Check our list of the best resume builders available online to see how our software performs compared to other apps of this kind.

How should my cover letter complement my resume?

The point of a cover letter is to provide more details about what’s in your resume (here’s how to write a resume , if you haven’t done it yet, or want to make sure you’ve done it right), as well as show the recruiter how motivated you are to join their team . A cover letter should therefore be written based on the jobs, tasks, achievements, and skills that are on your resume.

Carefully read the job offer and make sure your resume experience and resume skills are tailored to what’s important for the company.With those in mind, in your cover letter, describe what you’ve done in the past and what you can do for the new employer with as many details as possible. A great way for your cover letter to complement your resume is also mentioning your values and the way you work , as a resume is mostly factual and focused on skills and achievements. Make sure you read all of our cover letter tips to ace the recruitment process.

Can I have my cover letter reviewed when I’ve finished building it?

One of the most useful features of our cover letter generator is the cover letter check function . Once you’ve written and formatted your cover letter online, the app will score it and give recommendations on how to improve it to meet recruiters’ standards. The Zety Cover Letter Builder will also provide an overall review and grade for your application letter , so you can predict how well it will perform in your job hunt against other candidates. To score your cover letter, our software compares your document with thousands of other cover letters made for the same job title. With the Zety Cover Letter app, you’ll no longer be sending applications blindly, unsure of whether they’re actually any good. If you follow all the creator’s tips, you’ll only ever send top-notch cover letters and resumes.

Are there any good cover letter examples that I can look at?

Our cover letter builder will generate an application letter for you, and will provide you with pre-written content, tailored suggestions, and career-expert tips. You won’t have to spend much time tailoring it for it to match your resume and the job offer. However, it is still essential to understand what recruiters are looking for in applications for specific job titles. And this largely depends on the jobs, experience levels, and industries they hire for. To help you, we have created hundreds of free cover letter examples for any job application . There’s a guide for everyone, no matter your experience level and industry. We also have 500+ free resume examples for you, so you can make sure your resume is far above average, too.

Can I download my cover letter in Word?

In our cover letter creator, you can download your cover letter in PDF, Word (Docx), TXT, JPEG and even SVG. You can download your generated cover letter in Word if you think you might need to update it in the future, but we strongly recommend you to tailor your documents inside our app. The cover letter layout will be automatically adjusted, each version will be reviewed, and you can store as many as you need in your account, online. If you download your cover letter in Word to send it right away, bear in mind that it’s highly advisable to always send a cover letter in PDF. This file format will ensure your cover letter looks and reads the same on every possible device and software. With Word, you’re risking that some recruiters will be unable to even open your application. If you’re still set on a Word cover letter, here are our favorite Word cover letter templates to download and fill in .

Is Zety safe and legit?

Yes, Zety is a legit business , and you can learn more about it on the About Zety page. The website, resume and cover letter applications are safe thanks to a secure SSL https encrypted connection. Your personal data is processed according to stringent policies you can learn more about in the terms of use , privacy policy , and cookie policy . Want to know what users say about our services? Read our customers’ reviews on our Trustpilot page !

Is Zety’s cover letter builder free?

You can use Zety cover letter builder for free to generate cover letters, resumes, and CVs . The app follows the “try before you buy” credo—you pay once you’re satisfied with the results. To download a printable cover letter as a PDF or MS Word .doc file, you need to subscribe to a paid plan.

Try Zety's professional resume builder now

Cover Letter Templates

/ any level of experience

Resumes Student/Intermediate

Cover Letters All levels of experience

16+ Convincing Cover Letter Templates [Pick & Download]

Looking to create a cover letter that stands out? Try one of our 12 cover letter templates (and land that job)!

Traditional

Professional

Skill-Based

Expert Reviews

Oana Vintila

Career Counselor

Cover Letters are usually synonymous with formal and bland rambling that you write down hoping for an invite to a job interview. I just love it how Novorésumé has enhanced that and is offering you a tool to build proper arguments and structured discourse about who YOU ARE and what YOU CAN DO.

A real confidence booster, I tell you, seeing your motivation eloquently written!

