Some companies require a cover letter, and some don’t. Some roles within the same company require a cover letter, while others do not. And finally, some recruiters love cover letters, and others - not so much. This somewhat unclear and, in some cases, secondary role is often the reason why the importance and purpose of a cover letter are misjudged when applying for a job.
Even when the company you’re applying to doesn’t specifically request a cover letter, it can still be a smart move to include one. Think of it as an added layer of context for your resume. A resume by design is concise and highly structured, but that very structure sometimes leaves little room to explain the “why” behind your achievements. A well-crafted cover letter can sweeten the details and connect the dots between your experiences and the employer’s needs in a way that a resume alone often cannot.
It also gives you space to highlight qualities that do not always fit neatly on a resume. For example, soft skills like adaptability, leadership style, or communication strength should not take up prime real estate on a one-page document, but they can shine naturally in a cover letter when paired with a relevant story. Likewise, if there are transitions in your career or accomplishments that need more explanation, a cover letter allows you to address them directly and frame them in the best possible light. Ultimately, sending one shows initiative and professionalism, which are traits every hiring manager values.
What Is a Cover Letter?
A cover letter is exactly what its name suggests: a letter that complements and supports your job application. Long before online portals and digital resumes, candidates would physically “cover” their printed resume with a short note of introduction, which is how the term was born. Today, the purpose remains the same. A cover letter introduces you to the employer, shows enthusiasm for the role, and gives you space to expand on details that a resume cannot. It is where you can explain gaps in employment, address quick job changes, or highlight a referral who can vouch for your abilities.
In short, it turns a list of accomplishments into a story and makes your application feel more personal and memorable. It can also be used to emphasize a referral, especially if that person is in good standing with the company. It’s also an effective method for establishing rapport. In a nutshell, a well-written single-page cover letter allows you to elevate your resume from the rest of the heap.
Here are the main things to know about the cover letter you’re about to write:
- A strong cover letter should be short enough to read in a single sitting yet substantial enough to spark the recruiter’s interest. The sweet spot is one page, usually 250 to 400 words. That length gives you room to introduce yourself, outline your fit for the role, and add context to your resume without overwhelming the reader. Think of it as a professional handshake on paper: firm, confident, and concise.
- Presentation matters too. Keep the formatting clean and businesslike. Use a standard font such as Arial or Calibri in size 10 to 12, set one-inch margins, and align your text to the left. Recruiters and hiring managers review dozens of applications in a day, so readability is non-negotiable. A cluttered or overly stylized document can be distracting, and it sends the wrong signal about your professionalism.
- When it comes to tone, avoid slang or overly casual phrasing, but do not make the mistake of writing in stiff corporate jargon either. The best cover letters strike a balance: professional yet personable. Show genuine enthusiasm for the role, and let a glimpse of your character come through. For example, highlight why the company’s mission resonates with you, or share a short anecdote that reveals your working style.
- Most importantly, resist the temptation to let AI or generic templates do the talking. Today, recruiters can spot lifeless, cookie-cutter text instantly, and nothing is more off-putting. If you cannot write a tailored, authentic cover letter, it is better to leave it out altogether.
What Does a Cover Letter Include?
To show you why a cover letter is so important, we should first go through the details it includes. In essence, it shows the hiring manager who you are. When compared to a resume, it gives you much more space for your personality to shine through.
A standard cover letter has three sections:
✅ Introduction — It’s where you’re supposed to grab the reader’s attention. Start the cover letter by introducing yourself and stating the position you’re applying for. The intro also gives you space to mention a referral or a mutual connection.
✅ Body paragraph (or paragraphs) — Here, you will mention your qualifications. But you won’t just list them like you would in a resume. In the cover letter, you’ll explain why you are a good fit for the job. It’s your chance to convince the hiring manager that your specific skills and experiences align with the job requirements. Here, you should address the unique aspects of your application, such as career breaks or job changes.
✅ Closing — The concluding paragraph should be very strong. It’s supposed to restate your enthusiasm for the role, thank the employer for their time, and express your willingness to provide further information or schedule an interview.
What Is the Purpose of a Cover Letter?
Different companies place different values on cover letters. Despite this fact, the cover letter remains a useful document for getting noticed. That said, there can be more than one purpose of a cover letter. Get to know them to help you understand their value.
