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

By Jobtransparency Blog

Published on December 07, 2025

In a world of online applications and digital profiles, you might wonder if the cover letter is still relevant. The resounding answer from hiring managers and recruiters is yes. Your resume outlines your qualifications, but your cover letter provides the context, personality, and passion that a bullet-point list simply cannot. It’s your chance to tell your story, connect your experiences directly to the job, and, most importantly, persuade a recruiter to click on your resume. A generic, one-size-fits-all letter will end up in the digital trash. A targeted, well-crafted cover letter, however, is a powerful tool that can catapult your application to the top of the pile and land you that coveted interview. This guide will walk you through the exact steps to write a cover letter that gets noticed for all the right reasons.

Why a Great Cover Letter is Your Secret Weapon

Many job seekers make the critical mistake of treating the cover letter as an afterthought—a mere formality to be rushed through. This is a missed opportunity. A strategically written cover letter serves several crucial functions in your job search arsenal.

It Shows You've Done Your Homework

A generic letter screams, "I'm mass-applying to hundreds of jobs!" A great cover letter, on the other hand, demonstrates that you have taken the time to research the company, understand its challenges, and identify how you can specifically contribute. Mentioning a recent company achievement, a project, or the company's values shows genuine interest.

It Connects the Dots for the Hiring Manager

Your resume lists your skills and experiences; your cover letter connects them directly to the job description. It answers the hiring manager’s unspoken question: "Why is this candidate a good fit for this specific role at our company?" You can highlight achievements that are most relevant and explain how your unique background prepares you to solve their problems.

It Reveals Your Personality and Passion

Resumes are factual and formal. A cover letter allows your voice to shine through. It’s your opportunity to express enthusiasm for the industry, the company's mission, and the role itself. This human element can make you memorable and create a connection before you even step into the interview room.

It Addresses Potential Concerns Proactively

If you are changing careers, have an employment gap, or are relocating, the cover letter is the perfect place to address this briefly and positively. You can frame these situations as assets, explaining how your diverse experience or personal decision brings a fresh perspective.

Deconstructing the Perfect Cover Letter: Section by Section

A powerful cover letter follows a clear, persuasive structure. Think of it as a one-page business proposal where you are the solution to the company’s hiring needs.

1. The Header and Salutation

Header: This should be clean and professional, mirroring the header of your resume. Include your name, phone number, email address, and a link to your LinkedIn profile or portfolio.

Salutation: Avoid the impersonal "To Whom It May Concern" at all costs. This is your first test of research. * Best Case: "Dear Ms. Smith," or "Dear Dr. Jones,". Find the hiring manager's name on LinkedIn or the company website. * Good Alternative: If you cannot find a name, use a specific title. "Dear Marketing Department Hiring Manager," or "Dear Salesforce Team," is far better than a generic greeting.

2. The Opening Hook (First Paragraph)

You have about 15 seconds to capture the reader's attention. Your opening must be strong and specific.

  • What to do: Start with enthusiasm and a direct connection to the role. Mention the job title and where you saw the posting. Immediately state your unique value proposition—a key achievement or skill that makes you a perfect fit.
  • What to avoid: Never start with "My name is John Doe and I am applying for the Project Manager position." This is a wasted opportunity.

Weak Example: "I am writing to apply for the Senior Marketing Manager position I saw on LinkedIn. I have attached my resume for your review."

Strong Example: "When I saw the Senior Marketing Manager opening on LinkedIn, I was thrilled to see that your team is prioritizing agile campaign development—a methodology I used to increase qualified leads by 40% at my previous company."

3. The Body Paragraphs: Your Persuasive Argument (Second and Third Paragraphs)

This is the core of your letter where you prove your value. Don’t just repeat your resume; analyze and connect.

  • Paragraph 1: Match Your Skills to Their Needs. Pick 2-3 key requirements from the job description. For each, provide a concise example (a mini CAR story: Challenge, Action, Result) from your past experience.

