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

By Jobtransparency Blog

Published on December 11, 2025

In the fast-paced world of job hunting, your cover letter is your secret weapon. While résumés list your qualifications, a cover letter tells your story. It’s your chance to connect the dots for the hiring manager, showcasing not just what you’ve done, but why you’re the perfect fit for this specific role at this specific company. A generic, one-size-fits-all letter will quickly find its way to the recycle bin. But a targeted, compelling cover letter? That gets you the interview.

Think of it as the bridge between your application and the conversation you want to have. It answers the hiring manager's unspoken questions: "Why us? Why this role? And why should I care?" This guide will walk you through the exact steps to craft a cover letter that stands out, demonstrates your value, and compels the reader to pick up the phone and call you.

Why a Great Cover Letter Matters More Than Ever

In an era of applicant tracking systems (ATS) and hundreds of applications per job, you might wonder if cover letters are even read. The truth is, while some recruiters may skim, many still rely on a strong cover letter to make the final cut. It’s your opportunity to:

  • Showcase Your Personality: Your résumé is factual; your cover letter is your voice. It reveals your communication skills, enthusiasm, and professional demeanor.
  • Demonstrate Genuine Interest: A tailored cover letter proves you’ve done your homework on the company. It shows you’re not just spraying applications everywhere, but are genuinely interested in this opportunity.
  • Fill in the Gaps: Use the cover letter to explain career transitions, employment gaps, or how your unique background brings a fresh perspective that isn’t immediately obvious from your résumé.
  • Highlight Key Achievements: While your résumé lists accomplishments, your cover letter can tell the mini-story behind your proudest achievement, directly linking it to the job’s requirements.

Neglecting your cover letter is leaving a powerful tool unused. A great one can elevate your application from "qualified" to "must-interview."

The Anatomy of a High-Converting Cover Letter

A well-structured cover letter is easy to read and easy to process. It should follow a logical flow that guides the hiring manager from introduction to call-to-action. Here’s a breakdown of every essential component.

1. Your Contact Information

Start with the basics at the very top. This should be clean and professional. * Your Full Name * Your Phone Number * Your Email Address * Your LinkedIn Profile URL (Optional but highly recommended) * Your City, State (Full address is no longer necessary)

2. The Employer's Contact Information

Directly beneath your info, include: * Hiring Manager’s Name (Do your best to find it—more on this later) * Their Title (e.g., Hiring Manager, Head of Marketing) * Company Name * Company Address

3. The Salutation (Greeting)

Avoid the generic "To Whom It May Concern" at all costs. It signals a lack of effort. * Best Option: "Dear Mr./Ms. [Last Name]," (e.g., Dear Ms. Lopez,) * Good Option: "Dear [Department] Hiring Team," * Last Resort: "Dear [Company Name] Team,"

4. The Opening Paragraph (The Hook)

You have mere seconds to grab the reader’s attention. Your first paragraph must be powerful and concise. * State the Position: Clearly mention the job title you’re applying for. * Express Enthusiasm: Show excitement for the role and the company. * Include a Powerful Hook: Start with a standout achievement or a sentence that shows you understand the company’s mission or challenges.

Weak Opening Example: "I am writing to apply for the Marketing Manager position I saw on LinkedIn. I have five years of experience in marketing."

Strong Opening Example: "When I saw the Marketing Manager opening at [Company Name], a company renowned for its innovative eco-campaigns, I was thrilled. My five years of experience spearheading successful sustainability-focused marketing initiatives, including a campaign that increased brand awareness by 40%, have prepared me to contribute to your mission immediately."

5. The Body Paragraphs (The Pitch)

This is where you sell your value. Aim for one or two paragraphs that connect your experience to the job description.

  • Paragraph 1: Connect Your Skills to Their Needs. Pick 2-3 key requirements from the job description. For each, provide a specific example of a relevant accomplishment. Use bullet points for easy scanning if it fits naturally.

    • Their Need: "Seeking a manager to grow our social media engagement."
    • Your Response: "At my previous role at XYZ Corp, I developed and executed a social media strategy that grew our follower base by 200% and increased engagement rates by 75% within one year."

  • Paragraph 2: Show You're a Cultural Fit. Explain why you want to work at this company specifically. Reference their values, a recent project, or their company culture. This demonstrates genuine interest.

