Why Cover Letters Still Matter
In an age where AI-generated resumes and one-click applications are everywhere, you might wonder if anyone still reads cover letters. The answer is yes — and in 2025, a well-written cover letter can make a bigger impact than ever. While some companies may not require them, many still value this short document as a key way to assess who you are beyond bullet points.
Cover letters give you the chance to show personality, enthusiasm, and communication skills. More importantly, they help employers understand why you’re interested in the role and why you could be a great fit — something your resume alone can’t always convey.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to write a strong, tailored cover letter that gets attention. From formatting tips to real-world examples and practical advice, we’ll make sure you know exactly what to say — and what to avoid.
Understand the Purpose of a Cover Letter
Your resume lists what you've done — your cover letter explains why it matters. Think of it as the bridge between your experience and the employer’s needs. While a resume is factual and concise, a cover letter gives you room to make a human connection.
A great cover letter shows more than just qualifications. It reveals your soft skills, motivation, and cultural fit. Are you a proactive communicator? Do you share the company’s values? Are you genuinely excited about the role? These are all things a hiring manager is scanning for in those few short paragraphs.
For example, let’s say you're applying for a marketing role that prefers candidates with agency experience — but you come from an in-house background. A resume might raise questions. A good cover letter, however, lets you explain how managing end-to-end campaigns and collaborating across departments has prepared you just as well, if not better.
This is your chance to tell a story that makes your application stand out — even if your background isn’t a perfect match.
Format & Structure That Works
Before you start writing, get the structure right — it shows professionalism and helps your message land effectively. First, include a header with your contact information, the date, and the company’s address. In 2025, physical addresses are optional for email submissions, but it’s still standard to include them in more formal applications or government-related roles.
Next is the greeting. Always try to use the hiring manager’s name — it’s more personal and shows effort. If it's not listed, check LinkedIn, the company website, or call the front desk. When in doubt, “Dear Hiring Manager” still works better than “To Whom It May Concern.”
Your letter should have a clear structure:
Introduction – Grab attention and state your interest.
Body (1–2 paragraphs) – Show relevant experience, soft skills, and cultural fit.
Conclusion – Reaffirm interest and suggest next steps.
Aim to keep the total word count between 300–350. Hiring managers don’t have time for walls of text.
Example:
❌ “I have always dreamed of working in this field, and I believe I would be a good fit for the role.”
✅ “With five years in content strategy and a proven record of doubling engagement, I’m excited to help your brand reach new audiences.”
If you're using tools like Sensei AI to prepare your cover letter, structure templates and personalized feedback can save you hours and help you follow the ideal flow.
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Hook the Reader with a Strong Introduction
The introduction of your cover letter is your chance to grab the hiring manager’s attention right away. This section should open with energy and enthusiasm, and set the tone for the rest of your letter. It’s your opportunity to show why you’re excited about the role and to provide a high-level reason for your application. The key is to convey that you’re not just another applicant—you're genuinely passionate about the job and the company.
Start by expressing enthusiasm for the position and the company. Mention how your skills, experiences, or values align with their needs, but keep it concise. Instead of simply stating your intent to apply, give them an engaging reason to keep reading. This makes your introduction stand out and signals to the reader that you’re committed and prepared.
Example – Weak:
"I am applying for the position posted on your website."
Example – Strong:
"As a digital marketer who recently helped boost organic traffic by 70% over the course of three months, I’m eager to bring my expertise and innovative approach to your team."
The second example works better because it’s specific, quantifiable, and shows a direct impact, making it much more compelling. The key takeaway here is to express energy and provide relevant details that immediately make you stand out from other applicants.
Show, Don’t Tell – Prove Your Skills
In your cover letter, you want to show the hiring manager your skills and abilities, not just tell them about them. The best way to do this is by sharing specific examples of your achievements, focusing on how you've successfully contributed in previous roles. These short anecdotes can reveal much more about your potential than a simple list of duties or responsibilities. The idea is to demonstrate the value you’ve added, and how that translates into what you can bring to the company.
When sharing examples, be sure to focus on accomplishments, not just job duties. Employers are looking for evidence that you can deliver results. Instead of saying you “managed a team,” show how your leadership directly led to a measurable outcome. Where possible, use numbers or metrics to quantify the impact of your work. This can include sales numbers, growth percentages, efficiency improvements, or customer satisfaction scores. Numbers provide concrete proof of your success and demonstrate your ability to achieve objectives.
For example, you might write:
Example 1:
"Led a team to reduce product onboarding time by 30%, which resulted in a 20% increase in user retention and a more streamlined customer experience."
