How to Write a Cover Letter (Structure + Example)

A cover letter isn't a summary of your resume — it's the short pitch for why *you* fit *this* role. Recruiters skim it in seconds, so structure and specifics matter more than length. Here's a proven format, a full example, and a free tool to draft yours in minutes.

The 4-paragraph structure that works

1. Opening — the role you're applying for and a one-line hook on why you're a strong fit.
2. Why you — one or two achievements (with numbers) that match the job's top requirements.
3. Why them — a specific reason you want *this* company, showing you did your homework.
4. Close — a confident call to action and a thank-you.

Paste the job details and your background into the Cover Letter Generator to get a tailored first draft in this structure, then edit it in your own voice.

A short example

“I'm applying for the Marketing Manager role at Acme. Over five years in B2B SaaS I've grown organic traffic 140% and cut cost-per-lead by a third — the exact growth levers your job description highlights. I'm drawn to Acme because your focus on product-led growth matches how I like to work: experiments over guesswork. I'd love to talk about how I'd approach your acquisition goals. Thank you for your time.”

Short, specific, and tailored — that's the whole game.

Tips that get it read

• Tailor every letter — mirror the language of the job description; never send a generic one.
• Lead with results — numbers beat adjectives (“grew X by 40%”, not “results-driven”).
• Keep it to half a page — 250–350 words is plenty.
• Address a person if you can find the hiring manager's name.
• Match your resume — same header, same story, no contradictions.

Mistakes to avoid

• Repeating your resume — add context and motivation, don't just restate bullets.
• Making it about you only — connect your strengths to *their* needs.
• Clichés — “I'm a hard-working team player” says nothing.
• Typos — proofread; one careless error can end it.

Finish the application

Pair your letter with a sharp resume summary, then run your resume through the ATS Resume Checker to make sure it parses cleanly. Need a follow-up email? The AI Email Writer drafts one in seconds.

FAQ

How long should a cover letter be?

Half a page — roughly 250–350 words across three or four short paragraphs.

Do I still need a cover letter?

When an application allows one, yes — it's a chance to stand out and explain fit that a resume can't.

Is the cover letter generator free?

You get a set number of free AI runs each day; go Pro for unlimited use.