Gabriela Tardea

Career Strategist, Coach & Trainer

The best thing about this platform when creating a Cover Letter as an addition to your resume is that the documents will match each other's design and font, creating eye-catching documents that recruiters/hiring managers will love.

You will be initially judged based on your papers, so why not make a first great impression?

Why Novorésumé?

Matching Cover Letters

To keep your job application consistent and professional, our Cover Letter templates perfectly match the resume templates.

Creative & Standard Templates

Whether you apply for a conservative industry like banking or a hype start-up, you can tailor our cover letter templates to fit your exact needs.

Get Inspired with Our Cover Letter Examples

Cover letters resources, what is a cover letter.

A cover letter is a one-page document you submit alongside your resume or CV for your job application.

The main purpose of your cover letter is to:

Show your motivation for working at the company

Bring special attention to the most important parts of your work history

Explain how your work experience fits whatever the company is looking for

What your cover letter is NOT about, is rehashing whatever you already mentioned in your resume. Sure, you should mention the most important bits, but it should NOT be a literal copy-paste.

Keep in mind that the cover letter is usually read after the recruiter scans your resume and decides that you’re qualified for the position.

Why Use a Cover Letter Template?

Your cover letter is just as (if not more) important as your resume.

After all, your resume is what gets your foot through the door, but a cover letter is what opens that door.

So, if you put so much effort into your resume, why not do the same for your cover letter?

A good cover letter template can show the recruiter that you’re serious about the job (especially if it matches your resume design).

What to Include in Your Cover Letter?

Every good cover letter has the following sections:

Header - On top of the cover letter, you write down your own contact information, as well as the recruiter’s (recruiter name, company name, company address, etc…).

Greeting - A formal greeting for the recruiter. E.g. “Dear Sir or Madam,” To learn how to address your cover letter better, check out our article.

Opening paragraph - The introduction of your resume. Here, you summarize your background info (“financial analyst with X+ years of experience”), state your intent (“looking for X position at Company Y”), and summarize your 1-2 achievements to get the recruiter hooked.

Second paragraph - In the second paragraph, you explain how you’re qualified for the position and why the recruiter should pick YOU.

Third paragraph - You talk about why you’re a good match for the company. Do you share common values? Is the company working on projects you’re interested in? Etc…

Formal closing - Finally, you end the cover letter with a quick summary and a call to action (“I’m super excited to work with Company X. Looking forward to hearing from you!”).

How to Write a Great Cover Letter?

There’s a lot that goes into writing a great cover letter. If you want to get the full picture, you can check out our guide on how to write a cover letter .

Here are, however, some of the key takeaways:

Avoid Fluff - You want to be as specific as possible with your cover letter. Avoid vague statements like “I’m a good fit for the company because I’m a good critical thinker!”

Do Your Research - Most companies don’t like people who “spray and pray” - applying for dozens of jobs without giving any much thought. What they ARE looking for is someone that’s passionate about their company, and wants to contribute. So, do your research about the companies you apply for, and show off your knowledge and passion in your cover letter.

Back Up Your Achievements with Data - When possible, back up your experience with data. Instead of saying, “I improved company revenue”, say “I managed to hit and exceed sales KPIs for 5+ months in a row.”

How Long Should a Cover Letter Be?

Most recruiters agree that a cover letter should be brief and concise. It should be around 1-page max, within a 250 to 400 word range.

How Can I Write a Student Cover Letter?

Pretty much the same way you’d write a regular cover letter, with one difference.

Instead of focusing on your work experience, you should talk about:

Why you want to work for the company you’re applying for

How your educational background prepared you for the job

How your skill-set can help you stand out and excel at the job

See what our customers think

Cover Letter Templates FAQ?

How to make a simple cover letter for your resume.

Simply pick one of our 12 cover letter templates above to get started.

We’d recommend matching your cover letter template to the resume template you picked.

What is the Best Cover Letter Template?

There’s no such thing as the “best cover letter template.” After all, every single recruiter has their own personal taste. Some might like a shiny & flashy cover letter template, while others might think it’s tacky.

As a rule of thumb, though, we usually recommend customizing each cover letter for the company you’re sending it to.

