How to Write a Cover Letter in 2025
Updated January 2025 · 8 min read
A strong cover letter can be the difference between getting an interview and being ignored — even when your resume is good. In 2025, most candidates submit generic letters. A specific, well-structured cover letter immediately stands out. Here is exactly how to write one.
Do you still need a cover letter in 2025?
Yes — when one is requested or when applying directly to a company. Studies consistently show that a tailored cover letter increases your chances of getting an interview. The key word is tailored. A generic letter is worse than no letter at all because it signals low effort.
Cover letter structure
A cover letter should have four parts:
- Opening paragraph — who you are, what role you are applying for, and one compelling reason why you are a strong fit
- Body paragraph 1 — your most relevant experience and a specific achievement that maps to the job requirements
- Body paragraph 2 — why this specific company, not just any company. Show you have done your research.
- Closing paragraph — a clear call to action, your contact details, and a professional sign-off
Cover letter example — Software Engineer
Dear Hiring Manager,
I am applying for the Senior Software Engineer role at Acme Corp. With 5 years of experience building high-traffic React applications and a track record of reducing load times by 40%, I am confident I can contribute immediately to your frontend team.
At my current role at TechCo, I led the migration of a legacy jQuery codebase to React, cutting bug reports by 60% and improving developer velocity by 30%. I work closely with product and design to ship features that users actually want, not just features that are technically interesting.
I have followed Acme Corp's engineering blog for two years and was particularly impressed by your recent post on micro-frontend architecture. The problems you are solving at scale are exactly the kind of challenges I want to work on next.
I would love to discuss how I can contribute to your team. You can reach me at [email] or [phone].
Thank you for your time.
The biggest cover letter mistakes
- Repeating your resume — your cover letter should add context, not summarise what is already on your resume
- Starting with "I am writing to apply for..." — this is the most common opening and the most boring. Start with something specific.
- Focusing on what you want — recruiters care about what you bring, not what you are looking for
- Being too long — one page maximum, ideally 3–4 short paragraphs
- Not customising it — a letter that could apply to any company will be ignored
Cover letter tips for different situations
No experience / recent graduate
Focus on transferable skills from internships, university projects, or volunteer work. Lead with your strongest relevant project and what you learned. Show enthusiasm for the specific company — research matters more when experience is thin.
Career change
Acknowledge the change directly and frame it as a strength. Explain why you are making the switch and how your previous experience gives you a unique perspective. Map your transferable skills explicitly to the job requirements.
Employment gap
Address it briefly and confidently — one sentence is enough. Whether it was caregiving, health, travel, or upskilling, state it plainly and pivot immediately to what you bring now. Do not over-explain or apologise.
Build the resume to go with your cover letter
A strong cover letter needs an equally strong resume. Build yours free — no account required, download as PDF in minutes.
Build My Resume — Free