Writing a Cover Letter: 2024 Guide & Tips

Looking for a new job and wondering how to write a cover letter that actually gets you noticed?

Job hunting can be tough, but a standout cover letter can make all the difference. To catch a hiring manager’s eye, your cover letter needs to be more than just okay—it needs to shine.

So, how can you craft a great cover letter for each job without losing your mind? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered!

By the end of this post, you’ll learn how to turn a boring, generic cover letter into one that grabs attention and helps you land that interview.

What is a cover letter?

A cover letter is a document you usually send along with your resume or CV when you’re applying for a job. Think of it as a way to introduce yourself and explain why you’d be a great fit for the role.

Your cover letter should be customized for each job and company you’re applying to. It should show off your relevant skills and experience, express your excitement for the position, and explain why you’re the perfect person for the job.

Do I need a cover letter in 2024?

Yes, a strong cover letter is still important for landing a job in 2024.

A great cover letter can give your job application extra context and help you stand out from the crowd. It’s your chance to add more details about your resume, explain any gaps in your work history, or address other unusual situations.

Unfortunately, many people just repeat their resume in their cover letter, which isn’t very effective.

Make sure to save this article so you can avoid these common mistakes!

Formatting your cover letter in 2024

How you format your cover letter can make a big difference in how easily a hiring manager notices you.

Formatting a cover letter is a bit different from formatting a resume. While your resume focuses on the layout and structure of your content, your cover letter should emphasize the structure of what you say. Make sure you use a professional font and size, and highlight relevant skills or keywords to catch the hiring manager’s eye.

How to format your cover letter 

Make your next application cover letter compelling, succinct, and unambiguous by using these steps:

Step 1: Pick a Professional Font and Size
Choose a clean, professional font like Arial, Calibri, or Times New Roman. Use a font size between 10.5 and 12 points to keep your cover letter easy to read and looking sharp.

Step 2: Set Your Margins
Stick with 1-inch margins on all sides to keep your letter neat and readable. If needed, you can adjust the margins a bit to fit everything on one page, but don’t go smaller than 0.5 inches.

Step 3: Align Your Text to the Left
Align all your text to the left for a clean, professional appearance. Avoid using justified text, as it can create awkward spaces and make your letter harder to read.

Writing a great cover letter involves two main things: what you include and how you organize it.

A typical cover letter should have these sections:

1. Professional Heading
2. Greeting or Salutation
3. Introduction Paragraph
4. Body Paragraph
5. Closing Paragraph
6. Sign-Off and Signature

You don’t need to be overly creative with the structure. Just stick to this traditional format and fill it with solid, quantifiable details about your past achievements.

How to write a cover letter

Even if creating a cover letter is straightforward, it’s still not easy! You can follow the steps below to assist you in completing the procedure.

1. Add a professional heading

Your cover letter heading should have your name, phone number, and email address. Place it at the top of the page, and you can either center it or align it to the left or right side.

Example of a cover letter heading

Jane Doe
jane.doe@email.com
(123) 456-7890

[Date]

[Employer’s Name]
[Company Name]
[Company Address]

In this example, Jane Doe’s name, email, and phone number are clearly listed at the top of her cover letter. This way, the hiring manager can easily find her contact details. It keeps everything neat and organized, making it simple for them to get in touch.

2. Greet the hiring manager

Right from the start, your cover letter will stand out more if you address it to a specific person rather than using a generic greeting.

Try to find out the name and title of the person handling the hiring for the job you’re applying for, and address your letter directly to them.

Example of a cover letter greeting:

Dear Ms. Sarah Johnson,

Using the hiring manager’s name makes your letter feel more personal and shows that you’ve put in the effort to find out who’s in charge. This approach not only demonstrates professionalism but also makes your application stand out by being more tailored and considerate, compared to a generic “To Whom It May Concern.“

3. Write a cover letter introduction 

The first paragraph of your cover letter is your chance to make a strong impression and grab the hiring manager’s attention.

Here’s how to craft a compelling opening:

1. Start with a hook: Begin with a sentence that catches the reader’s eye. Mention the job title you’re applying for or highlight a key achievement that makes you stand out.
2. Show your enthusiasm: Let the hiring manager know how excited you are about the opportunity to work for their company and in this specific role.
3. Reference the job posting: Mention how you found out about the job and why you’re interested in this particular position.
4. Summarize your qualifications: Give a brief overview of your relevant skills and experiences, showing why you’re the best fit for the job.