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How to Use ChatGPT to Write a Cover Letter

Our customers have been hired at: * Foot Note

In today’s competitive job market, the cover letter remains a crucial tool for job seekers looking to make a lasting impression on potential employers. 

ChatGPT, a powerful language model trained on a vast corpus of text, can assist you in generating personalized, professional cover letters tailored to specific job opportunities.

We’ll explore how to use ChatGPT cover letter prompts and our powerful Cover Letter Generator to craft a standout job application in minutes.

Make a cover letter with My Perfect Resume

Our Cover letter builder can help you write the perfect cover letter. Start Now!

What is ChatGPT?

ChatGPT is a conversational AI developed by OpenAI, an artificial intelligence research company.  

It is built on Generative Pre-trained Transformer (GPT) architecture and is designed to engage in natural language conversations with users. 

ChatGPT can generate human-like responses based on the input it receives, drawing from its vast training data to provide helpful responses. 

ChatGPT can provide text-based responses, but it does not have built-in formatting capabilities. See our cover letter format guide for details on the best layout for your cover letter. 

Can ChatGPT write a cover letter?

With the right prompts and background information, ChatGPT can help generate the first draft of your cover letter. 

However, as an AI language model, ChatGPT’s responses are automated and often lack the personal touch of a human-written cover letter. 

Here are a few precautions to keep in mind when using ChatGPT to write a cover letter:

• ChatGPT does not know your professional history. You must provide ample detail about your skills, measurable achievements and work history. Review and edit the generated cover letter to ensure accuracy, coherence and relevance. 
• Content from ChatGPT can often sound generic or impersonal. Always revise ChatGPT-generated content to reflect your unique voice, ensuring that your tone is courteous and professional.
• ChatGPT is not always accurate. Double-check the accuracy of information such as your work experience, professional skills and qualifications. It’s crucial to be honest and transparent in your cover letter to build trust with potential employers.

Use one of our professionally designed cover letter templates to stand out from the competition.

How to use ChatGPT to write your cover letter

Learn how to get ChatGPT to write a cover letter by following the steps below. Get expert tips and ChatGPT prompts for your cover letter. See cover letter examples for additional guidance.

Open ChatGPT or sign in to your account 

Start by navigating to the ChatGPT website. You can chat as a guest user without any registration or sign-up required. 

You can create an account through your email to personalize your experience or save your conversation history. 

Gather your professional information 

To generate an accurate and tailored cover letter using ChatGPT, you’ll need to provide a few key details about your professional history. Gather the information below to get started.

• Your contact information: If you want ChatGPT to include these details in your letter, provide your full name, address, phone number and email address. 
• Recipient’s contact information: If known, provide the recipient’s name, title, company name and address.
• Job title and company name: Specify the position you are applying for and the company’s name.
• Company information: Research the company to gather information about its mission, values, culture and recent accomplishments. 
• Your skills and experiences: Provide information about your relevant hard skills , soft skills and professional achievements that make you a strong candidate for the job. 
• Your work history: Include details about your work history, including your past job titles, the names of the companies you worked for and your dates of employment. 
• Educational credentials: Tell ChatGPT your educational credentials or any certifications you’ve received if you want these mentioned in your cover letter.
• Any additional information: Include any other relevant details, such as your passion for the industry or any connections you have within the organization.

By providing ChatGPT with these professional details, you can help ensure that the generated cover letter effectively showcases your qualifications and interest in the position.

See our guide on what to include in a cover letter for examples of essential information that your cover letter should have to make a strong first impression.

Input your ChatGPT cover letter prompt

Once you’ve provided ChatGPT with details about your professional background and the job you are applying for, it’s time to enter a prompt. Explore the prompts below to get started.

Recent graduate seeking an entry-level position

Experienced professional transitioning to a new industry, returning to the workforce after a career break, mid-career professional aiming for a leadership role, freelancer or contractor applying for a full-time position, career changer with relevant skills from a different field.

We recommend reviewing how to write a cover letter for step-by-step guidance and examples from certified career experts. 

Review and revise

Once your cover letter is complete, carefully revise it to ensure that it is polished, professional and tailored to the job. Below are some key elements to check for.

