How to Write a Cover Letter That Gets Read (with Examples)

A cover letter isn't a summary of your resume — it's the place to connect your experience to one specific job and show you understand what the company needs. Done well, it's short, specific, and easy to read. Here's a structure that works for almost any role.

1. Open with a reason, not a greeting

Skip "I am writing to apply for…". Start with why this role and company interest you, and lead with your single strongest, most relevant qualification. Two sentences is plenty.

2. Make the match in the middle

Use one or two short paragraphs to connect your experience to the job's top requirements. Pick the two or three things the posting emphasises and give a concrete example for each.

• Name a specific requirement from the posting, then your matching achievement.
• Quantify where you can: numbers, percentages, scale, timeframes.
• Show you researched the company — reference a product, value, or recent move.

3. Close with a clear next step

Briefly restate your enthusiasm and invite the conversation: "I'd welcome the chance to talk about how I can help your team do X." Keep it confident and short.

Formatting that keeps it readable

• Keep it to one page — ideally 250–400 words.
• Address a real person if you can find the name; otherwise the team or role.
• Match the tone to the company: more formal for finance and law, more relaxed for startups.
• Proofread out loud, then check the company name appears correctly (a classic copy-paste slip).

Mistakes that get letters skipped

• Repeating your resume line by line instead of adding context.
• Generic letters that could be sent to any company.
• Talking only about what you want, not what you offer.
• Burying the point under a long, slow introduction.

Short on time? Applygrid's AI cover letter generator drafts a tailored letter from your resume and any job URL in seconds — then you refine it. Pair it with an ATS-friendly resume for the strongest application.