Cover letters remain a standard part of job applications despite debates about their effectiveness. Here are answers to 15 frequently asked questions about writing cover letters.
Key Takeaways
TL;DR
Craft a compelling, customized cover letter for every job application, treating it as a critical opportunity to showcase your unique qualifications. Focus on concise, strategic content that goes beyond your resume, highlighting 2-3 key achievements and demonstrating genuine interest in the specific role. Aim for a one-page document with 250-400 words that provides context, personality, and clear alignment with the job description.
- Always include one when optional. "Optional" often means "expected."
- Keep it to one page. 3-4 paragraphs, 250-400 words maximum.
- Customize for each job. Generic cover letters are easy to spot and ignore.
Do I Need One Questions
Most job applications absolutely require a cover letter, even if not explicitly requested. A tailored cover letter demonstrates professionalism, highlights your unique qualifications beyond the resume, and gives hiring managers deeper insight into your motivation and cultural fit for the specific role.
Do I need a cover letter in 2026?
Cover letters remain essential for competitive job markets, especially in professional industries like tech, finance, and healthcare. Tailored letters demonstrate communication skills and provide narrative context beyond resume bullet points. Top-tier roles and executive positions still expect a strategic, well-crafted cover letter as a professional courtesy.
Yes, in most cases. While some argue cover letters are dying, many hiring managers still read them—especially for roles requiring communication skills. If the application allows a cover letter, include one. It's an opportunity to explain context (career changes, gaps) that your resume can't convey.
What if the cover letter is optional?
Always submit a cover letter, even when optional. Recruiters view optional cover letters as opportunities to demonstrate communication skills and cultural fit. A well-crafted letter can distinguish you from equally qualified candidates by providing narrative context to your resume's bullet points and showcasing your genuine interest in the specific role.
Submit one anyway. "Optional" often means "we'll notice if you don't." It shows extra effort and genuine interest. The only exception: if the application explicitly says "Do not include a cover letter." Use the opportunity to stand out from candidates who skip it.
Do cover letters actually get read?
Cover letters are read by 40-60% of recruiters, with executive and specialized roles having higher read rates. Hiring managers use cover letters to assess communication skills, cultural fit, and genuine interest beyond resume metrics. A tailored, concise letter can distinguish you from candidates with similar qualifications.
Yes, by many hiring managers—though not all. A 2024 survey found 83% of hiring managers read cover letters at least sometimes, and 65% find them helpful for borderline candidates. Cover letters matter most for: competitive roles, career changers, those explaining gaps, and positions requiring strong communication.
Can I use the same cover letter for every job?
Never use a generic cover letter for multiple job applications. Each cover letter must be uniquely tailored to the specific role, company culture, and job description. Recruiters instantly recognize templated letters, which signal low effort and reduce your chances of securing an interview by up to 70%.
No. Generic cover letters are obvious and ineffective. Customize each letter by: addressing the specific company and role, highlighting relevant qualifications for that job, and showing you understand the company's needs. Templates are fine as starting points, but personalize substantially.
How Long Should a Cover Letter Be?
A strong cover letter should be 250-400 words, occupying one single-spaced page. Aim for 3-4 concise paragraphs that highlight your most compelling qualifications and demonstrate clear alignment with the job description. Recruiters typically spend 30-60 seconds scanning each letter, so every word must add strategic value.
How long should a cover letter be?
A professional cover letter should be exactly one page long, typically 250-400 words. Limit your letter to 3-4 concise paragraphs that highlight your most relevant qualifications and demonstrate clear alignment with the job description. Recruiters consistently prefer succinct, targeted communications that respect their time.
One page maximum: 250-400 words, 3-4 paragraphs. Hiring managers won't read longer letters. Be concise—every sentence should add value. If you can't fit your pitch in one page, you're including too much. Focus on your 2-3 most compelling qualifications.
What format should a cover letter follow?
A professional cover letter follows a standard business letter format with clear, concise sections: header, salutation, opening paragraph, body paragraphs, and closing. Typically one page long, it should align with your resume's design and highlight 2-3 key achievements that directly match the job description's requirements.
Standard business letter format: Your contact info, Date, Employer's info, Salutation, 3-4 paragraphs (opening hook, qualifications, specific fit, call to action), Professional closing, Signature. Match your resume's visual style (fonts, colors) for a cohesive application package.
Should a cover letter be in the body of an email or attached?
Attach your cover letter as a PDF unless the job posting specifically requests email body placement. Most modern employers prefer a clean, professional PDF attachment that maintains formatting. Emails with long body text often get truncated or skimmed, reducing your document's visual impact and readability.
Follow instructions if specified. If not: for online applications, upload as a separate PDF. For email applications, you can do both—put a brief version in the email body and attach the full letter. Never put a cover letter in the same file as your resume unless specifically requested.
What Content Questions Do You Have About Cover Letters?
Effective cover letters answer three critical strategic questions for employers: Why you, why this role, and why now. Top candidates customize each letter to show precise role alignment, demonstrating deep research into the company's current challenges and opportunities. Concrete examples and quantifiable achievements transform a generic letter into a compelling narrative.
What should I include in a cover letter?
