Most people either skip the cover letter entirely or write a generic one that says nothing. Both are mistakes. A well-written cover letter is your chance to speak directly to the hiring manager before you ever walk into the room.
Structure
Opening paragraph -- State the role and where you saw it, then give the hiring manager a reason to keep reading. Lead with your strongest relevant credential.
Middle paragraph(s) -- Connect two or three of your experiences directly to the job requirements. Reference the company by name. Show that you have done your research.
Closing paragraph -- Restate your interest, thank them for their time, and invite them to contact you.
Length and Format
Three to four paragraphs. One page maximum. Same font and style as your resume.
Tone
Professional but not stiff. Write the way a competent, enthusiastic professional speaks. Read it aloud. If it sounds stilted, rewrite it.
What to Avoid
- Starting with "I am writing to apply for..." (overused)
- Repeating your entire resume in paragraph form
- Generic praise ("I am very passionate about this industry")
- Grammatical errors
When There Is No Job Posting
Write a speculative cover letter. Introduce yourself, explain why that specific company interests you, and outline what you can contribute. It takes confidence but works more often than people expect.
A good cover letter takes about 30 minutes to write properly. It is 30 minutes most applicants do not spend, which means yours will stand out.