The Cover Letter Struggle is Real
We’ve all been there: You sit down to write a cover letter, stare at a blank document, check your email (again), browse examples, watch that blinking cursor mock you, and eventually Google “how to write a cover letter”—which is probably how you ended up here.
And yet, you might still wonder: Do hiring managers even read these? Why do cover letters exist?
The answer? Yes, they get read. For some recruiters, they’re the most important part of your application. Even if they’re not, why miss the chance to tell employers who you are, why they should hire you, and how you stand out from the crowd?
To make sure your cover letter is flawless (and to make writing it less painful), we’ve put together a simple guide with examples and answers to common questions.
Ready to impress? Send that cover letter out there! (And hey, while you’re at it, check out open jobs on The Muse to land your dream role.)
What’s a Cover Letter?
A cover letter is a short note to the hiring manager explaining why you’re interested in the job and why you’d be great at it. It goes with your resume but is written in full paragraphs (no bullet points!).
Why Does It Matter?
A strong cover letter helps you stand out, boosts your chances of landing an interview, and lets you connect your skills directly to the job. It shows you’re likable, original, and a great fit for the team.
“When Should I Write One?”
Always—unless the job posting says not to. Even if it’s optional, many employers still read them. Skipping it means missing a chance to highlight your personality and qualifications.
How Long Should It Be?
Aim for ½ to 1 page (around 250–400 words), split into 4 paragraphs. Some jobs have specific rules (word limits, prompts, etc.), so follow those if they’re listed.
How to Write a Killer Cover Letter in 8 Steps
- Start Fresh
Recycling an old letter with just the company name swapped out? Big mistake. Employers want to see genuine excitement for their role. Customize it every time. - Add Your Contact Info
At the top, include:- Your name
- Pronouns (optional)
- Location (city/state is fine)
- Phone (optional)
- LinkedIn/portfolio (optional)
- Date (optional)
Inigo Montoya
he/him
Florin Metro Area
inigo@mynameisinigomontoya.com
*555-999-2222* - Address the Hiring Manager
Use their name if possible (“Dear Ms. Smith” or “Hello Jane”). Avoid “To Whom It May Concern”—try “Hello, Hiring Manager” instead. - Grab Their Attention Fast
Skip the boring “I’m excited to apply…” opener. Instead, hook them with something like:
“If loving spreadsheets is wrong, I don’t want to be right. That’s why I’m thrilled to apply for Data Analyst at XYZ Co.” - Explain Why You’re Perfect
Don’t just say “This job is great for me.” Focus on what you’ll bring to them. Match your skills to the job description. - Back It Up with Examples
Share a quick story or win that proves you’ve got what they need. Numbers help! Example:
*“I boosted client re-engagement by 30% using data + personal outreach.”* - End Strong
Close with enthusiasm:
“I’d love to discuss how my skills can help [Company] succeed. Let’s talk!” - Edit Ruthlessly
Spell-check is your friend, but read it aloud too. Better yet, ask a friend: “Does this make me sound awesome?”
Cover Letter Examples
1. Job Application
*“I’ve been obsessed with pet games since Tamagotchi—so when I saw FantasyPets needed a Marketing Strategist, I had to apply. My 8 years in digital marketing + gamer passion make me a perfect fit.”*
2. Internship
“As a CS major who led a hackathon team to build a recycling app, I’d love to bring my skills to Big Tech’s mission-driven internship.”
3. No Experience
“Recent grad here! While I’m new to copywriting, my creative writing courses + student event promotions show I’ve got the chops for Idea Agency.”
4. Career Change
“After a year of outselling peers at Solar Co., I realized sales is my calling. Now, I’m ready to bring my hustle to Bloom Sales.”
Bonus Tips
- Keep it to 1 page.
- Don’t apologize for missing experience—highlight strengths instead.
- Sound professional but human (no robotic jargon).
- Match the company’s tone (check their website/social media).
- Ditch the over-the-top enthusiasm (“I’m ABSOLUTELY THRILLED!!” feels fake).
