How to write a good cover letter?
I have previously extensively covered writing a good CV, mainly drawing from interviews with recruiters and other online research. To get a great job you will need a great CV, but in at least 50% of cases also a good cover letter.
At least 50% of hiring managers and recruiters dislike cover letters so much that they don’t even read them. A cover letter is the CV’s ugly and annoying brother or sister. But it shouldn’t be so.
Check our guide to create CVs with AI: no subscriptions, just results!
Do you even need to write a cover letter?
Unfortunately, the answer is not straightforward. Based on my research and the fact that a lot of your fellow candidates don’t care about the cover letters, I believe that having a good cover letter will bring you closer to the interview, especially when hiring managers like and read them. And they often do.
What are the advantages of a good cover letter?
You will stand out compared to the others. Others will either submit a generic piece of cr*p, generated by a chatbot/or another tool or won’t submit any, because they don’t feel like doing it especially if it’s optional.
How does a good cover letter look like?
It’s simple: they are not about you but about the company. They are short and to the point. A good mental model is to read your cover letter and ask yourself:
“If I were the hiring manager for this role, would this letter make me excited about the candidate in any way?” If the answer is no, don’t submit it or re-write it.
Where to submit the cover letter?
Usually, you will upload a PDF next to your CV. Sometimes you can also attach it as a text or use it as an email. If you are applying with an email, use the email itself as a cover letter!
Characteristics of a good cover letter
Content:
- Short, to the point
- Strong open with
- Informal, but not too casual (style guide: how do you speak politely? Write so.)
- Enthusiastic, but no bullshit
- About them, not you, be the answer to their problem
- Strong finish with a call to action
- Unique and outstanding
- Doesn’t repeat your CV
- NO TYPOS or bid grammar
Format:
- Simple, machine-readable formatting (copy-paste to a notebook to test this)
- Same font and titles as your CV
- Either a PDF or the subject of an email
- Never longer than a page (see the examples)
Cover letter template
Use this template in combination with the CV template [article]. It includes all the good examples from the list in the next chapter.
Examples of five great cover letters and a bad one
Except for the bad one, these are also all in the template above.
Example for a Project manager
Dear [company-name],
I’d love to work with you as your new Project Manager at [company-name] advertised on [job-site-name] and on your website.
In particular, I can offer [company-name]:
- Extensive project management experience, including successful delivery of complex technical initiatives on time and within budget
- Strong technical background with an understanding of development processes, methodologies, and tools
- Proven leadership in building successful teams - I’ve managed the complete redesign of [company-name]‘s customer portal, leading a cross-functional team of 12 members and delivering 20% ahead of schedule
Please find my CV attached.
I do hope we meet to discuss your requirements in more detail.
Yours faithfully,
[Your Name]
Example of a short one
[source]
Dear David:
I am writing in response to the opening for xxxx, which I believe may report to you.
I can offer you seven years of experience managing communications for top-tier xxxx firms, excellent project-management skills, and a great eye for detail, all of which should make me an ideal candidate for this opening.
I have attached my résumé for your review and would welcome the chance to speak with you sometime.
Best regards,
Xxxx Xxxx
Example with homework (background research)
Dear XXX,
I’d be excited to join you on the mission to make Europe more competitive in the internet satellite constellation game. I’ve been following XXXX and his work at X for some time now and always wanted to work with great operators.
I can offer you:
- Experience with satellite communication systems design, including work on RF link budgets and optimization for LEO constellations
- Expertise in ground segment architecture and network integration, having led the development of user terminals that achieved 30% improved throughput
- A collaborative leadership approach that bridges technical and business perspectives, demonstrated through successful partnerships with regulatory authorities across three continents
More details in my CV. I’m looking forward to returning to Europe and talking to you.
Best,
XXXX
Example of a forward-looking one (Office manager)
Dear team,
I noticed your opening for an Office Manager and would love to help you improve your daily operations.
