How to write a cover letter that gets read

Not every recruiter reads cover letters, but the ones who do use them to decide between similar candidates. When a posting asks for one, always send it. When it is optional, a short, specific letter is still an advantage — a generic one is not.

Aim for 250 to 400 words. Recruiters skim, so make each paragraph earn its place.

• Opening: the role you are applying for and one sentence on why you are a strong fit.
• Why you: two or three pieces of evidence from your experience that match their main requirements.
• Why them: something specific about the company, product or team that attracts you — proof you did your research.
• Close: a clear, polite next step, such as being glad to discuss how you could help with a named priority.

Avoid “I am writing to apply for the position advertised.” The recruiter already knows that. Start with substance: “I’m applying for the Senior Frontend Engineer role because I’ve spent the last three years building exactly the kind of data-heavy dashboards your team describes.”

• Repeating the resume line by line instead of explaining the most relevant parts.
• Using the wrong company name — read it twice before sending.
• Talking only about what the job will do for you, not what you will do for them.
• Claims without evidence, such as “excellent communicator” with nothing to back it up.
• Starting every sentence with “I”.

If the posting or the company’s LinkedIn page names the hiring manager, use their name. If not, “Dear Hiring Manager” or “Dear [Team name] team” is perfectly acceptable.