Example of a cover letter introduction

Dear [Hiring Manager’s Name],

I was thrilled to come across the [Job Title] role at [Company Name] on [Job Board or Website]. As an experienced [Skill or Relevant Experience], I’m confident in my ability to make a positive impact on your team.

I’m particularly excited about the opportunity to work with [Company Name] because of its reputation for [Company’s Unique Trait or Reason for Interest]. I’m eager to bring my skills in [Skill or Relevant Experience] to the table and help drive [Company’s Goal or Project].

4. Write the body paragraph

Writing the body of your cover letter might seem intimidating, but breaking it down into simple steps can help you craft a strong, engaging narrative that shows why you’re a great fit for the job. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you write a compelling body paragraph:

1. Understand the job requirements: Start by carefully reading the job description. Pinpoint the key skills and qualifications the employer wants.
2. Highlight your relevant experience: Pick two or three experiences from your resume that align best with the job requirements. Focus on those where you’ve demonstrated the skills mentioned in the job description.
3. Use specific examples: For each experience, share a specific example that shows how you used the relevant skills. Mention where you worked, what your role was, the actions you took, and the results you achieved.
4. Quantify your achievements: Whenever possible, use numbers to make your accomplishments more concrete and impressive. For example, instead of saying “I increased sales,” say “I increased sales by 20% in six months.”
5. Connect your experience to the role: Clearly explain how your past experiences have prepared you for the job you’re applying for. Make it easy for the hiring manager to see how your skills and achievements align with their needs.
6. Show enthusiasm: Let your excitement for the role and the company shine through. Employers want someone genuinely interested and motivated to contribute.

Example Body Paragraph for a Cover Letter

“With over five years of experience in digital marketing, I have honed my skills in creating targeted campaigns that drive significant results. At my previous company, XYZ Corp, I led a campaign aimed at increasing brand engagement. By leveraging data analytics and innovative content strategies, I boosted brand engagement by 30% within six months and increased sales by 20%. One specific initiative involved a social media campaign that not only garnered over 50,000 new followers but also improved customer retention rates by 15%. These results were achieved through strategic planning, meticulous execution, and continuous performance analysis.

‍Moreover, my role as a digital marketing specialist required me to work closely with cross-functional teams, enhancing my collaboration and project management skills. I consistently met tight deadlines while ensuring the highest quality of work. My experience in data-driven decision-making and my ability to adapt to fast-paced environments make me confident that I can bring the same level of success to [Company Name] as your new Marketing Manager.

‍I am particularly excited about the opportunity at [Company Name] because of your innovative approach to digital marketing and your commitment to excellence. I am eager to contribute my expertise and passion for marketing to help drive your company’s continued growth and success.”

5. Write your cover letter closing paragraph

The closing paragraph of your cover letter is your last chance to make a great impression. Here’s how to wrap it up effectively:

1. Say thank you: Begin by thanking the hiring manager for reviewing your application. This shows you’re appreciative and professional.
2. Reaffirm your interest: Let them know you’re excited about the job and the company. Briefly mention why you’re a great fit for the role, touching on your most relevant skills and experiences.
3. Invite next steps: Encourage the hiring manager to reach out to schedule an interview or discuss your application further. Make sure to include your contact information so they can easily get in touch with you.

Example of a Closing Paragraph for a Cover Letter

“Thank you for considering my application for the Marketing Manager position at [Company Name]. I am excited about the opportunity to contribute to your team and help drive your marketing initiatives forward. I am confident that my experience in digital marketing, coupled with my proven track record of achieving significant results, makes me a strong candidate for this role. I look forward to the possibility of discussing my application further. Please feel free to contact me at [Your Phone Number] or [Your Email Address] to schedule an interview. Thank you again for your time and consideration.”

6. Write your sign off

Your sign-off should be polite and professional, leaving a good impression.

Wrap up with a formal closing like “Sincerely” or “Best regards,” and then add your full name. If you’re submitting a paper copy, leave space above your typed name for your signature.

Example of a Cover Letter Sign-Off

Sincerely,
[Your Full Name]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email Address]

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Cover letter format best practices

Here’s how to create a sharp and professional cover letter:

1) Keep it Short: Stick to one page, using clear and straightforward language.

2) Pick a Professional Font: Go with something easy to read, like Arial, Calibri, or Times New Roman, and keep the font size between 10 and 12 points.

3) Left-Align Your Text: This makes your cover letter clean and easy to read.

4) Add Your Contact Info: At the top, include your name, address, phone number, and email.

5) Set Proper Margins: Use one-inch margins on all sides to keep everything neat.

