How to Write a Cover Letter as Unique as You

Think a cover letter isn’t necessary? Think again—89% of recruiters expect one! Learning how to write a cover letter can give you a major edge, helping you stand out from the competition. While a resume lists your skills, a cover letter lets you showcase your personality, highlight achievements, and make a strong first impression.

If you’re wondering how to make a cover letter that grabs attention, you’re in the right place. Let’s dive into the simplest, step-by-step way of writing a cover letter that’s as unique as you!

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.

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

HR-approved Cover Letter Example You Can Use

Do you know what really helps when writing a cover letter? Examples! If you get stuck, I suggest you take a look at the professional cover letter example I created below: 

How to Write a Cover Letter in 7 Easy Steps

Whether you're applying for your first job or a senior role, these tips will help you make a killer cover letter that gets results. Let’s dive into the details of how to write a cover letter for a job application:

1. Prepare All the Necessary Information

Before writing a cover letter, take a moment to gather the key details that will make your application stand out. Writing a great cover letter starts with research—you need to understand the job and the company and how you can tailor your message to the role.

Here’s what to prepare before writing a cover letter for a job:

• Job Requirements: Carefully review the job posting to understand the qualifications, skills, and responsibilities. Your resume’s cover letter should highlight how your experience matches what the employer is looking for.
• Company Insights: Visit the company’s website, social media, and recent news updates. Understanding their culture and goals will help you craft a more personalized and professional cover letter.
• Hiring Manager’s Name: Addressing your letter to a specific person shows initiative. Look for the hiring manager’s name in the job description, on LinkedIn, or the company’s website. If you can’t find it, consider calling the company to ask.
• Your Resume: A great cover letter for a job application should complement your resume, not repeat it. Keep your resume nearby while writing so you can reference specific experiences and skills.

Pro Tip: Want to make your cover letter stand out? Try reaching out to the hiring manager on LinkedIn with a thoughtful question about the role. If they respond, mention this exchange in your cover letter—it’s a great way to personalize your application!

2. Format Your Cover Letter Properly

A well-structured cover letter for a job application isn’t just about what you write—it’s also about how you present it. A clear, professional layout ensures your letter is easy to read and leaves a strong first impression.

Follow these simple cover letter formatting rules to make your letter polished and professional:

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

3. Create a Cover Letter Header

One of the key aspects of writing a cover letter is including a well-structured header. For a consistent look, consider using the same header format as your resume. This keeps your application visually cohesive and easy to recognize.

If you prefer to create your cover letter header from scratch, be sure to include the following essential details:

• Your full name
• Job title (matching the position you’re applying for)
• Phone number
• Professional email address

Pro Tip: If you’re sending your cover letter for a job application via email, avoid using your current work email—it’s unprofessional and may raise concerns with both your current and potential employer. Use a personal, professional email address instead.

4. Address the Hiring Manager

Once you’ve set up your header, the next step is to include the date and location of writing, followed by a proper greeting. Addressing your cover letter for a job application to the right person adds a personal touch and immediately grabs attention.

If you know the hiring manager’s name, use one of these formats:

• Dear Sophie,
• Dear Ms. Clarks,
• Dear Mr. Campbell,

Studies show that people are more likely to engage when their name is mentioned, so making the effort to find it can help your cover letter stand out. Here’s where to look:

• Check the job description for any mention of the hiring manager.
• Visit the company’s LinkedIn page to see who posted the job or works in recruitment.

Avoid generic cover letter salutationslike To Whom It May Concern—they feel impersonal and outdated. If you absolutely can’t find the hiring manager’s name, go with Dear Hiring Manager instead. And unless you’re writing from 19th-century England, skip Dear Sir or Madam.

Follow this format to get it right:

Pro Tip: Unsure whether to use the hiring manager’s first or last name? It depends on the company culture. A casual startup may prefer first names (Dear Katherine), while a corporate environment calls for formality (Dear Ms. Smith).

5. Introduce Yourself in the First Paragraph

Here’s the reality: your opening lines can make or break your cover letter. Hiring managers often skim applications, so if the first paragraph of your cover letter doesn’t grab their attention, they may not read the rest. 

