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When you're applying for a job, sending just your resume isn’t enough. You also need a cover letter.
A cover letter is a short letter that you send with your resume. It tells the company who you are, why you want the job, and why you are the right person.
In 2025, writing a great cover letter is very important. Many companies now use computers and tools like AI (artificial intelligence) and ATS (Applicant Tracking Systems) to choose which applications to read. That means your cover letter must be clear, short, and have the right words.
This cover letter writing guide will help you write a perfect cover letter step by step. Let’s get started!
A cover letter is a letter that goes with your resume when you apply for a job. It is usually about 250 to 400 words long. It gives more information about you and your work experience.
Here’s what a good cover letter can do:
Show your excitement for the job.
Highlight your top skills and talents.
Add a personal touch beyond your resume.
Explain any job gaps or changes.
Help your application pass through AI and ATS filters.
Your cover letter should:
Tell the company why you want the job.
Show how your skills match the job.
Help you stand out from other people.
Make the reader want to meet you.
Most companies now use software to scan your cover letter and resume. That’s why your letter must:
Use the right keywords (words from the job ad).
Have a simple, clean format.
Be easy for a computer and a human to read.
This cover letter writing guide will show you how to do that.
A great cover letter has 6 parts. Here's a quick look:
| Section | What to Include |
|---|---|
| Header | Your name, email, phone number, date, company name |
| Salutation | Greet the hiring manager (use their name if you know it) |
| Introduction | Say which job you're applying for and why you're excited about it |
| Body Paragraph(s) | Talk about your experience, skills, and a big achievement |
| Closing | Thank the reader and ask for an interview |
| Sign-Off | Use "Best regards," or "Sincerely," and add your name |
Let’s write your cover letter step by step.
Personalize your cover letter for job applications by addressing the hiring manager.
Start your letter with a friendly greeting. Try to use the name of the hiring manager. If you don’t know it, say something like:
“Dear Hiring Manager”
“Dear Marketing Team”
Then write an exciting first sentence. Instead of saying:
“I am applying for the [Job Title] position.”
Try something like:
“As a graphic designer who increased social media likes by 300%, I’m excited to apply to [Company Name].”
This shows you’re skilled and ready for the job.
Now it’s time to show why you are a great fit.
In this part, write:
What skills you bring to the job.
How your experience matches what the company needs.
One or two big wins (use numbers if possible!).
Here’s an example:
“At my last job, I helped create an app that 100,000 users downloaded in the first month. I enjoy solving problems and working on team projects.”
You can also use bullet points:
Helped grow website traffic by 40% in 3 months.
Led a student team that won a national coding challenge.
Created a new marketing plan that improved sales by 25%.
Say thank you and ask for an interview. Keep it short and polite.
Example:
“Thank you for considering my application. I’d love to talk more about how I can help your team. Can we set up a time to chat?”
Pro Tip for 2025: Add a P.S. at the end with something cool. Hiring managers often read this first!
P.S. I’d love to show you how my video project reached over 10,000 views in one week!
Here are three easy examples you can follow.
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your Email]
[Your Phone Number]
[Date]
[Hiring Manager's Name]
[Company Name]
[Company Address]
Subject: Application for Marketing Manager
Dear [Hiring Manager's Name],
I'm excited to apply for the Marketing Manager role at [Company Name]. I’ve led many successful campaigns that improved customer engagement and brand growth.
At [Previous Company], I managed a team and helped increase brand awareness by 45% in six months. I love data-driven marketing and creative content strategies.
I admire [Company Name] for its fun and bold marketing. I’d love to join your team and bring fresh ideas.
Please see my resume. I look forward to hearing from you.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your Email]
[Your Phone Number]
[Date]
[Hiring Manager's Name]
[Company Name]
[Company Address]
Subject: Application for Software Engineer
Dear [Hiring Manager's Name],
I'm writing to apply for the Software Engineer role at [Company Name]. I have strong skills in Java, Python, and web development.
At [Previous Company], I helped build a faster app that improved load speed by 50%. I enjoy working with teams to solve hard problems.
I like how [Company Name] builds helpful tech tools. I’d be happy to share how I can help your projects succeed.
Thanks for your time. Let’s talk soon!
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your Email]
[Your Phone Number]
[Date]
[Hiring Manager's Name]
[Company Name]
[Company Address]
Subject: Application for [Job Title]
Dear [Hiring Manager's Name],
I’m excited to apply for the [Job Title] at [Company Name]. I just graduated from [University Name] with a degree in [Your Major].
I completed an internship at [Company], where I worked on social media plans and learned about content creation. I also led a project that grew our page followers by 20%.
I love how [Company Name] helps people through technology. I’d be thrilled to be part of your mission.
Thank you for reading. I hope to speak with you soon.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
Each sample cover letter for a resume should be customized, highlight achievements, and use a relevant cover letter format.
Avoid these common mistakes:
Copy-pasting the same letter for every job.
Not using the hiring manager's name.
Repeating your resume word for word.
Making it too long (keep it to one page).
Spelling or grammar mistakes.
Tip: Use free tools like Grammarly or Hemingway to check your writing.
Writing a cover letter in 2025 is more than just listing your skills. It’s about making a connection with the company. With this cover letter writing guide, you now know how to:
Write a great introduction.
Show your best skills and achievements.
Use a clear, ATS-friendly format.
Avoid common mistakes.
Your cover letter should be short, smart, and special for each job. A strong letter can help you get more interviews and better job offers.
Use our free cover letter examples above to create your own. Edit them to match your skills, and you’ll be one step closer to your dream job!
Need more help? Download our free cover letter for the resume template and customize it now!
Let me know if you'd like this turned into a downloadable PDF or need matching resume templates too!
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