How to Write a Standout Cover Letter

I really don’t like writing cover letters. They add so much stress to an already tough job search. Every time I sit down to write one, I can’t help but wonder: Do people even read these things?

Sadly, the answer is yes. But there are ways to make the process a bit easier. I reached out to Amy Gallo, an editor at Harvard Business Review and author of “How to Write a Cover Letter,” for some tips. She gave me great advice on everything from researching the company to starting with a strong introduction and highlighting what makes you valuable. Thanks to her guidance, I even revamped my own cover letter—and it got her stamp of approval. (Scroll down if you need an expert-approved example!)

Transcript

ELAINY MATA: So, you’re wondering how to tackle the cover letter? Trust me, I get it—I really hate writing them too. I mean, I absolutely despise cover letters.

But they’re important, so we have to face the music and figure out how to write a good one.

Don’t worry, though. I’ve got you covered, and we’re going to get through this together. These tips will make the process a whole lot easier. So if you’re ready to take on the cover letter, stick around and keep watching.

Right now, I have three cover letters I’ve written for different jobs, and honestly, I’m embarrassed to even look at them.

“To whom it may concern, to whom it may concern, to whom it may concern.”

“I would like to respectfully submit this cover letter. I would like to respectfully submit this cover letter.”

“I am a passionate, detail-oriented person. I am a passionate, detail-oriented person.”

Ugh, these don’t sound like me at all. It feels like I’m just trying to impress someone with fancy words.

I spoke with Amy Gallo, an editor at Harvard Business Review and the author of the popular article “How to Write a Cover Letter.”

AMY GALLO: “First off, you’re not alone. I write about cover letters too, and I hate them just as much.”

ELAINY MATA: Amy’s done the research and talked to the experts, and I’m going to share exactly what she told me.

Make it one page

ELAINY MATA: So, how long should a cover letter be? Just one page. That’s it—one page.

AMY GALLO: Don’t mess around with tiny fonts or super wide margins to fit everything in. Instead, focus on what’s truly essential and make sure it all fits neatly on one page.

Do research, find a name

ELAINY MATA: This might seem obvious, but let’s get into the details. If you’re applying for a job at Harvard Business Review, start by checking out their website. Look at their “About Us” section to understand their mission, their tone, and what they’re all about.

But don’t stop there. Dig a bit deeper. Check out their LinkedIn and Twitter to see what they’re talking about right now, who they’re engaging with, and what’s currently trending in their world. This will give you a better idea of what’s going on at the company.

And here’s a tip: find the hiring manager’s name. It’s always better to address your cover letter to a specific person rather than using “To Whom It May Concern.” You might need to do a bit of sleuthing—like a private investigator—to track down the right name.

AMY GALLO: Absolutely, some creeping is part of the process! LinkedIn can be really helpful for this. Look for who posted the job or who’s sharing it. You might not find the exact hiring manager, but at least you’re making it more personal. Sometimes, it’s even okay to reach out and ask, “Who’s the hiring manager for this job? I’d like to address my cover letter to them.”

Start strong

ELAINY MATA: We’ve all written that same boring intro before: “Hi, I’m [Your Name], I live here, and I’m applying for this job.” But here’s the thing—the hiring manager has a pile of these letters, so you need to stand out. Amy, can you share an example of a strong, attention-grabbing opening line for a cover letter? I promise I won’t copy it!

AMY GALLO: Feel free to use it! Here’s a solid example:

“I saw your job listing on [website], and I was excited because it’s exactly the kind of role where I can use my skills in [X].”

Keep it short, enthusiastic, and directly related to the job.

Emphasize your value

ELAINY MATA: First, figure out what problem the company is trying to solve. They’re hiring for a reason, so find out what that reason is and think about how you can help solve it. Amy also found that the top two qualities companies look for are adaptability and the ability to learn quickly.

Now, if you’ve just graduated and see jobs asking for three to five years of experience, you might wonder how to write a cover letter when you feel like you don’t have enough to share.

