Cover Letter Writing
The secret weapon most applicants skip
Most applicants skip the cover letter when it's 'optional.' That means writing one instantly puts you ahead of the majority. A great cover letter isn't about restating your resume — it's about telling your story and showing you care about this specific opportunity.
Practical next steps
Find a real person to address it to
Search LinkedIn or the company website for the hiring manager's name. If you can't find a name, 'Dear Hiring Manager' is acceptable.
Opening paragraph: hook them immediately
State the role and one specific thing that excites you about this organization — not generic, but specific.
Body paragraph: your top 2–3 relevant experiences
Pick the experiences most relevant to this job. Describe what you did and the concrete impact.
Why THIS organization
Mention a program they run, a value they hold, or a recent story. Employers can always tell if you're copy-pasting.
Closing: confident, direct call to action
'I would welcome the chance to discuss how my background aligns with your needs.' Close with contact info.
Format: match your resume, under one page
Same font and header as your resume. Three short paragraphs is perfect — rarely longer than 300 words.
Customize every single time
Sending the same cover letter to 20 employers is obvious and ineffective. It takes 10 extra minutes to customize.
Resource starting points
- Jobscan Cover Letter Examples
Real examples of effective cover letters across industries.
Organizations featured in this guide
- PA CareerLink Philadelphia
Career counselors who review cover letters and teach job application strategy — free.
- JEVS Human Services
One-on-one career coaching including cover letter development for job seekers.
Helpful things to know
Specific > General, always
One specific detail that shows you researched the company is worth ten generic sentences.
Common questions
What if it says 'cover letter optional'?
Write one anyway. It signals initiative and puts you above most applicants.