How to Write a Cover Letter That Gets Interviews
Most cover letters are bad. Not because applicants can't write, but because they follow a template that hiring managers have read a thousand times. "I am writing to express my interest in the position of…" has opened so many cover letters that it signals to any experienced recruiter that nothing interesting follows. The letters that actually get read look different from the first sentence.
Do cover letters even matter?
It depends on the role and the company. For large companies using applicant tracking systems, cover letters are often optional and sometimes not read at all. For smaller companies, creative roles, and positions where writing ability is relevant, a strong cover letter can be the difference between a call and silence.
The safe answer: write a good one when it's requested, and skip the generic template when it's not. A well-written cover letter never hurts. A generic one can hurt by creating a poor first impression before the hiring manager even looks at your resume.
The structure that works
A cover letter that gets read has three to four short paragraphs:
Opening (1–2 sentences): Not "I am writing to apply for…" — instead, lead with the strongest relevant thing about you. "After three years managing enterprise software rollouts for teams of 50+, I saw your posting for a Project Manager role and immediately recognised what you're trying to build." That's a specific, confident opening that immediately establishes relevance.
Why you're right for this role (1 paragraph): Two or three specific accomplishments directly relevant to the job description. Use numbers. "Reduced customer support tickets by 34% by redesigning the onboarding flow" is better than "improved onboarding". The job posting tells you exactly what they're looking for — address those specific points.
Why this company specifically (1 paragraph): Show that you've researched them. Reference something specific — a product, an initiative, a recent piece of news. This separates you from applicants who used the same letter for fifty applications. It doesn't need to be long; two sentences of genuine specificity is more effective than a paragraph of generic praise.
Close: One sentence of confidence and a clear next step. "I'd welcome the opportunity to discuss how my experience in X could contribute to Y — I'm available for a call any day next week."
What to leave out
Cut everything that doesn't add information or signal something valuable. "I am a hardworking team player" tells hiring managers nothing. "I am passionate about this industry" is meaningless without evidence. "I believe I would be a great fit" asks the employer to take your word for something they haven't verified.
Keep the total length to one page maximum. Three short punchy paragraphs outperform one long exhaustive one. Hiring managers skim cover letters looking for reasons to move forward or move on — dense paragraphs of generic language give them a reason to stop reading.
Using AI to draft cover letters
An AI cover letter generator is excellent for producing a structured first draft quickly. Give it the job description, your relevant experience, and the company name — it handles the structure and professional language. Your job is to edit in the specific accomplishments, numbers, and company-specific details that make the letter genuinely tailored. That personalisation is what transforms a template into a compelling argument for your candidacy.
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Open AI Cover Letter Generator →Frequently Asked Questions
Should I write a cover letter if it's optional?
Write one for roles you really want, especially at smaller companies or for roles where writing ability matters. A well-targeted cover letter never hurts. Skip it when the application is through a large ATS system where cover letters are commonly not read.
How long should a cover letter be?
One page maximum — ideally three to four short paragraphs. Hiring managers skim cover letters. A concise, well-targeted letter outperforms a longer one that covers everything. If you can't say what you need to say in 300 words, the letter isn't tight enough.
What should the first line of a cover letter say?
Something specific and confident that immediately establishes your relevance. Never start with "I am writing to apply for…" — it's the most common opening in cover letters and signals nothing interesting follows. Lead with your strongest relevant credential or a direct connection to the role.
How do I tailor a cover letter to a specific job?
Read the job description and identify the 2–3 most important requirements. Address each one specifically in your letter with a concrete example or accomplishment. Mention the company by name and reference one specific thing about them that makes this role genuinely appealing to you.
Can AI write a good cover letter?
AI produces a solid structured draft quickly. The output needs editing — add specific achievements with real numbers, company-specific references, and your actual voice. The combination of AI structure and human personalisation produces better results than either alone.