Home › Guides › Cover Letter Tips: How to Write a Short, Focused Letter

Cover Letter Tips: How to Write a Short, Focused Letter

Many roles do not require a cover letter, but a good one can help when a posting asks for it or when you are changing direction. Keep it short and specific.

A simple outline

Paragraph 1: the role you are applying for and one sentence on why it interests you, specific to the company or product.

Paragraph 2: two or three pieces of evidence from your experience that match the posting's main requirements, with a result if you have one.

Paragraph 3: a short close: your availability and thanks.

What to leave out

Do not repeat your resume line by line. Do not use generic phrases that could be sent to any company. Do not mention skills you do not have. Keep it to one page, ideally under 250 words.

When it helps most

A cover letter is most useful when you are switching technologies or industries, when you have a gap to explain briefly, or when the posting asks you to address a specific question.

Frequently asked questions

Should I write a new cover letter for each job?

Yes, at least the opening and the evidence paragraph. A template is fine as long as the role-specific parts are changed.

Put this into practice.

JobSahara matches you to jobs, tailors your resume and cover letter to each posting using only what is in your resume, and helps you reply to recruiters.

Try JobSahara