Most cover letters get skimmed in 7 seconds. This guide teaches you how to write one that stops the scroll, grabs attention, and makes recruiters eager to call you.
In a world of one-click LinkedIn applications and automated tracking systems (ATS), is the cover letter dead? Absolutely not.
Think of your resume as the "Spec Sheet"—it lists features, dimensions, and capacities. The cover letter is the "Sales Pitch"—it explains why those features matter, tells a story, and creates an emotional connection.
While some companies (like tech giants) may make them optional, for startups, creative roles, and competitive internships, a well-crafted cover letter is often the tie-breaker between two equally qualified candidates.
This guide will teach you exactly how to write a cover letter that gets recruiters excited to interview you, using proven psychological triggers and professional formatting.
Understanding the "Why" prevents you from writing a boring "What".
Your resume answers "Can they do the job?" Your cover letter answers "Do we want to work with them?" and "Do they really want THIS job?"
The best cover letters follow a logical narrative arc. We call this the HOOK-PITCH-FIT-CLOSE formula.
Grab attention instantly.
State the role you're applying for and a "hook"—a major achievement, a personal connection to the product, or a referral.
Length: 2-3 sentences
Prove you can do the job.
Select 2-3 top requirements from the Job Description and provide evidence (PAR method) that you have mastered them.
Length: 4-6 sentences
Why them? Why you?
Demonstrate knowledge of their culture, mission, or recent news. Show why you align with their values.
Length: 3-4 sentences
Call to Action.
Reiterate enthusiasm. Proposal a meeting/chat. Thank them.
Length: 2 sentences
The opening is your "headline". If it's boring, they won't read the rest.
"To Whom It May Concern, I am writing to apply for the Software Engineering Intern position listed on LinkedIn. I am a student at XYZ University and I believe I am a good fit."
Why it fails: Generic, weak, passive.
"When I built a campus event finder that helped 500+ students connect, I realized my passion for building community tools. That's why I'm thrilled to apply for the Software Engineering role at Meetup: your mission to foster real-world connections aligns perfectly with my drive to build impactful tech."
Why it wins: Starts with achievement, connects to mission, shows specific company interest.
1. The "Achievement" Hook
"Having recently led a team used [Methodology] to increase [Metric] by [X%], I was excited to see [Company]'s opening for a [Role] focused on [Goal]."
2. The "Company Fan" Hook
"I've been using [Product] since 2021, and it completely transformed how I [Task]. As a developer who loves your API's [Specific Feature], I'd be honored to contribute to the team building..."
3. The "News/Event" Hook
"I was captivated by [CEO Name]'s presentation at [Conference] about the future of [Industry]. Your commitment to [Innovation] inspired me to apply for..."
Your body paragraphs must prove you can solve their problems. Use the PAR Method (Problem, Action, Result) just like in your interviews.
Before (Weak)
"i have experience with Python and SQL. I worked as an intern last summer where I did data analysis. I am also good at communication and working in teams. I am a hard worker."
After (Strong)
"Your job description highlights the need for data-driven decision making. During my internship at TechCorp, I analyzed over 10GB of customer usage data using Python and SQL. I identified a pattern in user drop-off that, when fixed, saved the company $5,000 monthly. I'm eager to bring this same analytical rigor to your growth team."
"I thrive on solving complex backend challenges. At [Previous Role], I reduced API latency by 40% by implementing [Specific Tech]. I'm excited to apply this optimization mindset to your scalable systems."
"I believe design should be invisible yet impactful. My redesign of [Project] increased user engagement by 25%. I admire [Company]'s clean aesthetic and would love to contribute to your design system."
"I don't just create content; I drive conversions. My last campaign for [Project] reached 10k accounts organically and converted at 3%. I'm ready to scale these results for [Company]."
Don't fizzle out. End with a Call To Action (CTA).
"I'd welcome the chance to discuss how my background in [Area] aligns with your team's needs. I am available for an interview at your earliest convenience."
"I have a few ideas on how [Company] could approach [Challenge mentioned in News], and I'd love to share them with you. Thank you for your time and consideration."
🚫 Avoid These Weak Endings:
You studied Civil Engineering but want to be a Developer.
Strategy: Focus on transferable skills (logic, discipline, math).
You have 0 internships and are just starting.
Strategy: Highlight potential, academic projects, and eagerness/speed of learning.
You know someone inside.
Strategy: Drop the name immediately in the first sentence. It's your golden ticket.
You took a year off.
Strategy: Own it briefly, pivot to readiness, and move on.
Dear Hiring Manager,
My morning routine hasn't been the same since I discovered [App Name]. It literally saved me 4 hours a week on meal planning. So, when I saw you were hiring a Product Designer to improve the onboarding flow, I knew I had to apply—not just as a designer, but as a power user who wants to help others discover this value faster.
In my current role at Studio X, I led the redesign of a mobile wallet app that increased user activation by 25%. I noticed [App Name] struggles with the initial "preference setting" screen—users often drop off there. I have some hypothesis-driven ideas on how gamifying that step could reduce churn, similar to what I implemented previously.
Beyond pixels, I care about business metrics. I work closely with PMs and engineers to ensure designs are feasible and drive ROI. I admire how your team ships fast and iterates, and I thrive in that kind of high-velocity environment.
I'd love to share my portfolio and discuss some specific ideas I have for your onboarding flow. Thank you for building such a great product, and for considering my application.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
Dear [Founder Name],
I've been following [Startup Name] since your seed round. Your recent pivot to B2B SaaS was a bold move, and looking at your growth metrics, it clearly paid off. I want to be the Growth Marketing intern who helps you scale from 10k to 100k users.
I know you need someone who wears many hats. Last summer at a local e-commerce store, I didn't just write copy; I set up their email flows, ran their FB ads, and even handled customer support tickets to understand pain points. I helped them grow revenue by 20% in 3 months with zero ad spend increase.
I am scrappy, I learn fast, and I don't need hand-holding. I've already drafted 3 potential blog topics that could drive traffic for your new feature launch—I'd love to show them to you.
I am available to start immediately and am happy to work across time zones. Let's chat?
Best,
[Your Name]
"I am a hard worker applying for the job."
Forgetting to change the name from your last application. (Immediate rejection)
One giant paragraph with no breaks. Unreadable.
"I want to learn," "I want mentorship." Focus on what you CONTRIBUTE.
"Heretofore attached please find..." Be professional but conversational.
A great cover letter separates the "applicants" from the "candidates." Use these templates, but add your unique flavor. Good luck!
Written by Sproutern Career Team
Based on insights from 100+ Hiring Managers and 10,000+ Applications.
Regularly updated
