- Lead with their problem, not your history. The problem/solution matrix is what separates letters that get read from letters that get skipped.
- Map your skills explicitly. Don’t assume the reader will draw the connection — make it for them.
- Use STAR to prove impact. Situation and task can be brief; action and result need to be specific.
- Close with a proposal, not a thank-you. Suggest a meeting, name your availability, and invite a response.
- Tailor every letter. A generic cover letter is worse than no cover letter. Spend the ten minutes.
Most job seekers don’t know how to write a proper cover letter. They believe a cover letter is just a “here is my resume” note. But this is a wasted opportunity.
In this article, you’ll discover the secret to writing a professional cover letter that’s truly effective. It’s not hard to do and will give you a significant edge over the competition. We’ll walk you through the process in a few straightforward steps and provide examples to help you along the way.
Not sure if you need one? If you are still wondering if a cover letter is necessary, the data shows it significantly boosts your chances. If you’re ready to write, keep reading.
The anatomy of a successful cover letter
A cover letter has four distinct parts: a header with your contact information, an opening that frames the problem you’ll solve, a body that proves you can solve it, and a closing that moves the conversation forward. Each section does a specific job. When one is weak, the whole letter falls flat.
For the bigger picture, our cover letter hub covers the do’s and don’ts at a glance.
Structuring the body: the problem/solution matrix
The most common cover letter mistake is writing about yourself. A hiring manager doesn’t need your autobiography—they need to know you understand their problem and can fix it.
“It’s not about you,” says career coach Susan Schwartz. “It’s about what you can do for them. Talking to them about what they care about—not about what you want—is what’s going to make them want to read your letter. And to hire you!”
This is where the problem/solution matrix comes in.
- Here is the challenge this role exists to address.
- Here is why I am the answer to that challenge.
Every sentence that doesn’t serve one of those two points should be cut.
Identifying the hiring manager’s pain points
Before you write a single word, research the company. Read their website, recent press releases, and LinkedIn activity. Then read the job description—not to find keywords to copy, but to understand why this role exists.
- What specific problem or gap is this position designed to solve?
- What does success look like in this role six months from now?
- What would go wrong for the company if this role stayed vacant?
The answers give you your first paragraph. You’re not opening with “I’m applying for the role of…”—you’re opening with a clear, one-sentence statement of the challenge they’re facing. That’s what makes a hiring manager lean forward.
Mapping your resume skills to their needs
Once you’ve named the problem, the body of your letter is your answer to one question: why you, specifically?
Pull two or three accomplishments from your resume that speak directly to the pain points you identified. Don’t list skills in the abstract. Connect them. Your goal is to make it effortless for the reader to see you in the role—to feel like the match is obvious.
- Accomplishments that mirror the job’s core responsibilities—not everything you’ve done, just what’s relevant here.
- Transferable skills framed in their context—especially critical for career changers.
- Industry knowledge that signals you won’t need hand-holding—a sentence that shows you understand their world.
Keep the body to two paragraphs. Hiring managers spend seconds, not minutes, on initial review. A tight, well-aimed letter does more work than a long one.
Using the STAR method in your cover letter
You’ve identified the pain points and mapped your skills. Now you need proof. The STAR method—Situation, Task, Action, Result—is how you structure your examples so they land.
Most job seekers use STAR in interviews. Fewer use it in cover letters, which is exactly why it’s an advantage when you do.
Situation & task: setting the scene quickly
The “S” and “T” in STAR need to be brief in a cover letter. You’re not writing a case study—you’re giving just enough context for the result to make sense.
“When I joined the marketing team at [Company], organic traffic had plateaued for three quarters and the content strategy hadn’t been updated in two years.”
That’s your situation and task combined. The reader now understands the stakes. Move on quickly.
Action & result: proving your impact with data
This is where you earn the interview. The action tells them how you work; the result tells them what you deliver. Numbers make results real.
“I audited the existing content, restructured the SEO strategy around high-intent keywords, and launched a 12-article pillar series over six months. Organic traffic increased 40% and conversion rates improved by 25%.”
A STAR-structured example in your cover letter does two things at once: it proves competence and it shows how you think. That’s a strong combination.
How to close a cover letter (the call to action)
The closing paragraph is where most cover letters go passive. For the full breakdown, see how to end a cover letter. “Thank you for your time and consideration” hands the momentum back to the hiring manager and leaves you waiting. A strong close keeps the momentum with you.
Your closing should do three things: reference the value you bring, suggest a specific next step, and invite a response. You’re not asking permission—you’re proposing a meeting between two professionals.
Compare these two approaches:
“Thank you for considering my application. I hope to hear from you soon.”
“I’d love to discuss how my background in content strategy can help NexGen grow its organic presence. I’m available any time next week—please let me know what works for you.”
The second version assumes mutual interest and invites action. It’s confident without being presumptuous.
You don’t need more than three to four sentences here. Don’t summarize your whole letter again. Name one thing you bring, propose a meeting, and stop.
Professional sign-offs for your cover letter
Close with a simple, professional sign-off followed by your full name.
