How to write a cover letter, step by step
To write a cover letter, open with a strong first line naming the role and one reason you fit, then use two short body paragraphs to match your experience to the job's requirements, and close with a confident call to action. Keep it to one page, three to four paragraphs, tailored to each job.
The standard cover letter structure
A cover letter has four parts. A header with your name and contact details. An opening paragraph that names the role and hooks the reader. One or two body paragraphs that connect your achievements to the job's stated requirements. A closing paragraph that restates your interest and asks for an interview. Address it to a named person where possible.
What to put in each paragraph
Opening: the role, where you saw it, and a single compelling reason you are a fit. Body: two or three specific accomplishments with numbers, mapped directly to the skills in the job description. Closing: a short thank-you, your availability, and a clear next step. Avoid restating your whole resume - the letter should add context, not repeat bullet points.
How long should a cover letter be?
A cover letter should fit on one page - roughly 250 to 400 words across three to four paragraphs. Hiring managers skim, so shorter and sharper beats long and generic. If it runs past one page, cut the weakest body paragraph.
Tailoring it to each job
Generic letters read as generic. Mirror the exact language of the job description: if the posting asks for stakeholder management, use that phrase where it is true for you. This matters because most applications are screened by software before a person reads them, and keyword alignment improves how your application ranks.
A faster way to draft it
Instead of starting from a blank page for every application, you can paste the job description and a short summary of your background and get a tailored first draft in minutes, then edit it to sound like you.