How to Write a Cover Letter That Gets You the Interview (With Templates and Examples)

By Jobtransparency Blog

Published on January 05, 2026

In the competitive landscape of job hunting, your resume is your fact sheet, but your cover letter is your voice. It’s your first and best chance to make a powerful, personal impression, to tell a compelling story that your resume alone cannot, and to convince a hiring manager that you are not just a qualified candidate, but the right candidate. Yet, so many job seekers treat it as an afterthought, leading to a sea of generic, forgettable letters that end up in the digital trash. A well-crafted cover letter can be the decisive factor that moves your application from the "maybe" pile to the "must-interview" stack. This guide will walk you through the exact steps to write a cover letter that gets you noticed, complete with actionable tips, templates, and real-world examples to inspire your own.

Why a Cover Letter Still Matters in the Digital Age

You might be wondering if cover letters are still relevant in an era of applicant tracking systems (ATS) and one-click applications. The resounding answer is yes. While an ATS might screen your resume for keywords, the cover letter is what a human reads. It’s your opportunity to:

  • Showcase Your Personality: Resumes are formal and structured. A cover letter allows you to demonstrate your passion, enthusiasm, and communication skills.
  • Connect the Dots: You can explicitly explain how your specific experiences and skills directly align with the job requirements, making it easier for the hiring manager to see your fit.
  • Demonstrate Initiative: Taking the time to write a tailored cover letter shows you are genuinely interested in this role at this company, not just any job.
  • Address the Unspoken: It allows you to gracefully explain potential red flags, like employment gaps or a career change, in a positive light.

The Anatomy of a High-Converting Cover Letter

A great cover letter follows a clear, persuasive structure. Each section has a specific job to do in convincing the reader to invite you for an interview.

The Header and Greeting

This section is about professionalism and attention to detail.

  • Your Information: Include your name, address (or just city and state), phone number, email address, and LinkedIn profile URL.
  • Date: The date you are submitting the application.
  • Recipient's Information: This is crucial. Always try to find the name of the hiring manager or the head of the department. Use LinkedIn or the company website. If you absolutely cannot find a name, opt for a generic but professional greeting like "Dear [Department] Hiring Team" or "Dear Hiring Manager." Avoid the outdated "To Whom It May Concern."

The Opening Paragraph (The Hook)

You have approximately 15 seconds to grab the reader’s attention. Your opening must be powerful and specific.

  • State the Position: Clearly mention the job title you are applying for.
  • Show Enthusiasm: Express genuine excitement about the role or the company.
  • Lead with Your Value: Start with a strong, concise statement that summarizes your strongest qualification or achievement relevant to the role.

Weak Opening Example: "I am writing to apply for the Marketing Manager position I saw on LinkedIn."

Strong Opening Example: "With over five years of experience developing data-driven marketing campaigns that have consistently increased lead generation by over 30%, I was thrilled to see the opportunity for a Marketing Manager at [Company Name]."

The Body Paragraphs (The Evidence)

This is where you sell your value. One to two paragraphs are sufficient.

  • Don’t Repeat Your Resume: Instead of listing duties, highlight your most relevant accomplishments. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to frame your stories.
  • Align with the Job Description: Mirror the language used in the job posting. If they ask for a "self-starter experienced in SEO," provide a specific example of a time you proactively improved a website's organic traffic.
  • Show You’ve Done Your Homework: Mention something specific about the company—a recent project, their company values, a news article—and explain why it resonates with you and how your skills can contribute.

The Closing Paragraph (The Call to Action)

End with confidence and clarity. Reiterate your interest and clearly state what you want to happen next.

  • Reiterate Your Interest: Briefly summarize why you are a great fit.
  • Clear Next Steps: State that you are eager to discuss your qualifications further in an interview.
  • Thank the Reader: Always end with a thank you.

Cover Letter Templates You Can Use Today

Here are two adaptable templates for different scenarios. Remember to personalize them heavily!

Template 1: The Standard Professional Cover Letter

[Your Name] [Your Address | City, State, Zip Code] [Your Phone Number] | [Your Email] | [Your LinkedIn Profile URL]

[Date]

[Hiring Manager Name] (If known) [Hiring Manager Title] [Company Name] [Company Address]

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

I am writing to express my keen interest in 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] and been particularly impressed by [Specific Company Project/Achievement/Value], I am confident that my skills in [Skill 1] and [Skill 2] align perfectly with your needs.

In my previous role at [Previous Company], I was responsible for [Briefly describe a key responsibility]. Most notably, I [Describe your biggest achievement using numbers and metrics if possible]. For example, I led a project that resulted in [Quantifiable Result, e.g., a 20% reduction in costs or a 15% increase in user engagement]. This experience has provided me with the expertise in [Relevant Skill from Job Description] that I am excited to bring to your team.

My resume provides further detail on my qualifications and accomplishments. I am very enthusiastic about the opportunity to contribute to [Company Name]'s success and am eager to learn more about how I can help achieve [Specific Company Goal mentioned in job ad or on website].

Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to the possibility of discussing this exciting opportunity with you soon.

Sincerely,

[Your Name]

Template 2: The Career Change Cover Letter

[Your Name] [Your Address | City, State, Zip Code] [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]. While my background has been in [Previous Industry], my passion for [New Industry] and my proven track record in [Transferable Skill 1] and [Transferable Skill 2] have prepared me to make a significant contribution to your team.

In my [Number] years at [Previous Company], I honed my ability to [Describe a transferable skill, e.g., analyze complex data, manage cross-functional projects, or communicate with diverse stakeholders]. For instance, I [Provide a specific example of an achievement that demonstrates this skill]. This project required [Mention soft or hard skills relevant to the new role], which I understand are critical for success at [Company Name].

I have taken proactive steps to transition into [New Industry], including [Mention relevant coursework, certification, volunteer work, or freelance projects]. I am a dedicated and fast learner, excited by the challenge of applying my existing skills in a new context.

I am confident that my unique perspective and transferable skills would be a valuable asset to [Company Name]. I have attached my resume for your review and would welcome the chance to speak with you about how my experience can meet your needs.

Thank you for your consideration.

Sincerely,

[Your Name]

Key Mistakes to Avoid in Your Cover Letter

Knowing what not to do is just as important as knowing what to do.

  • Generic, Non-Tailored Letters: The biggest sin. If it looks like it could be sent to any company, it will be deleted instantly.
  • Focusing on What You Want: The letter should be about what you can do for the company, not what the company can do for you.
  • Repeating Your Resume Line-by-Line: The cover letter is for narrative and context, not a bullet-point list.
  • Being Too Long: Hiring managers are busy. Keep it to one page, around 250-400 words.
  • Including Typos or Grammatical Errors: Proofread meticulously, then read it aloud, then have a friend proofread it. Errors signal carelessness.

Final Proofreading and Submission Tips

Before you hit "send," complete this final checklist:

  1. Spell Check: Use tools like Grammarly for a second set of digital eyes.
  2. Name Check: Triple-check the spelling of the hiring manager’s name, the company name, and the job title.
  3. Formatting: Save it as a PDF to preserve your formatting across all devices. Use a clean, professional font.
  4. File Name: Save the file with a professional name, such as YourName_CoverLetter_CompanyName.pdf.

A great cover letter is not a formality; it's a strategic tool. It bridges the gap between the cold facts of your resume and the dynamic professional you are. By investing the time to tailor your message, tell your story, and articulate your value clearly and confidently, you transform your application from a mere list of qualifications into an irresistible invitation for an interview. Take these templates and strategies, make them your own, and start writing your way into your next great opportunity.