    • Job Requirement: "Manage cross-functional teams to launch new products."
    • Your Response: "At ABC Corp, I led a cross-functional team of engineers, designers, and marketers to successfully launch the XYZ product line, which resulted in $2M in revenue within its first quarter."

  • Paragraph 2: Show What You Can Do for Them. Shift the focus from what you did in the past to what you can achieve for this company. Demonstrate your knowledge of their business and how you plan to contribute.

    • Example: "I have been following [Company Name]'s expansion into the European market and am impressed by your strategy. My experience in developing localized digital marketing campaigns would be ideal for helping you build brand awareness and capture market share in Germany, a region I am deeply familiar with."

4. The Closing Paragraph: Call to Action

End with confidence and a clear next step. Reiterate your enthusiasm and make it easy for them to contact you.

  • What to do: Thank the reader, restate your interest, and express your desire for an interview.
  • What to avoid: Passive phrases like "I hope to hear from you soon."

Strong Example: "I am confident that my experience in driving growth through data-driven marketing strategies would make me a valuable asset to your team. Thank you for your time and consideration. I have attached my resume and am available to discuss how I can contribute to [Company Name]'s success next week."

5. The Sign-Off

Keep it professional and simple. * Best Options: "Sincerely," "Best regards," or "Thank you," * Followed by: Your full name.

Cover Letter Templates and Examples

Here are two adaptable templates to get you started.

Template 1: The Direct Application

[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, which I discovered on [Platform, e.g., LinkedIn, Company Website]. Your posting emphasizes the need for a candidate skilled in [Key Skill 1] and [Key Skill 2], which align perfectly with my experience in [Your Field/Industry], particularly my success in [Briefly mention a key achievement].

In my previous role as a [Your Previous Title] at [Previous Company], I was responsible for [mention a key responsibility]. For instance, when faced with [a specific challenge], I [describe the action you took]. This resulted in [quantify the result, e.g., a 15% increase in efficiency].

I am particularly drawn to [Company Name] because of [mention something specific about the company, like its mission, a recent project, or its reputation]. I am eager to bring my skills in [mention 1-2 relevant skills] to your team to help you achieve [mention a company goal].

Thank you for considering my application. I have attached my resume for your review and welcome the opportunity to discuss how my background in [Your Field] can benefit [Company Name].

Sincerely, [Your Name]

Template 2: The Career Changer

[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],

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 led me to apply for the [Job Title] position at [Company Name]. I am confident that my unique perspective and adaptable skill set are an excellent match for the challenges outlined in your job description.

My experience in [Previous Industry] required me to consistently [describe a key transferable skill]. For example, at [Previous Company], I [describe an action you took that required this skill], which led to [describe a positive result]. This ability to [reiterate the skill] is directly applicable to your need for a candidate who can [requirement from job description].

I have taken proactive steps to prepare for this transition, including [mention relevant course, certification, or freelance work]. I am deeply impressed by [Company Name]'s commitment to [mention company value/mission] and believe my dedication and fresh outlook would be a valuable addition to your team.

I would appreciate the chance to discuss how my unconventional background can bring a new dimension to the [Job Title] role. Thank you for your time and consideration.

Best regards, [Your Name]

Final Pro-Tips for Success

  • Customize Every Single Time: Use the templates as a framework, not a copy-paste solution. Tailor each letter to the specific job and company.
  • Keep it Concise: One page is the golden rule. Use clear, impactful language and short paragraphs.
  • Proofread, Then Proofread Again: A single typo can undermine a brilliant letter. Read it aloud, use spell check, and ask a friend to review it.
  • Save as PDF: Always submit your cover letter as a PDF file with a professional title, such as YourName_CoverLetter_Company.pdf.

A great cover letter is not an obstacle; it’s an opportunity. It’s your strategic advantage in a competitive job market. By investing the time to research, personalize, and persuasively present your candidacy, you move from being just another resume in the stack to a compelling, must-interview candidate. Start drafting yours today—your next interview awaits.