AMY GALLO: Great question! Your cover letter isn’t about your past; that’s what your resume is for. Instead, focus on the future. Show how you can take what you’ve learned and apply it to the job you’re aiming for.

Convey enthusiasm, not desperation

ELAINY MATA: It’s tricky to get this right. You want to show that you’re excited and ready to bring energy to the team. But be careful not to come on too strong—being too eager can sometimes backfire.

Find a proofreader

AMY GALLO: Write your cover letter, then get someone else to look it over—someone who knows you well and can be honest. We’re not always the best judges of our own writing.

ELAINY MATA: Having a second pair of eyes helps catch any mistakes and makes sure your letter makes sense.

Amy, this sounds like a lot of work. Is there a quicker way to handle this for different jobs?

AMY GALLO: Job hunting is definitely a time-consuming process. But you can make it easier by using a template. Start with a strong cover letter for your first application, then have a friend review it for tone. Do your research on the company just once. After that, you just need to tweak the letter for each new job. Does that sound more manageable?

ELAINY MATA: Yes, much better.

So, my next step is to apply for a job at HBR and write a new cover letter using Amy’s tips. Let’s get to it.

This is tough. I didn’t say it would be easy—maybe easier than before, but still challenging.

The first draft

Dear Maureen and the Hiring Team,

I saw your job listing on LinkedIn and got really excited because this position is exactly what I’ve been looking for. It’s a great fit for my skills in video production and management, and I’m eager to help the Creative Center create engaging content.

My experience in news and movie production has taught me how to take an idea and turn it into a well-planned, visually appealing final product. I’ve worked with Adobe Creative Suite and TriCaster, and I’ve collaborated with team members to write scripts and design storyboards.

Joining the Creative Center team would be a fantastic opportunity for me to grow as a producer. I’m ready to take on challenges, support production planning, speed up video publication, and manage content effectively.

AMY GALLO: You kept it brief, which is great.

ELAINY MATA: Really?

AMY GALLO: Yes, the opening sentence is perfect. But then it gets a bit stiff and sounds like your resume. It needs more of your personality.

The final draft

ELAINY MATA: So, Amy, after all the revisions, how do you think I did?

AMY GALLO: Let me check it out. You did a really good job!

You’ve hit all the key points. There’s personality in there, and you’ve complimented the company just the right amount—no over-the-top flattery. Honestly, I’d invite you in based on this letter. It’s great.

ELAINY MATA: That’s it for me! You’ve seen the whole process, and I definitely feel more confident about tackling cover letters now. They’re tough to write, so good luck out there! Watch this as many times as you need. Practice makes perfect. See you soon!

Cover letter example 

Dear Maureen and Team,

I was thrilled to see your job posting on LinkedIn—it’s exactly what I’ve been searching for! I’m excited about the chance to use my video production experience and passion for storytelling with an organization known for top-notch content.

With five years in broadcast journalism, research, and video production, I bring a solid, organized approach to this role. I see video production as a puzzle, and I love figuring out how all the pieces fit together to create something amazing. I start by having detailed conversations with my team and other stakeholders to get all the logistics sorted, from locations to talent.

Then comes the fun part: developing the concept and picking the right visuals. I’m a big fan of brainstorming and storyboarding, and I value working with a diverse team to get fresh perspectives and ideas. I also look for inspiration from different sources, like magazines, to see new ways of storytelling. This approach has helped me grow as a creator and make a mark in the film industry.

You can check out my website to see examples of how I put this process into action to create engaging content.

Given my experience and excitement for your work, I think I’d be a great fit for your team. I recently used your Patient Zero product at my current job, and I was impressed by how you made online training both challenging and engaging. Your ability to bring storytelling into every project is exactly what I believe in.

I’d love to discuss how I can contribute to your team at Harvard Business Publishing. Thank you for considering my application. I’m looking forward to the possibility of working together!

Best regards,

[Your Name]