6) Use Bullet Points: Break up long paragraphs with bullet points to make the content easier to skim.

7) Address the Hiring Manager: If you can, find out the hiring manager’s name and address the letter to them. If not, a general greeting like “To whom it may concern” or “Dear Hiring Manager” works.

8) Highlight Key Skills and Experience: In the body, focus on the skills and experiences that match the job description. Use specific examples to show how you can add value.

9) Close and Sign Off: End with a closing like “Sincerely” or “Best regards,” and sign your name if it’s a hard copy.

10) Proofread Carefully: Double-check your letter for spelling and grammar mistakes before you send it. Even small errors can make a big difference.

Remember, your cover letter is your chance to make a great first impression, so take your time to format it well and follow these tips.

Example cover letter for 2024

Every cover letter is different because it reflects your personal experience.

But having a template can make things easier and help you get started. Take a look at the example below to spark some ideas for your own cover letter:

Dear Hiring Manager,

I’m writing to express my interest in the Senior Sales role at [Company Name]. With 5 years of experience in the tech industry and a proven track record of exceeding sales targets, I’m confident in my ability to positively contribute to your team.

I was particularly drawn to [Company Name] because of your reputation as an innovative and forward-thinking company driving growth in the tech industry. I admire your commitment to [Company Value or Goal] and believe my skills and experience make me a strong fit for this role.

As a sales professional at [Current Company Name], I’ve consistently exceeded my sales targets and have been recognized for my ability to close complex deals and build long-lasting relationships with clients. I’m confident that my experience, combined with my passion for sales and my strong work ethic, will enable me to make a positive impact at [Company Name].

Thank you for considering my application. I’m eager to bring my skills and experience to your team and help drive [Company’s Goal or Project]. Please feel free to contact me at [Your Phone Number] or via email at [Your Email Address] to schedule an interview or to discuss my application further.

Sincerely,

[Your Name]

Tips for writing a cover letter

Do your research 

When writing a personalized cover letter, start by researching the company you’re applying to. Get to know its values, mission, and goals so you can tailor your cover letter to fit what they’re all about and show you’re excited to work there.

In your cover letter, highlight specific things you admire about the company or that align with your own values and goals. For example, you could mention their commitment to sustainability or their innovative approach to industry challenges.

The aim is to show the hiring manager that you’re genuinely interested in the company and the role, and that you’re a great fit for the job.

Show your personality

Your cover letter is a great chance to let your personality and writing style shine.

Don’t be afraid to add a bit of flair, but keep it professional and suitable for the job you’re applying for.

Here’s an example of a cover letter intro with a touch of personality:

Dear Hiring Manager,

As someone who’s as passionate about crafting narratives as I’m about meticulously analyzing data, I couldn’t help but apply when I came across the Digital Marketing Specialist position at [Company Name]. Like a modern-day Sherlock Holmes, I’m eager to dive into the world of data-driven marketing, uncover hidden insights, and strategize solutions to help your company stand out in the digital landscape (don’t worry, you won’t need to hire a Watson )

This not only shows the candidate’s excitement for the role but also adds a hint of humor, which can suggest a good fit for the company culture.

Highlight specific achievements

Rather than just listing your duties from past jobs, focus on what you actually achieved and the positive impact you made. Use specific numbers and stats to back up your successes.

For example, you could talk about how you boosted sales by a certain percentage or made a process more efficient, saving the company [X number of hours] or [Y dollars]. The main point is to highlight your measurable accomplishments.

Address any potential gaps 

If there are any doubts about your qualifications or experience, tackle them head-on in your cover letter. Share how you’ve dealt with similar challenges before and why you’re confident you can excel in this role.

For instance, if you’re lacking experience in a particular area, mention how you’ve been working to build those skills—like taking a course or learning from someone with more experience.

Use keywords

Keywords are specific words or phrases related to a job or industry that help your resume get noticed by both applicant tracking systems (ATS) and recruiters. These systems scan resumes to find candidates who best fit the job.

Don’t worry—ATS software won’t reject you just for using slightly different terms. Instead, it favors resumes that match the job description well.

To boost your chances of getting past the initial screening, use keywords from the job posting to highlight your relevant skills and experiences. Tools like Teal’s AI Resume Builder can help by highlighting these keywords for you.

Proofread

Always double-check your cover letter for typos, grammatical errors, and other mistakes. A polished cover letter not only makes a strong impression but also shows that you pay attention to detail.

Take some time to review it carefully, and if possible, ask someone else to look it over too. A fresh set of eyes can catch errors you might have missed.