Here’s how to write a cover letter for a resume to make a strong impression right from the start:

• Lead with an achievement: Start with a key accomplishment that directly relates to the job.
• Show enthusiasm: Express your excitement for the role and the company.
• Mention a connection: If someone referred you or you’ve interacted with the company before, say so.
• Combine these elements: A great cover letter introduction blends enthusiasm, accomplishments, and relevance to the role.

This opening paragraph is generic, lacks enthusiasm, and doesn’t provide any compelling reason for the employer to keep reading. It also starts with an outdated and impersonal salutation.

A strong opening makes your cover letter stand out and encourages the hiring manager to keep reading. Nail this first paragraph, and you’re already ahead of the competition.

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.

 Writing a great cover letter isn’t just about listing qualifications—it’s about convincing the hiring manager that you’re the perfect fit. The body of your letter must clearly connect your experience, skills, and accomplishments to the company’s needs.

Instead of repeating your resume, focus on impact: What have you achieved that proves you can excel in this role? What value can you bring to the company?

Here’s how to write a cover letter’s middle paragraphs:

• Start with a key qualification: Show that you understand the role and highlight one of your strongest, most relevant skills.
• Give a specific example: Use a real accomplishment to back up your claim.
• Connect it to the company’s needs: Explain how your experience makes you a great match for this particular employer.

Now, let's see some examples of how to write a good cover letter middle and what not to do:

This example follows a clear structure: it starts with a strong achievement, provides measurable results, and directly ties the candidate’s experience to the company’s goals.

This example doesn’t work because: it’s vague, it lacks specific accomplishments, and doesn’t explain how the candidate’s experience is relevant to the role.

Pro Tip: Remember that a cover letter is a great opportunity to explain gaps in your employment, if you have any.

7. End Your Cover Letter on a High Note

The final paragraph of your cover letter for a job application is your last chance to leave a strong impression. Instead of simply thanking the hiring manager for their time, use this section to reinforce your value and express enthusiasm for the next steps.

Here are some tips on what to avoid when writing a good cover letter’s ending paragraph:

• Sounding overly needy or desperate.
• Focusing only on why you want the job instead of what you bring to the table.
• Using generic phrases like “Thank you for your time and consideration.”

Instead, your cover letter's closing paragraph should:

• Express enthusiasm about the role.
• Reinforce how your skills align with the company’s goals.
• Include a clear call to action—such as a meeting or interview.

Once you’ve written your final paragraph, wrap up with a formal yet friendly closing.

Here are some of the best cover letter sign-offs:

• Best regards,
• Kind regards, 
• Sincerely,
• Respectfully yours,
• With best regards,

Avoid casual or overly personal closings like Cheers or Yours Truly—they may not suit professional settings.

This ending reinforces the candidate’s value while setting the stage for an interview.

The ending above is vague, passive, and focuses more on the candidate’s wants than what they can contribute.

By ending your cover letter for a resume on a confident, forward-thinking note, you’ll leave the hiring manager with a strong final impression and increase your chances of getting that interview.

Read more: What Should a Cover Letter Say? Examples & Tips

12 Expert Tips for Writing a Good Cover Letter

Writing a strong cover letter isn’t just about following a template—it’s about making a lasting impression. Below are tips from Certified Professional Resume Writers and professional recruiters to help you write a compelling, effective cover letter that stands out from the competition.

1. Customize Every Cover Letter

Never send a generic cover letter. Tailor it to the specific job and company by referencing the job title, company name, and how your skills align with their needs.

2. Research the Company’s Challenges

Go beyond the job description—research recent company news, initiatives, or challenges. Mention how your expertise can help them achieve their goals.

3. Start With a Powerful Hook

Your opening line should immediately capture attention. Instead of saying, "I am applying for the [Job Title] position," lead with a compelling achievement, statistic, or insight that sets you apart.

4. Use Keywords From the Job Description

Many companies use applicant tracking systems (ATS) to screen cover letters. Identify key skills and terms in the job listing and naturally incorporate them into your letter to increase your chances of passing the initial scan.

