How to Write a Cover Letter That Actually Gets You an Interview (With Templates)

By Jobtransparency Blog

Published on December 07, 2025

You’ve perfected your resume, scoured job boards for the perfect opportunity, and now you’re faced with the final hurdle: the cover letter. It’s a document that inspires dread in many job seekers. What do you say? How long should it be? Is it even read? The truth is, in a competitive job market, a well-crafted cover letter is your secret weapon. It’s your chance to move beyond the bullet points of your resume and tell a compelling story about who you are, what you value, and why you are the undeniable solution to the company’s needs. This isn't about repeating your CV; it's about connecting the dots for the hiring manager and making an unforgettable first impression.

A generic, one-size-fits-all cover letter will almost certainly be ignored. But a targeted, persuasive, and authentic cover letter can catapult your application to the top of the pile and land you that crucial initial interview. This guide will walk you through the exact steps to write a cover letter that gets results, complete with templates you can adapt for your own use.

Why a Great Cover Letter Matters More Than You Think

Before we dive into the "how," it's essential to understand the "why." In an age of applicant tracking systems (ATS) and hundreds of applications per role, the cover letter serves several critical functions that your resume alone cannot.

It Showcases Your Personality and Passion

Your resume outlines your qualifications, but your cover letter brings them to life. It’s where you can express genuine enthusiasm for the company’s mission, a specific project they’re working on, or the industry at large. This human element is what makes a hiring manager remember you. It answers the question, "Will this person be a good cultural fit?"

It Connects Your Experience to Their Problems

A resume states what you did; a cover letter explains why it matters to them. You can directly address the challenges mentioned in the job description and provide concrete examples of how your skills and achievements make you the ideal person to solve those problems. This targeted approach shows you’ve done your homework and aren’t just spraying your application everywhere.

It Highlights What Your Resume Can't

Did you land this job through a referral? Are you making a career change? Is there an employment gap you need to address proactively? The cover letter is the perfect place to frame these narratives positively. You can control the story instead of leaving it to the hiring manager’s imagination.

The Anatomy of a High-Converting Cover Letter

A powerful cover letter follows a clear, logical structure. Each section has a specific job to do. Aim for a concise, one-page letter, typically between 250-400 words.

1. The Header and Salutation

This section is about professionalism and attention to detail.

  • Your Contact Information: At the very top, include your name, phone number, email address, and LinkedIn profile URL (ensure it’s updated!).
  • Date
  • Hiring Manager’s Information: This is where you show you’ve made an effort. Avoid the generic "To Whom It May Concern." Do some research on LinkedIn to find the hiring manager or department head’s name. If you absolutely cannot find a name, "Dear [Department] Hiring Team" (e.g., "Dear Marketing Hiring Team") is a good alternative.

2. The Opening Hook (First Paragraph)

You have about three sentences to grab the reader’s attention. This paragraph must be powerful and specific.

  • State the Position: Immediately mention the job title you’re applying for.
  • Express Enthusiasm: Show genuine excitement for the role or the company.
  • Lead with Your Biggest Sell: Start with a strong, accomplishment-driven statement that is directly relevant to the job. Don’t just say you’re a "hard worker." Show them.

Weak Opening: "I am writing to apply for the Senior Marketing Manager position I saw on LinkedIn. I have five years of experience in marketing and I think I would be a good fit for your company."

Strong Opening: "When I saw the Senior Marketing Manager opening at [Company Name], I was thrilled to see your need for a leader who can scale organic growth. In my five years at XYZ Corp, I developed and executed a content strategy that increased our qualified lead generation by 150% in 18 months, and I am confident I can deliver similar results for you."

3. The Persuasive Body Paragraphs (One or Two Paragraphs)

This is the core of your argument. Don’t just list skills—prove them with evidence. Use the job description as your cheat sheet.

  • Paragraph 1: Connect Your Skills to Their Needs. Pick 2-3 key requirements from the job description. For each, provide a brief, powerful example (a mini "CAR" story – Challenge, Action, Result).
    • Example: "Your job description emphasizes the need for improving customer retention. At my previous role, I identified a 15% churn rate among a key customer segment. I initiated a targeted email nurture campaign, which involved [Action], resulting in a 30% reduction in churn within six months."
  • Paragraph 2: Show Your Company Knowledge and Cultural Fit. Explain why you want to work for this company, specifically. Mention a recent news article, a company value you admire, or a product you love. Then, connect a soft skill or personal value to this.
    • Example: "I have long admired [Company Name]'s commitment to sustainable packaging, which aligns with my personal passion for environmental responsibility. I was particularly impressed by your recent initiative to become carbon-neutral by 2025, and I am eager to contribute to a company that leads with its values."

