Short is the point
Many recruiters skim cover letters, and some skip them. The ones who read them read the first two sentences closely. Keep the whole letter between 150 and 300 words: three or four short paragraphs that fit on one screen without scrolling.
A structure that works
- Opening: the role you are applying for and one specific reason it fits you. Skip "I am writing to apply for…".
- Evidence: one or two achievements from your resume that match what the posting asks for, told with a little more context than a bullet allows.
- Close: what you would like to happen next, and thanks. One or two sentences.
Make it about them, then about you
Mention something true and specific about the company: a product you use, a decision they made publicly, a problem the posting describes. One real detail beats three generic compliments. If you cannot find one, say what draws you to the problem the role solves.
Sound like a person
Write the way you would speak to a colleague you respect: plain words, short sentences, no clichés like "passionate team player". Confident does not mean boastful; state what you did and let the result carry it.
Finishing touches
- Address it to a person when you can find the hiring manager’s name; "Dear Acme hiring team" is fine when you cannot.
- Use the same header, font and contact details as your resume.
- A P.S. is read more often than the middle paragraph: use it for one strong, relevant fact if you have one.