- Sincerely,
- Best regards,
- Kind regards,
Avoid anything casual (“Cheers,” “Thanks!”) or overly formal (“Respectfully yours,”). The sign-off should disappear into the background—it’s not the last impression, your call to action is.
Full-length cover letter templates
Here are a few cover letter examples that show how to highlight your skills, show your personality, and match your experiences with the job. You can also start from one of our free cover letter templates and fill in the blanks.
Cover letter example for your next job application
Your cover letter can make-or-break your application when you’re aiming to move to a new organization. Put your best foot forward and expand on your greatest accomplishments from your resume to prove your abilities to take on a new challenge.
Dear John Davis,
As a recent graduate of the University of Colorado with a Bachelor’s degree in Legal Studies and hands-on experience from my internship at Mountain View Law Firm, I am excited to apply for the Paralegal position at Summit Legal Group. Your firm’s dedication to providing exceptional legal services aligns with my passion for supporting attorneys and ensuring cases are handled efficiently and accurately.
During my internship, I conducted extensive legal research, drafted client correspondence, and assisted in preparing case files for litigation. My attention to detail ensured that all documents were meticulously reviewed and formatted according to court standards, contributing to the successful resolution of several cases. Additionally, I managed the firm’s case management software, streamlining document organization and improving retrieval efficiency by 20%. These experiences strengthened my ability to work in fast-paced environments and reinforced my commitment to delivering high-quality support to legal teams.
What draws me most to Summit Legal Group is your focus on civil litigation and the impact you make in advocating for clients’ rights. I am particularly inspired by your recent high-profile case involving consumer rights, and I am eager to contribute my skills to support your team in achieving similar successes. My proficiency in legal research tools such as LexisNexis and Westlaw, combined with my strong organizational skills and ability to prioritize tasks, make me well-suited for the demands of this role.
I am confident that my academic background, internship experience, and dedication to excellence align with the needs of Summit Legal Group. I would welcome the opportunity to contribute to your firm’s success and further develop my skills in a collaborative environment.
Thank you for considering my application. I would be delighted to discuss how my experience and enthusiasm can contribute to Summit Legal Group’s mission. Please feel free to contact me at emily.carter@email.com or (555) 555-1234 to schedule an interview.
Best regards,
Emily Carter
- Targeted approach: The applicant highlights the company’s focus on civil litigation. They also mention a recent case of interest, which shows they researched the firm.
- Relevant experience highlighted: The applicant lists hard skills from her internship. She also shows their impact using numbers.
- Education and skills match: They link their degree and experience to the job’s tools and needs.
- Professional formatting and tone: It includes contact information, the date, and recipient details. The language is formal yet enthusiastic.
- Demonstrated passion: The candidate explains why they care about the organization’s work. This shows their real motivation.
- Concise and focused: The letter is about one page long. It gives enough detail but doesn’t overwhelm the reader.
- Clear call to action: The letter ends by inviting more discussion and sharing contact details.
Cover letter example for someone with no work experience
Beginning your career can be tough, especially if you lack experience. No need to worry! A strong cover letter can showcase your strengths and potential.
Dear Digital Marketing Team,
In today’s fast-paced business world, staying ahead in digital marketing is a constant challenge for companies like Prime Tech.
I can offer a fresh perspective and innovative ideas to help Prime Tech enhance its digital presence and engage more effectively with its audience.
As a recent graduate with a degree in Marketing, I have a solid grasp of the latest trends and techniques in the field. During my internship at Innovative Solutions, I successfully assisted in developing social media strategies that increased follower engagement by 30%. One project I particularly enjoyed was creating a campaign for Earth Day that boosted our social media presence and aligned with my passion for sustainability.
Let’s discuss how my enthusiasm and fresh perspective can contribute to Prime Tech’s marketing efforts. Please let me know your availability for a meeting.
Best regards,
Jane Smith
- Addresses the company’s needs: The letter starts by recognizing the challenges the company faces. It shows an understanding of the industry and what the company needs.
- Provides a solution: The candidate shows how they can add value with new ideas and a fresh viewpoint.
- Highlights relevant experience: The letter points out a successful internship project. This project matches the job’s requirements, even though the work experience is limited.
- Shows enthusiasm and passion: The candidate loves sustainability and wants to help the company. This reveals their genuine interest.
- Next steps: The call to action is clear. It suggests a meeting to discuss how the candidate can help. This shows both initiative and confidence.
Cover letter example for someone changing careers
Changing careers can be a bold and exciting move, especially when you have a strong foundation of transferable skills. This cover letter example shows how to highlight your past experience and excitement for a new industry.
Dear Samuel Jameson,
Have you ever considered how project management expertise can revolutionize the finance industry?
I am eager to bring my background in project management and strategic planning to the dynamic field of finance at Global Finance Group. My eight years of experience in the technology sector have equipped me with skills in leading cross-functional teams, developing efficient workflows, and delivering projects on time and within budget.
One project I’m particularly proud of involved leading a team to implement a new software system that improved our operational efficiency by 20%. This experience sharpened my ability to manage complex projects and drive results.