A compelling cover letter must highlight your unique value proposition and directly address the specific job requirements. Customize each letter by mirroring the employer's language, providing concrete examples of past achievements, and demonstrating how your skills align precisely with their needs. Avoid generic templates and generic statements.
Include: why you're interested in this specific role/company (1 paragraph), why you're qualified with evidence (1-2 paragraphs), and a confident closing with call to action (1 paragraph). Don't just repeat your resume—add context, personality, and enthusiasm that your resume can't convey.
How do I start a cover letter?
Start your cover letter by directly addressing the hiring manager by name and referencing the specific job title and company. Open with a compelling first paragraph that highlights your most relevant qualification and demonstrates immediate alignment with the role's requirements. Avoid generic introductions that could apply to any job.
Skip clichés like "I am writing to apply for..." Lead with something compelling: a shared connection, genuine enthusiasm for the company, a relevant accomplishment, or how you discovered the role. Hook the reader in your first sentence. Example: "Your company's mission to democratize financial literacy is why I've followed your work for three years."
How should I address a cover letter?
Address your cover letter to a specific person by name, preferably the hiring manager or recruiter directly responsible for the role. If the name is unavailable, use "Dear Hiring Manager" instead of generic salutations like "To Whom It May Concern." Research the company's LinkedIn or website to identify the appropriate contact.
Address to a specific person if possible—research on LinkedIn or the company website. "Dear [Hiring Manager's Name]," is ideal. If you can't find a name: "Dear Hiring Manager," or "Dear [Department] Team," are acceptable. Avoid "To Whom It May Concern" (outdated) and "Dear Sir or Madam" (assumes gender).
How do I end a cover letter?
Close your cover letter with a confident call-to-action that demonstrates your genuine interest in the role. Specify your desire for an interview, thank the reader for their consideration, and provide clear contact information. End with a professional sign-off like "Sincerely" or "Best regards" followed by your full name.
End with confidence and a call to action: "I'd welcome the opportunity to discuss how my experience in [area] can contribute to [Company's goal]. I look forward to speaking with you." Close with "Sincerely," "Best regards," or "Thank you for your consideration." Follow with your name.
Should I mention salary in my cover letter?
Never mention salary in your cover letter unless explicitly requested by the job posting. Salary discussions are reserved for later stages of interviewing, typically after you've demonstrated your value and been extended an initial offer. Premature salary mentions can signal desperation or price yourself out of consideration.
Only if explicitly requested by the employer. Otherwise, avoid it—it can screen you out prematurely. If required to state expectations, give a range based on research: "Based on my research and experience, I'm targeting the $X-$Y range, though I'm flexible for the right opportunity."
What Special Situations Should You Address in Your Cover Letter?
Address career gaps, employment changes, and unique qualifications that your resume cannot fully explain. Proactively frame potential employer concerns by providing context for non-traditional career paths, explaining geographical relocations, or highlighting specialized skills that make you an exceptional candidate.
How do I explain a career gap in a cover letter?
Address career gaps directly and positively, highlighting personal growth and skill development during the period. Frame the gap as a strategic pause that equipped you with transferable experiences, whether through freelance work, caregiving, learning new skills, or personal professional development. Demonstrate proactive self-improvement.
Address gaps briefly and positively: "After taking time to [caregiving/education/health matter now resolved], I'm eager to return to [field]." Focus on what you did during the gap (skills maintained, courses taken) and why you're ready now. Don't over-explain—one or two sentences is enough.
How do I write a cover letter for a career change?
Craft a cover letter that bridges your existing skills to your target industry by highlighting transferable competencies and passion for the new field. Demonstrate how your previous experience provides unique perspective and value. Focus on learning agility, adaptability, and specific professional attributes that translate across career domains.
Bridge your past and future: explain why you're changing, highlight transferable skills, and show you understand the new field. "My 10 years in sales taught me [transferable skills]. My recent [training/certification] in [new field] prepared me to apply these skills in [target role]. I'm drawn to your company because [specific reason]."
Can I use AI to write my cover letter?
AI can draft cover letters, but human editing is mandatory to ensure authenticity and personal connection. Recruiters quickly detect AI-generated text lacking genuine personality. Use AI as a starting point, then customize substantively with specific achievements, company research, and your unique professional voice.
AI tools can help draft cover letters, but personalize heavily. AI-generated letters often sound generic and may trigger plagiarism concerns. Use AI for brainstorming or initial drafts, then rewrite in your own voice with specific examples. Your cover letter should sound like you, not a bot.
Need help writing compelling cover letters? Resume Geni's AI-powered builder includes cover letter templates matched to your resume and target roles.
What Resume Resources Can Help You Write Better?
Top resume resources include professional writing platforms like Resume Geni, LinkedIn's career tools, and industry-specific resume builders. Leverage free templates from Canva, utilize resume scoring on ZipJob, and tap into professional networks like Indeed and Monster for targeted advice and template libraries.
- ATS Resume Formatting Guide
- Quantifying Resume Achievements
- Resume Keywords Optimization
- Professional Summary Examples
- Cover Letter Guide
How Should You List Sources and References on a Cover Letter?
Do not list references on a cover letter; instead, write "References available upon request" only if there's ample space. Professional cover letters focus on your qualifications and achievements. Save detailed reference contact information for a separate document to be shared during later interview stages.