I’d like to share a couple of ideas of what I’d do in the first 100 days:
- Month 1: Conduct a workflow audit to identify bottlenecks, implement a digital document management system, and establish vendor relationships that could reduce your operational costs by 15-20%
- Month 2: Redesign your office layout based on team feedback to enhance collaboration while maintaining focus zones, supported by an inventory system that ensures supplies never run low
- Month 3: Launch morale-building initiatives like birthday celebrations and team lunches, while documenting all office procedures to ensure consistency when I’m away
What sets me apart isn’t just my 5+ years in administrative roles, but my approach to office management as strategic rather than simply reactive. Every organized drawer and streamlined process contributes to your company’s success.
I’ve attached my CV with references who can confirm how my organizational systems have increased productivity in previous positions.
Looking forward to discussing how I can bring calm and efficiency to your workspace,
[Your Name]
Example of one I’d love to receive
Dear Igor,
I’d love to work with you on the position of Growth Marketer. I’ve been following Handpicked Berlin since sometime in 2023 and I really like the way it developed (I am a big fan of “Meanwhile” section and the articles you did on German!)
I think I can help you grow the social media accounts and the newsletter even more. I’ve previously:
- Built a TikTok strategy from scratch for [Brand Name] that reached 45K followers in just 3 months by creating Berlin-specific travel content that resonated with our exact target demographic
- Implemented a multi-touch attribution model across acquisition channels that improved ROI tracking and helped us grow the newsletter by 120% in 6 months
The rest is in my CV. Can’t wait to talk to you!
Best,
XXX
👎 Example of a generic one you should never submit
Dear Hiring Manager,
I am writing to express my interest in the Controller position at Bosch. With my strong background in financial management and accounting, combined with my passion for innovation and excellence, I believe I would be a valuable addition to your financial leadership team.
Bosch’s reputation as a global leader in technology and services, with a commitment to sustainability and quality, strongly resonates with my professional values. I am particularly impressed by Bosch’s dedication to innovation across diverse sectors while maintaining financial discipline and integrity.
Throughout my career, I have:
- Developed and implemented robust financial controls and reporting systems
- Led financial planning and analysis initiatives that supported strategic decision-making
- Managed cross-functional teams to improve financial processes and operational efficiency
- Ensured compliance with accounting standards and regulatory requirements
In my current role as [Your Current Position] at [Your Current Company], I have successfully [highlight a specific achievement relevant to the controller position]. This experience has prepared me to take on the challenges and responsibilities of a Controller at Bosch.
I am confident that my analytical mindset, attention to detail, and strategic thinking would allow me to make significant contributions to Bosch’s financial management and overall business objectives. I am excited about the opportunity to bring my skills and experience to your organization and help drive continued financial success.
I welcome the opportunity to discuss how my qualifications align with your needs. Thank you for considering my application, and I look forward to the possibility of contributing to Bosch’s continued success.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Check our guide to create CVs with AI: no subscriptions, just results!
Frequently asked questions
Should I submit a cover letter if it’s optional?
Yes! A good cover letter helps you stand out when many applicants skip this step or submit generic content. This gives you a competitive advantage in the hiring process.
How long should a cover letter be?
Keep it short and focused – ideally up to 120 words that fit comfortably on a single page. Busy hiring managers appreciate concise, value-focused communications that respect their time.
What’s the biggest mistake in cover letters?
Making it about yourself instead of the company. Focus on how you can solve their problems or add value to their organization, not just listing your accomplishments without context.
Should I use a template or write from scratch?
Use a template as a starting point but heavily customize it for each job application. Your cover letter should feel unique and tailored to the specific position and company.
How do I write a cover letter with limited experience?
Focus on what you can offer: specific ideas for the role, relevant transferable skills, and genuine enthusiasm for the company. A concrete 30/60/90-day plan can demonstrate value regardless of your experience level.
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- CV writing guide for Germany
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- What do hiring managers look at in CVs
- The best questions to ask at a job interview
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