Write a cover letter that makes your experience count.

A cover letter introduces you to an employer and explains why you are applying for a particular position. It connects your experience, skills, and qualifications to the employer’s needs. Your resume presents your background; your cover letter explains why that background is relevant to this opportunity.

• ✓Explain why you are interested in the specific position.
• ✓Highlight the qualifications most relevant to the role.
• ✓Show the employer what you could contribute.
• ✓Avoid repeating your entire resume.

Before writing, carefully review the job advertisement and learn about the organization. Identify the main responsibilities, required qualifications, skills, and priorities. Research the employer’s mission, services, programs, or work culture where relevant.

• ✓Identify the three most important requirements in the job description.
• ✓Select examples from your experience that demonstrate those requirements.
• ✓Use relevant job-description keywords naturally.
• ✓Explain why the organization interests you specifically.

A clear cover letter generally contains a professional header, greeting, opening paragraph, one or two body paragraphs, closing paragraph, and sign-off. Keep the layout simple and easy to read.

• ✓Include your name and contact information.
• ✓Add the date and employer details when available.
• ✓Address the hiring manager by name when you know it.
• ✓Use a professional greeting if the recipient’s name is unavailable.
• ✓Keep the letter to one page in most cases.

Your first paragraph should identify the position you are applying for and establish your interest. Introduce one or two relevant strengths that encourage the employer to continue reading.

• ✓State the exact job title.
• ✓Mention where you found the vacancy if useful.
• ✓Show genuine interest in the role or organization.
• ✓Avoid generic openings that could apply to any job.

Use the body of your letter to connect your experience with the employer’s requirements. Support your claims with specific examples, achievements, projects, or responsibilities. Where possible, describe the positive result of your contribution.

• ✓Choose two or three relevant strengths.
• ✓Give concrete examples instead of relying on broad claims.
• ✓Include measurable results only when accurate.
• ✓Explain how your experience relates to the advertised role.

The closing paragraph should reinforce your interest, briefly summarize the value you could bring, and express your willingness to discuss your application further.

• ✓Thank the employer for considering your application.
• ✓Express interest in an interview or further discussion.
• ✓Use a professional sign-off such as Sincerely or Kind regards.
• ✓Include your name beneath the sign-off.

A well-formatted letter should be visually consistent with your resume and readable on both screen and paper. Use clear spacing, standard margins, and a professional font.

• ✓Use a readable font, generally around 10.5–12 pt.
• ✓Keep paragraphs short and focused.
• ✓Use consistent contact details across your application documents.
• ✓Avoid unnecessary graphics and decorative elements.
• ✓Follow the employer’s requested file format.

A cover letter can lose impact when it is generic, too long, inaccurate, or poorly proofread. Make sure the content is relevant to the specific opportunity and consistent with your resume.

• ✓Do not use the wrong employer name or job title.
• ✓Avoid unsupported claims or exaggerated achievements.
• ✓Do not include irrelevant personal information.
• ✓Avoid copying your resume word for word.
• ✓Check spelling, grammar, dates, and attachments.

Your approach may vary depending on your career stage and circumstances. Applicants with limited experience can emphasize education, internships, volunteering, and transferable skills. Career changers can explain their transition and connect previous experience to the new role.

• ✓Recent graduates: emphasize relevant coursework, projects, internships, and practical training.
• ✓Career changers: focus on transferable skills and explain your motivation briefly.
• ✓Employment gaps: provide a concise explanation only when relevant.
• ✓Speculative applications: state the opportunity you seek and how you could contribute.