4. The Confident Closing (Final Paragraph)

End on a proactive and professional note.

  • Reiterate Your Interest: Briefly summarize why you’re excited about the role.
  • Call to Action: Clearly state the next step you desire (e.g., "I am eager to discuss how my skills in X and Y can contribute to your team’s goals in an interview.").
  • Thank the Reader: Express gratitude for their time and consideration.
  • Closing: Use a professional sign-off like "Sincerely," or "Best regards," followed by your full name.

Actionable Cover Letter Templates

Here are two adaptable templates for common scenarios. Remember to customize every single section.

Template 1: The Direct Applicant (You meet all the qualifications)

[Your Name] [Your Phone Number] | [Your Email] | [Your LinkedIn Profile URL]

[Date]

[Hiring Manager Name] [Hiring Manager Title] [Company Name] [Company Address]

Dear [Mr./Ms./Mx. Last Name],

I am writing with great excitement to apply for the [Job Title] position at [Company Name], which I discovered on [Platform, e.g., LinkedIn, Company Website]. Having followed [Company Name]'s work in [Industry/Field] for some time, particularly your recent [Mention a specific project, product, or article], I have been consistently impressed and am eager to contribute to your team.

The job description’s requirement for a professional skilled in [Key Skill 1, e.g., data analysis] and [Key Skill 2, e.g., project management] aligns perfectly with my experience. In my previous role as [Your Previous Title] at [Previous Company], I utilized [Specific Tool/Method] to [Action You Took], which led to a [Quantifiable Result, e.g., 20% increase in efficiency]. Furthermore, my success in [Another Relevant Achievement] has prepared me to tackle the challenge of [Specific Challenge from Job Description].

I am particularly drawn to [Company Name]'s mission to [State Company Mission or Value]. My approach to [Aspect of Your Work] is deeply guided by a similar philosophy, and I am confident I would thrive in your collaborative culture.

Thank you for considering my application. I have attached my resume for your review and am available to schedule an interview at your earliest convenience to discuss how I can help [Company Name] achieve [Specific Goal].

Sincerely, [Your Name]

Template 2: The Career Changer (Leveraging transferable skills)

[Your Name] [Your Phone Number] | [Your Email] | [Your LinkedIn Profile URL]

[Date]

[Hiring Manager Name] [Hiring Manager Title] [Company Name] [Company Address]

Dear [Mr./Ms./Mx. Last Name],

I am writing to express my enthusiastic interest in the [New Job Title] role at [Company Name], which I believe is a perfect match for my unique background in [Your Previous Industry] and my newly honed skills in [New Field/Skill]. While my career path has been non-traditional, the core competencies I’ve developed are directly applicable to the challenges of this position.

Although my title at [Previous Company] was [Your Previous Title], my work was fundamentally centered around [Key Transferable Skill 1, e.g., client relationship management] and [Key Transferable Skill 2, e.g., complex problem-solving]. For instance, I was responsible for [Action from Previous Job], which required me to [Break down the action into transferable skills]. This experience taught me how to [Skill that applies to new job], resulting in [Quantifiable or Qualitative Result].

My passion for [New Industry] led me to [Action You Took to Transition, e.g., complete a certification course, volunteer, build a portfolio project], where I successfully [Achievement in New Field]. I am deeply inspired by [Company Name]'s innovative approach to [Something Specific About the Company], and I am eager to apply my unique perspective and proven dedication to your team.

I am confident that my blend of experience and passion makes me a strong candidate. I would welcome the opportunity to discuss how my unconventional background can be a unique asset to [Company Name].

Thank you for your consideration,

Best regards, [Your Name]

Final Proofreading and Submission Tips

A single typo can undermine the most perfectly written letter.

  • Read it Aloud: This helps you catch awkward phrasing and errors your eyes might skip over.
  • Use a Tool: Leverage grammar checkers like Grammarly, but don’t rely on them exclusively.
  • Get a Second Opinion: Ask a friend or mentor to review it.
  • Save as PDF: Always send your cover letter as a PDF file to preserve formatting. Use a clear file name: YourName_CoverLetter_Company.pdf.

Your cover letter is more than a formality; it’s a strategic piece of personal marketing. By investing the time to tailor it, tell your story, and clearly articulate your value, you transform your application from a mere list of qualifications into an irresistible invitation for an interview. Take these templates, apply these principles, and start writing your way to your next job.