Example 2:
"Managed 50+ client support tickets daily while maintaining a customer satisfaction rate of 98%, ensuring excellent service even under pressure."
These examples show, rather than simply tell, the hiring manager what you’ve achieved. They highlight both the action you took and the results that followed. This approach positions you as someone who not only meets the requirements but also has a proven track record of success, which is what employers want to see in a cover letter.
Tailor Every Letter (No Copy-Paste!)
Generic cover letters are easy to spot, and hiring managers can tell when a candidate is simply sending out the same letter to multiple companies. This approach can hurt your chances, as it shows a lack of effort or genuine interest in the specific role. To stand out, every cover letter you write should be tailored to the company and the position. Personalization is key, and it doesn’t have to take long—small adjustments can make a big impact.
One strategy for quick personalization is to reference the company’s mission statement or values. This not only demonstrates that you’ve done your research, but it also shows that you align with their purpose. Another option is to mention a specific product, service, or even a recent press release. This shows that you're up-to-date on the company's activities and gives you a chance to highlight how your skills can contribute to their goals.
Mini Case Example:
A candidate applying to Tesla could mention their latest sustainability initiative, demonstrating not only interest in the company but also how the candidate’s experience aligns with Tesla’s environmental efforts.
Tip: Personalizing your cover letter shows that you are genuinely interested and have put in the effort to understand the company’s mission and values.
With Sensei AI's AI Playground, candidates can receive assistance not only in preparing for interviews but also in crafting a tailored CV. By uploading your resume and providing relevant job details, you can use Sensei AI to generate personalized responses to interview questions, helping you better understand how to align your skills with the job you're applying for. This allows you to be more prepared both in your written application and during the actual interview.
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Keep It Concise and Impactful
When it comes to cover letters, brevity is crucial. Hiring managers often review numerous applications, so you want your letter to be concise yet impactful. The goal is to make a strong impression without overwhelming the reader with unnecessary details or fluff. Avoid over-explaining or repeating information that’s already in your resume. Focus on highlighting the most relevant skills and experiences that directly apply to the job at hand.
To achieve this, aim to include 1–2 value-driven sentences in each paragraph. Make every word count and ensure that each part of the letter communicates something meaningful. By cutting down on redundant phrases, you’ll keep your cover letter sharp and engaging.
Example:
Verbose Paragraph:
"I have been responsible for managing projects throughout my career. In my previous position, I handled the overall coordination of the project, ensuring that tasks were completed on time and within budget. This helped the company improve productivity and meet its objectives."
Trimmed-Down Version:
"Led project coordination that improved productivity by 15% while consistently meeting deadlines and staying within budget."
The revised version conveys the same impact but is more direct and concise, making a stronger impression in a shorter amount of time.
End With a Confident, Gracious Closing
The closing of your cover letter is your final opportunity to make an impression. It's essential to express your enthusiasm and eagerness to take the conversation further while keeping a polite and confident tone. Avoid overused phrases like “Thank you for your time and consideration,” which can feel impersonal. Instead, aim for a closing that leaves the employer with a sense of your confidence and interest in the position. For example, rather than writing, "I look forward to hearing from you," a stronger closing would be, "I’d love the chance to contribute to your team and would welcome the opportunity to speak further." This shows initiative while keeping the tone respectful and professional.
While Sensei AI primarily focuses on real-time interview assistance, many users also leverage its AI Playground to improve their resumes. The AI Playground can analyze your CV, suggest improvements, and tailor it to match job descriptions, ensuring that your cover letter and CV are aligned for maximum impact.
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Common Cover Letter Mistakes to Avoid
When crafting your cover letter, it's important to avoid several common mistakes. First, don’t make it too long or too vague. Hiring managers often skim through cover letters, so keep it concise and focused. Also, avoid repeating your resume word-for-word. Instead, highlight specific examples that demonstrate how you’re a great fit for the role. Generic statements without proof, such as saying you’re a “hard worker” without backing it up, won’t make an impact. Additionally, double-check your grammar and spelling, and ensure that you’ve addressed the correct company. A final tip: read your cover letter out loud or ask someone else to review it to catch any mistakes and ensure clarity.
Real Examples You Can Learn From
To make these strategies more tangible, let's look at two examples of cover letters, each tailored to a different role. Both letters reflect unique approaches, but they also highlight some of the best practices discussed earlier.
