Do Cover Letters Still Matter?

With so much of the hiring process now automated, you might wonder whether anyone reads cover letters anymore. The answer: it depends — but when a cover letter is read, it can be the deciding factor between two equally qualified candidates. More importantly, many job postings still require one. Writing a strong cover letter is a skill worth developing.

What a Cover Letter Should (and Shouldn't) Do

A common mistake is treating the cover letter as a summary of your resume. It's not. Your resume lists what you've done — your cover letter explains why it matters and why you're the right fit for this specific role.

A good cover letter should:

  • Introduce who you are and why you're applying
  • Connect your experience directly to the employer's needs
  • Show genuine enthusiasm for the company and role
  • Highlight one or two key accomplishments that reinforce your application
  • End with a clear, confident call to action

It should not simply restate your resume bullet points or be longer than one page.

The Ideal Cover Letter Structure

Opening Paragraph: Hook Them Early

Don't start with "I am writing to apply for…" — it's overused and forgettable. Instead, open with something specific that shows you've done your research or that immediately communicates your value.

Example: "When I saw that [Company Name] is expanding its content marketing team, I knew I had to apply. In my previous role, I led a content strategy that doubled organic traffic in under a year — and I'm ready to bring that same impact to your team."

Middle Paragraph(s): Make the Connection

This is where you bridge your background to their needs. Reference the job description directly. Highlight one or two specific accomplishments with measurable outcomes. Explain how your skills translate to the challenges this role will face.

Closing Paragraph: Ask for the Interview

Close with confidence. Thank them for their time, express your enthusiasm, and invite further conversation. Don't be passive — say something like: "I'd welcome the opportunity to discuss how my background aligns with what you're building at [Company]."

Personalization Is Everything

Generic cover letters are easy to spot and easy to ignore. Every cover letter you send should be tailored to the specific company and role. That means:

  • Addressing the hiring manager by name (check LinkedIn or the company website)
  • Referencing something specific about the company — their mission, a recent project, a product you admire
  • Mirroring the tone of the company (more formal for finance, more conversational for a startup)

Length and Format

Keep your cover letter to three or four short paragraphs — ideally fitting on one page. Use the same font and formatting as your resume to create a cohesive application package. Save it as a PDF unless otherwise instructed.

Cover Letter Mistakes to Avoid

  • Starting with "To Whom It May Concern": Always try to find a specific name.
  • Focusing on what you want: Shift the focus to what you can offer the employer.
  • Being too informal or too stiff: Aim for confident, professional, and human.
  • Overlooking typos: A single error can undermine your entire application.
  • Attaching the wrong file: Double-check the file before hitting send.

A Simple Cover Letter Template

Here's a basic framework to get you started:

  1. Line 1: Hook — a specific, compelling opening sentence
  2. Lines 2–3: Why you're applying and what you bring
  3. Paragraph 2: Your key accomplishment(s) tied to their needs
  4. Paragraph 3: Why this company specifically — show you've done your research
  5. Closing: Thank them and invite a conversation

Used consistently and personalized for each application, this structure will make your cover letters far more effective.