Cover letter generator with templates for your job

How to write a cover letter that gets read

A strong cover letter fits on one page and answers three questions: why this role, why this company, why you. The template gives you a first draft; your specific example is what convinces.

• Opening: name the job and your current situation right away.
• Strengths: one measurable result beats ten adjectives (“exceeded my sales goal 9 of 12 months”).
• Company: mention a product, value or recent project, not a generic compliment.
• Close: ask for an interview and state your availability.

US cover letter format

Use a name when you can find one. Keep sentences short and tailor at least one paragraph to the company.

Mistakes that sink a cover letter

• Sending the same letter everywhere. Change the company, the job title and one paragraph.
• Repeating your resume line by line.
• Going over one page.
• Skipping the proofread: a typo can end an application.

Cover letter opening: how to start strong

The first paragraph decides if the recruiter reads on. So get to the point fast.

Name the job, your current role and one strong fact in the first sentence. For example, "As a nursing student, I completed 600 clinical hours at a busy hospital." Then explain in one line why this posting speaks to you.

Skip vague openers such as "I am writing to apply." They say nothing about you. Also name the company, because that shows you did not copy a generic letter. If you get stuck, write the second paragraph first, then come back to the opening.

Cover letter layout: pick the right style

Keep the layout clean. If the job is creative, you can add a little more color.

Use the same font as your resume. That way, both documents look like one application.

Cover letter proofreading and emailing

Read the letter one last time before you send it. Then ask someone else to read it.

• First, check the recipient and company names.
• Next, verify dates and numbers.
• Then save the file as a PDF to keep the layout.
• Finally, give the file a clear name.

In the email, write two short lines and attach the letter and the resume. If the posting asks for a specific format, follow it exactly.

Cover letter closings and related tools

The closing ends the letter on a polite note. If you know the name, use it. Otherwise, "Dear Hiring Manager" works.

For the last line, keep it simple: "I would welcome the chance to talk, and I thank you for your time. Sincerely, Alex Morgan." It sounds neutral and fits any job.

For other paperwork, you can also write an application letter or a resignation letter when you leave your current job. The resume builder completes the file. Finally, the free text version helps you draft.

Cover letter by situation: internship, career change, first job

Each situation needs a different angle. So tailor your message to the context.

• For an internship, show curiosity, your classes and one concrete project.
• For a first job, explain what you can bring from the first month.
• For a career change, link your past strengths to the new field.
• For a cold application, say why this company and not another.

When you lack experience, write about clubs, volunteering or school projects. Also give numbers: how many people, how long, what result. Finally, keep a simple, polite tone, because recruiters read fast.