Showing that You're Ready, Willing, and Able
A strong cover letter shows that you’re not just interested in any job. You’re interested in this job. Tailoring it to the specific role and company demonstrates your enthusiasm. Highlighting industry knowledge or mentioning recent company developments shows that you’ve done your homework and are already invested in the company’s success.
For example, instead of a generic statement like “I believe I am the right candidate,” you could write:
“I’m excited about the opportunity to join your marketing team and help improve your brand’s social media presence, especially after the recent push you’ve made toward digital engagement.”
Why is this important? Employers look for candidates who can identify potential challenges and suggest solutions. When you mention a current issue that the company may be facing, such as a decline in sales, you show that you’re already thinking like a member of their team. It’s a problem-solving mindset that employers value.
A well-written cover letter also shows that you can go beyond the minimum requirements of the job description. You can mention your eagerness to learn, adapt, and grow with the company. You have space to show you’re a motivated candidate who will likely take the initiative and excel in the role. Hiring managers get dozens of applications for the same opening (if not hundreds). A cover letter that shows your readiness, willingness, and ability shows you’re prepared to contribute from day one. That can be the deciding factor that convinces hiring managers to move you to the next stage of the recruitment process.
How do you achieve such an effect? Many cover letters start with “Thank you for the opportunity to apply for (job position) at your company…” Instead of using this tired statement to open your resume, say something like:“With my years of experience in the field, I am confident that I will be a great fit for the job.”
You can also try to touch on challenges that the company could be facing and show recruiters your enthusiasm to tackle them by saying:
“My background check on your company revealed that you are having trouble reaching your monthly targets. I would love to bring my expertise and success in sales to help you reach your profit goals.”
Employers want to see a candidate’s willingness because it tells them that you are highly motivated for the job. This is easily the most important purpose of a cover letter.
Making the Reader Want to Learn More
The examples above serve as a stunning appetizer for a fantastic meal. But more than an introduction, the purpose of a cover letter is to let recruiters know that you have plenty to offer. In your opening paragraph, try to mix in an impressive achievement with quantifiable results. For example, you can say:
“With my previous company, I spearheaded 10 employee training events, which resulted in a 30% increase in productivity for the company.”
That said, avoid repeating what you’ve already said in your resume. Your letter should act as a companion piece and not a replacement, so work on making it relate to your resume organically. Repeating yourself will only make your application less interesting and possibly even cast doubts on your ability to pay attention to detail.
Why should you bother enticing the reader in the first place? Your cover letter should give recruiters a reason to keep reading and move on to your resume with a sense of excitement. A compelling letter is a teaser. It provides a glimpse into your skills, personality, and achievements, but it doesn’t reveal everything. It’s about building intrigue. If you present a unique insight or a standout achievement early on, it sparks the recruiter’s curiosity.
That’s why you shouldn’t just list achievements like you would on your resume. The cover letter offers context. You could write:
“During my time at the previous job, I led a project that initially faced a 20% budget cut, but I still delivered a 15% profit increase. I did that by optimizing resource allocation.”
This kind of insight isn’t just a bullet point. It’s a narrative that makes the reader want to learn more about how you achieved it. They will have to invite you for an interview to get that info.
Adding a Human Element
Your resume focuses on your qualifications and experience in a structured format. A cover letter, on the other hand, gives us a human element. It lets you show your communication skills and enthusiasm for the role and fit within the company culture.
While a resume is excellent for presenting your qualifications in a clear and structured way, it can only go so far in showing the person behind the accomplishments. A cover letter complements it by adding depth and context. It gives you space to explain what drives you, highlight your values, and communicate enthusiasm for the role in your own voice. These qualities are difficult to capture in a purely factual format, which is why a thoughtful cover letter can make your application feel more complete and engaging.
Consider this: a recruiter might read your resume and see that you’ve increased sales by 25%. And that’s great. But if you write a good cover letter, you’ll explain how you did it. Maybe you used a new strategy or built relationships with important clients. Sharing a bit of the backstory through a narrative will demonstrate your problem-solving skills and creative thinking. It will make your application much more memorable.
Connecting the Dots
Here’s another great purpose the letter serves: it ties together different parts of your experience. Let’s say your career path isn’t entirely linear, or there are employment gaps in your resume. Without context, your potential employer might make assumptions that you won’t like. Through the cover letter, you can explain your journey in a way that shows growth and bridges the gap between various roles and experiences.