1. Administrative Assistant Cover Letter:
Dear Hiring Manager,
I am excited to apply for the Administrative Assistant position at XYZ Company. With over 5 years of experience managing office operations and supporting senior executives, I have developed strong organizational and multitasking abilities. In my previous role at ABC Corp, I managed scheduling, organized meetings, and ensured efficient office communication, helping reduce workflow bottlenecks by 20%. My strong attention to detail and ability to handle competing priorities make me confident that I would be a great fit for your team.
In addition to my administrative experience, I am highly proficient in Microsoft Office Suite and various project management tools like Asana and Trello. I thrive in fast-paced environments and am eager to contribute to XYZ Company’s continued success.
Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the possibility of discussing how my skills and experience align with your needs.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
2. Copywriter Cover Letter:
Dear Hiring Manager,
As a creative writer passionate about brand storytelling, I am thrilled to apply for the Copywriter position at XYZ Company. Over the past 3 years, I have developed a dynamic writing style that adapts to various brand voices, from tech companies to lifestyle blogs. At ABC Agency, I helped brands improve their digital presence by writing copy that resonates with their target audience. For example, my work on a recent campaign led to a 25% increase in social media engagement for a fashion brand.
What excites me most about the Copywriter role at XYZ Company is the opportunity to contribute to your innovative content strategy. I believe my ability to craft compelling narratives combined with my attention to detail will help elevate XYZ’s brand messaging to new heights.
I would love the chance to speak more about how I can contribute to your content team. Thank you for considering my application.
Warm regards,
[Your Name]
What Works in Each?
Both letters follow a clear structure while highlighting the candidates' strengths. The Administrative Assistant letter focuses on measurable achievements, such as a 20% improvement in workflow, and emphasizes key skills like multitasking and proficiency with office tools. It’s professional and task-oriented.
The Copywriter letter, in contrast, highlights creativity and results, with examples like a 25% increase in engagement. It showcases the candidate’s ability to adapt writing style to the company’s needs, making it more dynamic.
Both letters stick to the recommended word count, avoid fluff, and match the tone expected for each role. The Administrative Assistant letter is straightforward, while the Copywriter letter brings out the candidate’s personality, effectively balancing professionalism and individuality.
Make the Most of This Opportunity
A cover letter is not a chore – it's an opportunity to present yourself in a way that your resume simply can’t. The right tone, personalization, and clarity can make all the difference in setting you apart from other applicants. Be sure to revise your letter, test different versions, and seek feedback to ensure your message is as polished and compelling as possible before submitting.
FAQ
How do you properly write a cover letter?
A proper cover letter follows a clear structure:
Opening: Address the hiring manager by name if possible, and state the position you're applying for.
Introduction: Briefly introduce yourself and explain why you’re excited about the role or company.
Body: Highlight 1–2 relevant experiences or achievements that match the job description. Use specific examples with measurable outcomes.
Closing: Reaffirm your interest and suggest the next step (e.g., a conversation or interview). Be confident and gracious.
Keep it concise (under 300 words), tailored to the role, and error-free.
What is an example of a cover letter?
Here's a brief example for a marketing role:
Dear [Hiring Manager's Name],
I’m excited to apply for the Marketing Associate role at BrightCo. With two years of experience managing digital campaigns at a startup, I’ve helped increase web traffic by 35% and reduced customer acquisition cost by 20%. I’m passionate about data-driven storytelling and would love to contribute that energy to BrightCo’s growing team.
I’d welcome the opportunity to share how I can support your next product launch. Thank you for considering my application.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
How to write a cover letter for an IT job?
When writing a cover letter for an IT job:
Start by naming the role and company, and briefly express your interest.
Highlight technical skills that match the job, such as programming languages, systems management, or security protocols.
Include specific accomplishments (e.g., “cut system downtime by 40%”) that prove your value.
If the job is client-facing or collaborative, mention communication or teamwork skills.
Close by reaffirming your fit and inviting further discussion.
For added support, tools like Sensei AI’s AI Playground can help you refine your message and tailor your tone to the role.
What should you say in a cover letter?
In a cover letter, you should:
Express interest in the role and company.
Highlight your most relevant qualifications, focusing on 1–2 key achievements.
Explain how your background aligns with the company's goals or values.
Demonstrate enthusiasm and initiative, and close with a confident, polite call to action.
Avoid repeating your resume word-for-word—use the letter to provide context and show personality.
Shin Yang
Shin Yang is a growth strategist at Sensei AI, focusing on SEO optimization, market expansion, and customer support. He uses his expertise in digital marketing to improve visibility and user engagement, helping job seekers make the most of Sensei AI's real-time interview assistance. His work ensures that candidates have a smoother experience navigating the job application process.
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