How to Write a Cover Letter for a Job Application?

Are cover letters really important in 2025? As I was reading some tips given by professionals for writing it, I found myself wondering this question.

Can a cover letter help me land a job? Well, it can’t. However, a perfect and well-written CL gets noticed by the hiring managers out of the sea of hundreds or thousands of files. So, yes, it can be beneficial for you!

But now the question is how to write one that sets you apart from everyone. If that’s your concern as well then read this guide and know the right direction to write it.

Purpose of Cover Letter

Is Cover Letter Necessary?

Do I really need a cover letter? It is a brief document that tells the important details about a candidate. Moreover, you can tailor it according to the job position you are applying for, highlight your key skills, and persuade an employer to contact you.

Fact Check

• According to a recent study conducted by ResumeGenius, they found that more than 78% of employers and hiring managers prefer a cover letter.

Survey of Recruiters and Hiring Managers

A survey was conducted by ResumeGo of 235 recruiters and employers. In addition, they were asked some questions related to the cover letter and were allowed to answer them in YES or NO.

Some of them are:

1. Do you bother reading a cover letter at all for a job application? 87% agreed.
2. Does a cover letter help you decide which candidate should move to the interview level? 65% said yes.
3. Do you prefer cover letters that are tailored according to the job position rather than generic content? 81% said yes.
4. Is it hard or easy to tell if a candidate submitted a generic cover letter? 78% said it’s Easy.

Steps to Write a Perfect Cover Letter in 2025

To write a good cover letter, you must know the right steps for it. So, follow the below steps:

Select the Right Template

A cover letter is all about leaving the first impression on employers. So, what other option can be better than using a stylish, unique, and well-formatted template?

You can get dozens of them through online platforms or applications such as Canva.

Note:

A cover letter holds great importance in landing your dream job. Thus, there’s no room for making any mistakes. Therefore, you may get help from top CV editors in UK to avoid any bluff or errors.

First, Contact Information

Have you seen a cover letter? If yes, you must have observed a separate section dedicated to contact information. Also, professionals prefer to clearly get a view on this as it’s easier for them to contact the candidate.

In this section, you must include the following information:

1. Name
2. Phone number
3. Email address
4. Job title
5. Location
6. Relevant links such as LinkedIn.

Address the Hiring Manager

Now, it’s time to write the main content of your cover letter. So, start it by addressing the employer with his/her name.

Important Point:

Many people often state “Dear Sir/Ma’am” or “To Whom It May Concern” and other generic sentences for addressing. However, it’s NOT the right way.

So, go through the job ad or online post through which you got to know about it. In addition, look for the name of the hiring manager in it.

Attention-grabbing Introduction

No one spends hours reading each cover letter that too from the beginning to the end. Thus, it’s best to start your CL with a solid and eye-catching introduction.

Wrong Example

Can you spot the mistakes in the above example? It’s all about telling the previous work experience. However, the main aim should be to discuss the achievements and what you can bring to the table through your skills.

Now, see the right example below:

Right Example

This shares the achievements made in previous job roles and also tells how you are the right fit for this position.

From reading this kind of introduction, it’s safe to say that a hiring manager would continue to read your cover letter.

Tailor to Meet the Recruiter’s Expectations

A cover letter is not only about telling about yourself. Instead, it must show a hiring manager how you relate to the job position and why you are the perfect candidate for it.

Thus, include the reference of the job ad or the place from where you got to know about it. Additionally, share your key skills, achievements, work experience, and key elements to impress employers.

Moreover, since this part is the lengthiest, you can split it into two paragraphs. But don’t forget to keep it concise and to the point.

Essential Tips to Write a Cover Letter for a Job Application

Now that you know the steps for writing a cover letter, let’s also look at some important tips before writing it.

These are:

1. Customization before applying for a job position. Always tailor your cover letter to meet the employer’s expectations. In addition, it tells them that you are the right person for the role.
2. Don’t fluff. It’s very easy for a hiring manager to catch generic statements or something that you can’t back up.
3. Research the company. Go through their website, social media, and employee profile to learn about their work culture, etc.
4. Follow the instructions. Many companies provide some guidelines for writing a cover letter. In addition, these include using some certain format, adding a specific section, etc.
5. Keep it brief and use a formal tone. Don’t add too much creativity or cliché to the content. Also, they don’t have enough time to go through a lengthy story so write your resume within one page.

Final Words

A cover letter has the strength to make or break your reputation in front of a hiring manager. Also, without a doubt, it is really important to stand out from your competitive candidates and reach the interview level.

So, read this guide and know all the steps for writing it. In addition, make sure to highlight your key skills, work experience, education, and reasons that make you the right fit for the role.

Lastly, you can get help from professionals and make the cover letter writing process easier for you!