If you’re switching industries, your cover letter is the place to write about your transferable skills in detail. You can explain why your diverse background makes you uniquely qualified. You can write something like:
“Although my previous role was in the hospitality sector, my experience in client management and project leadership gave me a solid foundation to excel in this position.”
Adding Context to Your Resume
The cover letter is the perfect opportunity to define your personal brand, share more about your story, and demonstrate your core values. While your resume displays your qualifications, your cover letter can help convince a recruiter why you would be a good fit for the company.
A cover letter is a great way to explain any glaring issues in your resume - such as a short work stint, employment gap, lack of experience, job-hopping, and so on - so that potential employers can have a better grasp of your situation and make considerations as they see fit.
In the resume, you offer a snapshot of your work history. It lists dates, job titles, and responsibilities. However, it doesn’t tell the story behind those experiences. The cover letter fills in these gaps with context. You can explain why you transitioned from one role to another, the motivation behind a career change, or what inspired you to pursue a particular field.
Make Your Resume More Personal
Establishing a connection with potential employers is critical to success, and one great purpose of a cover letter is to help overcome the rigid, impersonal nature inherent in resumes. A cover letter can let your personality shine through, giving recruiters a better picture of you as a whole. That said, it’s important to emphasize in your letter the accomplishments that mean the most to you. By doing so, you give potential employers a better idea of the value you bring to the table.
The resume doesn’t give you enough space to highlight your core values and what sets you apart as a candidate, since it’s focused on skills and achievements. The cover letter is where you can show your personal brand, the unique blend of qualities and experiences that define who you are as a professional.
Consider sharing aspects of your personality or professional philosophy that align with the company’s mission. For example, if the company values innovation and you’re someone who thrives in creative environments, your cover letter is the place to convey that. You could write:
“My passion for improvement inspired me to implement new strategies in every role, resulting in increased efficiency.”
Goes without saying that you should use metrics and other evidence to prove those claims.
Addressing Red Flags in Your Resume
A good cover letter acts as a buffer for issues on your resume that might raise questions, such as job-hopping, a criminal record, or a lack of direct experience in the field. You don’t want to leave those points open to interpretation. The cover letter is there to give a positive spin or a reasonable explanation.
For example, if you worked in a particular company for a very short time, the recruiter will assume you weren’t a good fit. You could address that issue with something like this:
“Although my employment was brief, the experience allowed me to develop key skills in project management and client communication, which I’m eager to apply in a long-term role.”
You can also address a career change. In that case, you don’t have enough experience in a new industry, which is always a red flag. Here’s an example of an explanation that the cover letter can offer:
“After a decade in finance, I decided to pursue a career in digital marketing. I’m excited to use my analytical mindset and data-driven approach in a new field.”
Commenting on a Referral
Job referral is a great way to get a recruiter to give your resume a second look. You can use your cover letter to explain your relationship with the person who referred you and expound on how the referral happened. Mentioning the name of someone in the company can give your resume a familiarity that helps keep it in the mind of the recruiter reading it.
How exactly does a referral strengthen your application? Statistics show that referred candidates are more likely to get hired and often stay with the company longer.
When a trusted employee recommends a candidate, they automatically lend credibility to your application. Recruiters give more weight to referred candidates because someone already believes in their skills and is fit for the role. By referencing the referral in your cover letter, you’re signaling to the hiring manager that you come with a stamp of approval. This is especially important if you get an insider from the company to stand up for you.
In the cover letter, you could write:
“John Robson, your Senior Marketing Manager, recommended that I apply for this position after we joined forces on an independent project. He believes that my background in digital campaigns would be a great asset to your team.”
Of course, you’ll only write what’s true.
This approach will do more than just highlight the referral. It ties back to a relevant skill or experience, and it makes your entire application more impactful. If the referral is a familiar name for the hiring manager, they will see a connection point, and it will be easier for them to remember you. Referrals humanize your application. From just a resume on paper, they turn you into a person who shares a connection with the company.
However, it’s important to be strategic and respectful when mentioning a referral. Always ask for their permission to include their name in your cover letter and explain the context in which you plan. Using a referral without their consent can backfire and damage your credibility.
Showing Off Your Communication Skills
A good cover letter shows your ability to communicate effectively. That’s an essential skill for every job, without exception. When you clearly express your enthusiasm, qualifications, and understanding of the company’s needs, you show strong writing skills. If the desired role requires frequent client interaction, reporting, or internal communication, a cover letter is essential. It will show that you can articulate your thoughts and ideas professionally. Good writing demonstrates clarity of thought and the ability to structure information logically.
