Cover letters · 6 min read
How to write a cover letter that gets read
A strong cover letter is under one page and has four parts: a specific opening that names the role and a hook, one or two paragraphs of evidence tied to the job's needs, a line on why this company, and a brief close with a call to action. Tailor it to the posting and skip the generic template language.
A cover letter doesn't repeat your resume — it connects your experience to this specific role and shows genuine interest. Many hiring managers still read them, especially for competitive or senior roles, and a sharp one can tip a close decision.
The four-part structure
- 1Opening: name the exact role and lead with a hook — a relevant win or a specific reason you're a fit.
- 2Evidence: one or two short paragraphs proving you can do the job, using results that map to the posting.
- 3Fit: a line or two on why this company or mission specifically, showing you did your homework.
- 4Close: a confident sign-off with a clear call to action (you'd welcome a conversation).
Tailor it like you tailor your resume
Reference the company by name, mirror the role's priorities, and pick the one or two accomplishments most relevant to this job. A letter that could be sent to any employer reads like exactly that.
What to cut
- 'To whom it may concern' — use a name or a simple 'Hiring Team' greeting.
- Restating your entire resume in paragraph form.
- Generic filler like 'I am a hard worker and team player' with no evidence.
- Anything past one page.
Frequently asked questions
- How long should a cover letter be?
- Under one page — roughly 250-400 words across three to four short paragraphs. Hiring managers skim, so make every line earn its place.
- Do I still need a cover letter in 2026?
- When an application asks for one or the role is competitive, yes — a tailored letter helps. When it's optional and you have nothing specific to add, a strong resume can stand alone.
- Can I generate a cover letter automatically?
- Yes. ResuBuild produces a tailored cover letter alongside every resume, matched to the same job description, which you can edit and export.