Cover letter template
HR & CareerUpdated: November 7, 2026
Most cover letters repeat the resume. A good one does something the resume can't: it connects one specific thing you've done to one specific thing this team needs. Keep it under a page, and ideally under 250 words.
Cover letter template
TemplateDear [Hiring Manager's name], I'm applying for the [Role] position at [Company]. [One sentence on why this role, at this company, caught your attention: be specific.] In my current role at [Company], I [one concrete thing you did that matches the job's main requirement, and what changed because of it]. [One more sentence of context if needed.] What draws me to [Company] is [something real: a product, a decision, a value you've seen in action]. I'd bring [the skill they need most] and I'm keen to [what you'd want to do in the first months]. I'd welcome the chance to talk. Thank you for your time. Best regards, [Name] [Phone] · [Email] · [LinkedIn or portfolio]
Example opening lines
- "Your post mentions moving support from email to chat. I led that exact move at my last company, and I'd like to help you do it."
- "I've used [product] for two years to run my team's planning, which is why the Product Analyst role caught my eye."
What to cut
- "I am writing to apply for…" as the whole first sentence. Say something specific instead.
- A list of every skill on your resume.
- Claims you can't back up in the interview, including numbers you didn't measure.
- Generic flattery like "industry-leading company".
Before you send
- Use the hiring manager's name if you can find it.
- Match the job post's key words where they truly describe your experience.
- Save as PDF named "Firstname-Lastname-Cover-Letter.pdf".