5. Tell a Short, Impactful Story

Anecdotes make your cover letter more engaging. Briefly describe a real challenge you solved in a previous role and how that experience makes you the perfect candidate.

6. Showcase Soft Skills

Your cover letter should highlight not just technical skills but also soft skills like leadership, adaptability, and teamwork. Use examples to demonstrate these qualities.

7. Avoid Overused Phrases

Skip tired phrases like “I am a hard worker” or “I’m a team player.” Instead, show your value through concrete examples and achievements.

8. Use a Confident, Positive Tone

Confidence sells. Avoid passive language (“I believe I might be a good fit”) and instead use strong, active phrasing (“I am confident my experience will contribute to your team’s success”).

9. Keep It Concise and Impactful

Your cover letter should fit on one page—three to four short paragraphs are ideal. Every sentence should add value, so remove fluff and unnecessary details.

10. End With a Call to Action

Don’t just thank the reader—encourage the next steps. Express enthusiasm for a conversation and suggest a follow-up, such as: “I’d love to discuss how my skills align with your goals. When would be a good time to connect?”

11. Add a Postscript

While every section of your cover letter for a job application is essential, there’s one extra trick that can make your letter even more compelling—the postscript (P.S.). It naturally draws the reader’s eye and ensures they don’t miss a key detail.

Use a P.S. to highlight an impressive achievement, even if it’s not directly related to the job. It could be an award, a unique skill, or a major success in your career. Then, invite the hiring manager to reach out if they’d like to hear more—this simple touch can make your cover letter stand out and leave a lasting impression.

12. Do Not Simply Repeat Your Resume

Your cover letter for a job application isn’t just a rehash of your resume—it’s your chance to tell a compelling story. Start with an engaging opener, highlight key achievements, and show how you can solve the company’s challenges. Show how your background can solve their challenges, not just why you’re qualified.

A strong cover letter for a resume is concise, personal, and focused on the employer. Shift the focus from what you want to why the company should hire you, and you’ll instantly stand out from other applicants.

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.

By applying these cover letter writing tips, you’ll create a compelling document that grabs attention, highlights your value, and increases your chances of landing an interview.

Read more: What to Include in a Cover Letter

If you're looking for more inspiration, I've put together a collection of 10+ professionally written cover letter samples designed for different industries and career levels.

• Academic Cover Letter: Perfect for landing that tenure-track position.
• Career-Change Cover Letter: Ideal for those transitioning into a new profession.
• Cover Letter for an Internal Position: Tailored for moving up within your current company.
• Entry-Level Cover Letter: Designed for new graduates and first-time job seekers.
• Federal Cover Letter: Helps you navigate the competitive process of landing a government job.
• General Cover Letter: A versatile template you can quickly personalize for any job.
• IT Cover Letter: Showcasing your tech skills while proving you're more than just a coder.
• Manager Cover Letter: Easy to customize for leadership and management positions.
• No Experience Cover Letter: A great option for those entering the workforce with little to no experience.
• Student Cover Letter: Highlights academic achievements, skills, and internships.
• Teacher Cover Letter: Helps you demonstrate your ability to inspire and educate.

Still need more? Browse our full collection of professional cover letter examples to find the perfect match for your industry and career goals.

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 great cover letter:

1. Use proper cover letter formatting.
2. Start with a professional header.
3. Address the hiring manager directly.
4. Open with an attention-grabbing paragraph.
5. Explain why you’re a perfect fit for the role.
6. Finish your with a strong call to action.
7. Do not forget about a professional sing-off.
8. Consider adding a P.S.

Thank you for taking the time to read my article. Do you have any questions about how to make a good cover letter? Want to share an example of a cover letter or your tried-and-tested tips on how to do a cover letter? Leave a comment in the section below!

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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

• D.P. Carmody, M. Lewis, "Brain Activation When Hearing One’s Own and Others’ Names"
• Yale School of the Environment, “What Are Adaptability Skills? Definition and Examples”