There’s another way a personalized cover letter speaks well of your communication skills: it shows you can adapt your expression based on the audience and purpose. That’s important in client-facing or leadership positions. In those cases, tailoring your message is a crucial factor for success. Use the right tone, professionalism, and grammar throughout the letter to reflect attention to detail and respect for the reader’s time.
Demonstrating Research
The resume doesn’t give you much space to show employers that you took the time to learn about their company. In the cover letter, you can show you understand what they are looking for in a candidate, and you can prove you’re a good fit.
Do not send a generic letter; instead, try to personalize it with specific details about the company’s goals, projects, or challenges to show your genuine interest. For example, you can mention a recent product launch, community involvement, or awards they’ve received. Then, tie those details back to how your skills or experience align with their needs.
Good research also shows you’re a proper cultural fit. An employee is not only meant to meet the technical requirements of the job. They must integrate well with the team and company culture. A unique cover letter shows you’ve thought carefully about your application, and it conveys foresight and professionalism. It’s a way of saying, “I understand your business, and I can help solve your problems.”
Top 5 Cover Letter Mistakes to Avoid
❌ Repeating your resume word for word:
One of the most common cover letter mistakes is turning it into a resume in paragraph form. A resume is a snapshot of your professional background, but a cover letter should complement it by adding insight and personality. Instead of rehashing every job and achievement, highlight two or three points that directly connect to the role you are applying for. Provide context about why those experiences matter or how they shaped your career. A recruiter does not want duplication. They want added value, and your cover letter is the perfect place to provide it.
❌ Being too generic:
Sending the same cover letter to multiple employers is a surefire way to lose a recruiter’s attention. Generic phrases like “I am a results-oriented professional” or “I am passionate about success” do not stand out. Employers want to feel that you wrote the letter with them in mind. Research the company, reference specific projects or values, and explain why you want to be part of their team. Even small touches of personalization go a long way. A tailored cover letter shows initiative and effort, which can instantly separate you from applicants who rely on one-size-fits-all templates.
❌ Overloading with details:
A cover letter should be concise. Cramming every detail of your career history into it will overwhelm the reader and make the letter harder to follow. Long-winded explanations and unnecessary background information dilute your message. Focus instead on one or two relevant achievements that directly relate to the job description. Use this space to illustrate how your skills would benefit the company, not to retell your entire professional story. When in doubt, remember that less is more. The goal is to pique curiosity so the recruiter wants to learn more about you in the interview.
❌ Using the wrong tone:
Tone plays a bigger role in cover letters than many applicants realize. Too casual, and you risk sounding unprofessional. Too formal, and you risk coming across as stiff or outdated. The ideal tone strikes a balance between the two. It should feel polished but approachable, confident yet respectful. One effective way to achieve this is by writing as if you are speaking directly to the hiring manager in a professional conversation. Be clear, concise, and genuine. Allow your personality to show through your choice of words without slipping into slang, jokes, or corporate jargon overload.
❌ Relying on AI and cliches:
AI-generated content and tired clichés are becoming increasingly obvious to recruiters. When every candidate submits a letter full of the same phrases, such as “team player” or “hard worker,” none of them stand out. Even worse, letters that sound mechanical or lifeless make it clear the applicant did not invest personal effort. A strong cover letter should reflect your unique perspective and voice. Share an anecdote, connect to the company’s values, or describe why the role excites you. Avoid outsourcing your personality to algorithms or overused buzzwords. Authenticity wins attention, and recruiters can always tell the difference.
Stand Out With a Professionally Written Cover Letter
Writing a resume and cover letter can feel overwhelming, especially with so much conflicting advice and the flood of AI-generated text that often sounds generic. Recruiters see hundreds of applications every week, and they can quickly tell the difference between something formulaic and something written with care. That is why working with a professional writer matters.
At Resumeble, we take the time to understand your background, goals, and unique strengths so your documents reflect you, not an algorithm. A cover letter written by an expert does more than follow a template. It highlights your voice, your story, and the qualities that make you a memorable candidate. Paired with a resume that is tailored to your industry and niche, you will have an application package that stands out for the right reasons.
We also back our work with an interview guarantee. If you do not land an interview within 60 days of receiving your completed resume, we will revise it at no cost. Our goal is simple: to give you confidence in your applications and let you focus on preparing for interviews, while we make sure your materials open the right doors.