• Clarity and conciseness: Ensure that your cover letter is clear, concise and to the point. Avoid using overly complex language or long-winded sentences.
• Professional tone: Review the tone of your cover letter to ensure it is professional and appropriate for the industry and company culture.
• Grammar and spelling: Proofread your cover letter carefully for grammar, spelling and punctuation errors. Even minor mistakes can detract from your professionalism.
• Value proposition: Review your cover letter to ensure you’ve effectively communicated why you’re uniquely qualified for the position and what you can bring to the company.
• Call to action: Include a clear call to action at the end of your cover letter, such as expressing your enthusiasm and stating your availability for an interview. 

See our ChatGPT resume and ChatGPT CV guides to learn more about how AI can help you craft a cohesive and compelling job application.

ChatGPT cover letter tips

• Provide clear instructions: Clearly outline the position you’re applying for, the key skills and experiences you want to highlight, and any specific points you want to include in the cover letter. This helps ChatGPT generate more relevant and tailored responses.
• Specify the length: Ask ChatGPT to keep your cover letter between 250 and 400 words. See our basic cover letter guide for additional tips on writing a concise and engaging cover letter.
• Include the job description: Tailor your cover letter to the specific job and company you’re applying to by copying and pasting the job description into ChatGPT. Ask ChatGPT to emphasize how your skills and experiences align with the role.
• Seek feedback: If possible, get feedback from friends, mentors or colleagues on your cover letter. See the five qualities of every successful cover letter for additional insight and guidance on crafting an effective letter.
• Proofread and refine: After ChatGPT generates a response, review the content carefully. Edit and refine the text as needed to ensure clarity, coherence and alignment with your goals. You may need to iterate multiple times to achieve the desired result.

Key takeaways

• ChatGPT can be a useful tool for generating the first draft of your cover letter, but the content often lacks a personalized touch.
• Ensure that your ChatGPT cover letter prompts are clear and specific to generate a cover letter that effectively tells your professional story.
• Use our Cover Letter Generator for professionally written content that will help you stand out to hiring managers and recruiters. 

Is there a ChatGPT cover letter generator?

ChatGPT offers a tool by Cover Letter Copilot that can help you craft a cover letter using your resume and a link to the job you are applying for. 

However, you have to pay for a ChatGPT Plus subscription to access this tool. 

We recommend opting for a cover letter builder platform such as MyPerfectResume instead. Our Cover Letter Generator features expertly crafted templates and professionally written content. 

You can start from scratch or upload your resume to generate a cover letter in seconds.

Can I use AI to write a cover letter?

You can use AI, like ChatGPT, to help you draft a cover letter. AI can assist you by generating text based on your input and providing suggestions for content, structure and language. 

However, it’s essential to review and edit AI-generated cover letters to ensure accuracy, coherence and relevance to the job application.

We recommend checking out the best AI cover letter generators for an AI-powered tool that is specifically designed for cover letter writing. 

You can also use an AI resume builder such as MyPerfectResume to create a matching resume that helps you stand out from the competition. 

Is it unethical to use ChatGPT for a cover letter?

Using ChatGPT or any AI tool to assist in drafting a cover letter is not inherently unethical. However, it’s essential to use such tools responsibly. Here are some considerations to keep in mind:

• Accuracy: While AI can provide helpful suggestions and generate text, it’s your responsibility to review and ensure the accuracy and relevance of the content. Double-check facts, grammar and relevance to avoid any misleading or incorrect information.
• Personalization: Ensure that your cover letter is personalized to the specific job and company you’re applying to. Avoid using generic templates or language that doesn’t reflect your genuine interest and suitability for the role.
• Ethical considerations: Be mindful of ethical considerations such as plagiarism, confidentiality and bias. Avoid copying content directly from AI-generated responses without proper attribution, respect confidentiality regarding previous employers or sensitive information and ensure that the language used is inclusive and free from bias.

Remember to maintain a professional tone throughout your cover letter, regardless of whether AI was used in its creation.

Can employers tell if you use ChatGPT?