    • Example: "Beyond my technical skills, I deeply admire [Company Name]'s commitment to employee development. I am eager to contribute to a team that values continuous learning and collaboration, and I was particularly impressed by your recent initiative [Mention a specific program or article]."

6. The Closing Paragraph (The Call to Action)

End with confidence and clarity. Reiterate your interest and clearly state the next step you want. * Reiterate your enthusiasm for the role. * Thank the reader for their time and consideration. * Include a confident call to action. * Mention that your résumé is attached.

Strong Closing Example: "I am confident that my experience in driven marketing campaigns makes me a strong candidate for this role. Thank you for your time and consideration. I have attached my résumé for your review and welcome the opportunity to discuss how I can contribute to [Company Name]'s success in an interview next week."

7. The Professional Closing

End with a standard professional sign-off. * Sincerely, * Best regards, * Respectfully yours,

Followed by your full typed name.

Cover Letter Templates for Different Scenarios

Template 1: The Standard Experienced Professional

[Your Name] [Your Phone] | [Your Email] | [Your LinkedIn URL] [Your City, State]

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

Dear [Mr./Ms. Last Name],

I am writing with great enthusiasm 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/Mention a specific achievement], I have been consistently impressed, and I am excited by the opportunity to contribute to your team.

The job description emphasizes the need for a candidate skilled in [Key Skill 1] and [Key Skill 2]. In my previous role as [Your Previous Title] at [Previous Company], I successfully [Describe a key achievement related to Skill 1]. For example, I [Provide a specific, quantifiable result]. Furthermore, my experience in [Skill 2] involved [Describe experience], leading to [Another quantifiable result].

I am particularly drawn to [Company Name] because of your focus on [Mention a company value, project, or aspect of culture]. My approach to [Relevant Area] aligns perfectly with this philosophy, and I am confident I can help you achieve [Specific Company Goal mentioned on their website or in news].

Thank you for considering my application. I am eager to discuss how my skills in [Mention 1-2 top skills] can benefit [Company Name]. I am available for an interview at your earliest convenience.

Sincerely, [Your Typed Name]

Template 2: The Career Changer

[Your Contact Info]

[Hiring Manager Info]

Dear [Mr./Ms. Last Name],

I was thrilled to see the opening for a [New Career Field Title] at [Company Name]. While my background has been in [Your Previous Industry], my passion for [New Industry] and my proven track record in [Transferable Skill 1] and [Transferable Skill 2] have equipped me with a unique perspective that I believe will be invaluable in this role.

Although my title was [Old Title], my work consistently involved core responsibilities relevant to this position. For instance, I was responsible for [Describe a task in old job that mirrors a need in the new job], which resulted in [Quantifiable outcome]. This experience honed my ability to [Explain the transferable skill].

My motivation for transitioning into [New Field] is driven by a long-standing interest in [Aspect of New Field]. I have taken proactive steps to build my qualifications, including [Mention a course, certification, or relevant project]. I am confident that my unique blend of experience from [Old Industry] and my dedicated knowledge of [New Industry] will allow me to offer innovative solutions.

I am very excited about the possibility of bringing my skills to [Company Name] and am available to discuss my application further.

Best regards, [Your Typed Name]

Pro Tips and Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • DO Customize Every Letter: The biggest mistake is sending a generic letter. Tailor every single one.
  • DO Use Keywords: Scan the job description for keywords (e.g., "project management," "SEO optimization," "stakeholder communication") and naturally incorporate them into your letter. This helps with both human readers and ATS.
  • DO Quantify Your Achievements: Numbers are powerful. Use percentages, dollar amounts, and time frames to demonstrate impact (e.g., "increased sales by 15%," "reduced costs by $50k").
  • DON'T Just Repeat Your Résumé: Elaborate on your résumé; don't copy it. Tell the story behind the bullet points.
  • DON'T Be Negative: Never speak poorly of a former employer or apologize for lacking a skill. Frame everything positively.
  • DO Proofread Meticulously: A single typo can undermine your entire application. Read it aloud, use spellcheck, and have a friend review it.

Your cover letter is more than a formality; it’s a critical piece of your personal marketing campaign. It’s the narrative that brings your résumé to life and persuades a hiring manager that you are the solution to their problem. By investing the time to research, personalize, and craft a compelling story, you move from being just another application in the stack to a memorable candidate worthy of an interview. Take the templates and advice in this guide, apply them to your own experience, and start writing your way to your next great opportunity.