Many hiring managers still read cover letters, especially when two candidates look similar on paper. A strong letter explains why you want this job and why you’ll be good at it, in a way a resume can’t. A weak one just repeats your resume in paragraphs.
The ideal length
Aim for 250–400 words, three or four short paragraphs, one page at most. Recruiters skim, so every sentence has to earn its place.
The four-part structure
1. Header and greeting
Include your name, email, phone, and the date, then address a real person when you can: “Dear Ms. Rivera,” or “Dear Hiring Team at Brightline,” if you can’t find a name. Avoid “To whom it may concern.”
2. Opening hook (2–3 sentences)
Name the role and give one compelling reason you are a fit. Skip “I am writing to apply for…” because the reader already knows that.
When I saw Brightline is expanding into the Nordic market, I knew I wanted to be part of it. As a marketing manager who launched two products in new European regions, growing sign-ups 40% in the first year, I’d love to bring that experience to your Growth Marketing Lead role.
3. Proof paragraph(s)
Pick the two requirements that matter most in the posting and give a short, specific example for each. Use numbers. Focus on what you did and what changed because of it.
4. Confident close
Restate your enthusiasm, mention something specific about the company, and invite the next step.
I’d welcome the chance to discuss how I can help Brightline hit its 2027 growth targets. Thank you for your time and consideration.
Full example
Dear Ms. Rivera,
When I saw Brightline is expanding into the Nordic market, I knew I wanted to be part of it. As a marketing manager who has launched two products in new European regions, I’d love to bring that experience to your Growth Marketing Lead role.
At Solstice Apps, I led the launch of our budgeting app in Germany and the Netherlands. By localising campaigns and partnering with 12 regional creators, we grew sign-ups 40% in the first year while cutting acquisition cost by 22%. I also built the team’s first attribution dashboard, which helped us move 30% of spend into our best-performing channels.
I’m drawn to Brightline’s focus on sustainable products and its data-driven culture. I’d welcome the chance to discuss how I can help you reach your growth goals.
Best regards,
Jordan Lee
Do’s and don’ts
| Do | Don’t |
|---|---|
| Write a new opening for every job | Send the same letter to every employer |
| Use numbers and specific results | List duties you already put on your resume |
| Mirror key terms from the posting | Copy whole sentences from the job ad |
| Keep it under one page | Explain your whole career history |
| Proofread the company and manager names | Leave the wrong company name in, which happens more than you’d think |
Quick checklist before you send
- Is the company name, job title, and recipient spelled correctly?
- Does the first sentence give a reason to keep reading?
- Have you included at least two measurable achievements?
- Does it match the design of your resume?
- Saved as PDF with a clear name, e.g.
Jordan-Lee-Cover-Letter.pdf?
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