What excites me most about this career shift is the opportunity to leverage my analytical and strategic skills to create innovative financial solutions. I am particularly drawn to Global Finance Group’s commitment to excellence and data-driven decision-making. During my time volunteering with a local nonprofit, I managed their budget and financial planning, which further solidified my interest in finance.
Let’s discuss how my project management expertise and passion for finance can contribute to the success of Global Finance Group. Please let me know your availability for a meeting.
Best regards,
Jose Domingo
- Engaging opening: Begin with a strong question that grabs attention and sets the tone for the letter.
- Clear value proposition: Shows how the candidate’s project management skills can help the finance industry.
- Relevant experience: Highlights a project where the candidate boosted efficiency and handled complex tasks.
- Expresses enthusiasm: Shows genuine excitement about the career change and the specific company.
- Call to action: Ends with a strong and clear invitation for a meeting. This will show how the candidate can help the company succeed.
Cover letter example for someone re-entering the workforce
Returning to work after a long break can be tough. But, it’s a chance to highlight your strength and the skills you’ve gained while away.
The following cover letter example demonstrates how to effectively address employment gaps while highlighting your strengths and enthusiasm for the role.
Dear Adam Meeks,
In today’s rapidly evolving business environment, the ability to adapt and drive innovative solutions is more crucial than ever.
After taking a break to focus on my family, I am excited to re-enter the workforce and bring my extensive project management skills to Better Solutions Inc. During my career, I have successfully led numerous projects, streamlined operations, and increased team productivity.
Before my career break, I was a Senior Project Manager at Tech Dynamics, where I led a cross-functional team to implement a new CRM system, resulting in a 30% increase in customer satisfaction and a 20% boost in sales. This experience honed my ability to manage complex projects and deliver impactful results—skills that I am eager to apply at Better Solutions Inc.
What excites me most about re-entering the workforce is the opportunity to leverage my strategic planning and problem-solving skills in a dynamic and forward-thinking company like Better Solutions Inc. Your commitment to innovation and excellence aligns perfectly with my professional values and goals.
Let’s discuss how my experience and fresh perspective can contribute to the success of Better Solutions Inc. Please let me know your availability for a meeting.
Best regards,
Maria Thompson
- Strong opening statement: The cover letter starts with a strong point on adaptability and innovation. This sets a positive and forward-thinking tone.
- Addresses employment gap: It mentions the gap directly and gives context. This shows honesty and transparency without focusing too much on it.
- Highlights relevant experience: The letter shows past achievements and key projects. It highlights the candidate’s skills and their ability to achieve results.
- Shows enthusiasm for the role: The candidate is eager to return to work and aligns with the company’s mission.
- Next steps: It concludes with a clear call to action. It suggests a meeting to talk about how the candidate can help the company’s success.
Generate a perfectly tailored cover letter in seconds
If you’re still having trouble writing your cover letter, try Jobscan’s AI cover letter generator. It looks at your resume and the job ad. Then, it makes a unique cover letter just for the job you want.
To learn more about how the cover letter generator works, watch this brief video:
Upload your resume and a job description into AI Optimize. Click on the ‘Cover Letter’ tab and then click ‘Generate Cover Letter.’ Jobscan will write a tailored cover letter using your resume and information from the job description.
You can make edits directly on the document or click ‘Rewrite with AI’ to further refine your letter. When you’re happy with your cover letter, you can download it as a PDF so it’s ready to upload to your job application.
You can find the cover letter generator in Job Tracker. This makes it easy to view all the job details and your materials in one spot.
Tailor your cover letter to the company
Your cover letter has to answer the question: why you? Why are you the best candidate for the job, and how are you uniquely qualified to tackle the role?
Here are some tips to optimize your cover letter for the opportunity you’re applying for.
- Learn about the company: Check their website, read news articles, and look at their social media. Find out their challenges and goals.
- Analyze the job description: Identify the role’s specific needs and how your skills align.
- Highlight relevant experience: Focus on accomplishments, skills, problem-solving, industry knowledge, and teamwork.
When emailing a cover letter, use a clear subject line like “Application for Content Developer – [Your Name].”
You can send your cover letter by email in two ways:
- Paste the text of the cover letter directly into the body of the email.
- Attach the cover letter as a PDF document.
FAQs
Your cover letter should be one page long, consisting of three to four paragraphs. The total word count should be around 250-400 words.
Employers look for personalization in your cover letter, showing that it’s tailored to the specific job and company. Highlight relevant experience and skills that match the job requirements. Include specific achievements that demonstrate your capabilities and contributions.
Yes, absolutely. Providing specific examples of your accomplishments and how they relate to the job is crucial. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your examples.
In your cover letter, you should write:
• An introduction that states the position you’re applying for.
• Paragraphs that highlight your relevant skills and experience.
• Specific examples of your accomplishments.
• An explanation of why you’re a good fit for the company.
• A strong closing that expresses your interest in an interview.
Your cover letter should be:
• One page in length.
• Formatted with a professional font and layout.
• Include your contact information and the employer’s contact information.
• Consists of an opening paragraph, two body paragraphs, and a closing paragraph.
The primary goals of a simple cover letter are to make a good impression, get someone to read your resume, and offer you a job interview. It also shows you have good communication skills, which are highly valuable in today’s workforce.
