A cover letter is not a summary of your resume in paragraph form. It is a short, focused argument for why you and this specific role fit together. When it is generic, it gets skipped. When it is specific, it can be the thing that tips you over the line.
A simple four-part structure
- Opening: name the role and one genuine reason you are excited about this company in particular.
- Proof: one or two short paragraphs with concrete results that map to the job's needs.
- Fit: a line on why this team and mission resonate with where you are headed.
- Close: a warm, confident sign-off and a clear note that you would welcome a conversation.
Be specific or do not bother
The fastest way to get read is to prove you did your homework. Reference a product they shipped, a value they state, or a problem the role exists to solve. A single specific sentence about the company is worth more than three paragraphs of polished but generic enthusiasm.
Keep it short
Aim for under 300 words and never more than one page. Hiring managers are busy; brevity is a courtesy and a signal that you can communicate clearly. If a sentence does not earn its place, cut it.
Match the tone of the company
A law firm and an early-stage startup expect different voices. Read the company's careers page and job posting for tone, then meet them where they are — professional but warm for most, a touch more formal for traditional industries. The content stays honest; only the register shifts.
