Cover letters
How to Write a Cover Letter That Gets Read
Updated · 7 min read · By the CareerDesks team
Not every employer reads cover letters, but the ones who do use them to decide between similar candidates. A short, specific letter that connects your experience to their needs can tip the decision your way.
A four-paragraph structure
- Opening: the role you are applying for and one sentence on why you are a strong fit.
- Proof: one or two achievements that match the job's top requirements.
- Why them: something specific about the company, product, or team that draws you to it.
- Close: restate your interest, mention availability, and thank them.
Example cover letter
Dear Hiring Team,
I am applying for the Marketing Coordinator role at Northwind. In two years at a regional retailer I have run email and social campaigns end to end, and I would like to bring that experience to a brand I already buy from.
Last year I rebuilt our welcome email series and introduced simple A/B tests. Within six months the series became our highest-converting channel. I also coordinated a product launch across five stores, managing timelines with the design and store teams.
Your recent move into refill packaging stood out to me. Explaining a change like that clearly to customers is the kind of campaign I want to work on.
I would welcome the chance to discuss how I can support your team. Thank you for your time.
Kind regards, Priya Sharma
Tips that make a difference
- Address a person by name when you can find it; otherwise "Dear Hiring Team" is fine.
- Keep it under one page, ideally 250 to 400 words.
- Do not repeat your resume. Pick one or two stories and add context.
- Match the tone of the company, formal or relaxed.
- Save it as PDF with a clear file name.
Tip: CareerDesks can draft a cover letter from your saved resume and the job description, which you then edit in your own words. See the cover letter builder.
Frequently asked questions
Is a cover letter still necessary?
When a posting asks for one, always send it. When it is optional, a short tailored letter can still help, especially for career changers and competitive roles.
How long should a cover letter be?
Three to four short paragraphs, about 250 to 400 words, on a single page.
Related guides
- How to Write a Career Change ResumeChanging careers? Learn how to structure a career change resume, translate your experience into the new field's language, and prove you can do the job.
- How to Tailor Your Resume to a Job DescriptionA repeatable 15-minute routine to tailor your resume for each job: find the key requirements, match your experience honestly, and save a version per application.
- How to Follow Up on a Job Application (With Email Templates)When to follow up after applying or interviewing, what to say, and copy-ready email templates for every stage of the hiring process.