Employers may be able to infer that AI or ChatGPT were involved in your writing process if certain patterns or language inconsistencies are present.

If your cover letter doesn’t match the style or content of your resume or if your interview responses don’t align with the cover letter, it might raise suspicion that AI was used.

AI-generated text may also exhibit unusual language choices or tone shifts that could be noticeable to a careful reader. 

As long as your cover letter is well-written and relevant, employers are unlikely to be concerned about the specific tools or methods you used to create it.

How we reviewed this article

Since 2013, we have helped more than 15 million job seekers. We want to make your career journey accessible and manageable through our services and Career Center’s how-to guides and tips. In our commitment to bring you a transparent process, we present our Editorial Process .

• Claremont Graduate University. Article. Sun, Jason (Hsuan-Cheng). The Pros and Cons of Using ChatGPT for Your Cover Letter Needs
• Codecademy. Article. Write a Cover Letter with ChatGPT
• BetterUp. Article. Perry, Elizabeth. ChatGPT cover letters: How to use this tool the right way

Rate this article

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Elizabeth Muenzen, CPRW

Career advice expert.

Elizabeth is a Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW) and a member of the Professional Association of Résumé Writers & Careers Coaches. She is passionate about delivering information that empowers job seekers to achieve their professional goals.

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‡ Results derived from a study responded by 1000 participants of which 287 created a resume online.

*The names and logos of the companies referred to above are all trademarks of their respective holders. Unless specifically stated otherwise, such references are not intended to imply any affiliation or association with MyPerfectResume.

5 Easy-to-Use Online Resume Tools to Make Better CVs and Land Jobs

T he first step to landing your dream job is to make a resume that will impress any recruiter. From open-source and privacy-friendly online CV makers to AI-assisted cover letters, these free tools make it easier than ever to create a resume that will stand out from the crowd.

1. OpenResume (Web): Open Source, 100% Free and Ad-Free, Privacy-Friendly

A common issue with several online resume builders is that even though they tout they are free, there are several hidden clauses. They'll have ads, or ask you to sign up to store your personal and professional information on their servers or ask for a fee to remove watermarks when downloading the final PDF. OpenResume is an attempt to solve all those issues by building an open-source, completely free, and ad-free online resume builder which also protects your privacy.

OpenResume guides first-time resume makers to create a new CV with a template that relies on best standards and practices. Simply fill the data in the boxes as asked, and you'll see the resume updating in real-time in the preview. You can tweak colors, fonts, and paper size at any time.

The app works in your browser cache, so you won't be sending any of this data to the internet, keeping your information private and safe. OpenResume also includes a parser to check how ATS systems will read your CV, letting you then write an ATS-friendly resume .

2. Leet Resumes (Web): AI Analyzes and Upgrades Your Current Resume

After using writers to create thousands of free resumes for job applicants, Leet Resumes has trained an AI to analyze those resumes and use those learnings to make changes to your existing resume. It's completely free too.

Start by uploading your current resume as a PDF or DOC file. Leet Resumes will then take you through a series of steps to spruce up the CV. It will determine what your next job positions could be, suggest words and skills to add to your current resume, and coax information from you through pointed questions. Once you finish the questionnaire, Leet Resumes will create a new CV for you with all this information.

You can download the resume for free and then even tweak it if you want to make changes. Leet Resumes follows only one resume template design, but it's a standard recommended by founder Marc Cenedella, an expert in recruiting who has also written multiple books on how to write winning resumes.

3. Chat Career (Web): AI-Crafted Resume Tailored for Job Postings

One of the essential tips for a winning resume is to tweak it slightly for each job that you're applying for. It shows you have read the job posting and understood the requirements. Chat Career uses AI to help you make such tailored resumes.

When you start the app, you'll need to add the job description from the company's posting. Then, you can either upload your current CV, give it access to your LinkedIn bio, or craft a new resume from scratch. Chat Career will then review whether you are fit for the job. The AI asks questions in a chat window, much like using ChatGPT. Answer questions in plain English, and provide as many details as you want.

It will brainstorm with you about how you should highlight your experience and qualifications and even suggests how to add missing elements for maximum job fit. Once the process is done, you'll get a new resume, ready to send to this job. And if you save your profile, you can then use Chat Career to quickly generate tailored resumes for any future job postings.

4. CoverLetterGPT (Web): Generate Cover Letters Quickly With ChatGPT

Much like tailoring your CV for the job description, it's good practice to write a cover letter that addresses the hiring manager directly. The key to writing a good cover letter is to succinctly explain why you are the right fit for the job, how your resume will reflect that, and to display your personality through your words. A lot of people struggle with it, but the whole process is much smoother when AI assists you.

As the name suggests, CoverLetterGPT will help you write a cover letter using ChatGPT without needing to learn ChatGPT prompts or even create an OpenAI account. Add the job title, company, job description, and upload your current CV. Once CoverLetterGPT analyzes this input, it'll spit out a cover letter in a few seconds that you can copy-paste into a document.

CoverLetterGPT also lets you easily prompt ChatGPT to change any sentence or paragraph in the cover letter it has generated. Highlight the text, and you'll get an option to ask ChatGPT to make it more concise, detailed, professional, or informal. You can also ask for a whimsical sign-off to add a little fun to your letter.

5. SwiftCV (Web): Free, Beautiful Personal Online Resume Web Page

Can you really afford to apply for a job in the 2020s without an online CV? And it needs to look a little better than a basic web page where you've uploaded your resume as a PDF. SwiftCV makes it easy for anyone with no knowledge of creating websites to make a beautiful online resume that you can share with recruiters.

Create an account, and you can start adding details in different sections, as prompted by SwiftCV. You can also import your LinkedIn profile to quickly populate your online CV. The app makes good use of company logos, font colors, sizes, and other icons to make a resume that looks modern and professional. It also follows a responsive design, so your CV can be read on a computer or phone.

In the end, you'll get an online CV with a custom URL for you. SwiftCV also shows you analytics data of people who viewed your profile, so you can track who is interested. The free version has a few limitations (such as the downloadable PDF and website having SwiftCV branding), but most job-seekers probably don't need to pay for the premium version.

Don't Rely on AI Alone

It's amazing how AI is helping users to create better resumes and CVs, especially for those who don't have senior professionals to guide them through the process. But you do run the risk of not standing out from the crowd if you over-rely on AI. To add a personal touch, use the AI suggestions as a starting block, and edit it to infuse your personality into the resume or cover letter.

AI Cover Letter Creator 17+

Analyze resumes and job ads, east frisia llc, designed for ipad.

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Revolutionize your job applications with AI Cover Letter Writer! Instantly generate personalized cover letters by uploading your resume or snapping a photo of a job ad. Introducing the ultimate solution for your job application needs: AI Cover Letter Writer! Whether you are targeting a specific job posting or seeking to make your application stand out, our app provides tailored cover letters to increase your chances of landing your dream job. How It Works 1. Capture or Enter Job Details: Simply take a photo of the job advertisement or manually input the job details. 2. Upload Your Resume: Provide your resume either by uploading a file or entering details manually. 3. AI-Driven Customization: Our advanced AI analyzes the information from both the job ad and your resume to craft a personalized cover letter that highlights your strengths and suitability for the position. Key Features - Seamless Integration: Effortlessly combine details from job ads and your resume for a perfectly tailored cover letter. - User-Friendly Interface: Navigate through the app with ease thanks to a clean and intuitive design. - High Customization: Adjust and personalize the generated cover letter to match your unique style and professional tone. - Save and Share: Conveniently save your cover letters in PDF format or share them directly via email or social platforms. Why Choose AI Cover Letter Writer? - Save Time: Eliminate the hassle of drafting cover letters from scratch. - Increase Interview Chances: Use professionally designed templates that align with industry standards. - Accessible Anytime, Anywhere: Prepare applications on-the-go, right from your smartphone. - Download AI Cover Letter Writer today and take the first step towards securing your next job opportunity with confidence! If there are questions, please contact us at [email protected] Privacy Policy: https://www.eastfrisiallc.com/privacy-aicoverletter Terms of Use: https://www.apple.com/legal/internet-services/itunes/dev/stdeula/

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