A well-crafted cover letter remains one of the most powerful tools in your job application arsenal—even in 2019 and beyond. While resumes highlight your experience, a cover letter gives you the opportunity to tell your story, showcase your personality, and explain why you’re the perfect fit for a specific role.
Many job seekers underestimate the importance of a cover letter or rely on outdated templates that fail to impress hiring managers. In reality, a compelling cover letter can be the deciding factor between landing an interview or being overlooked. Whether you're applying for your first job or aiming for a senior position, knowing how to write an effective cover letter is essential.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about creating a standout cover letter in 2019. From structure and formatting to practical tips and common mistakes, this article is designed to help you outperform competitors and secure more interviews.
If you want professional help, our specialists can assist you in crafting a perfect cover letter. Simply register on our website to get started.
A cover letter is a personalized document that accompanies your resume and explains your interest in a specific job. It allows you to highlight your most relevant skills and demonstrate how you can contribute to the company.
Always tailor your cover letter for each job. Generic letters are easy to spot and often ignored by recruiters.
For industry-specific inspiration, check out these Lululemon cover letter examples to understand how brands expect tailored communication.
| Resume | Cover Letter |
|---|---|
| Lists skills and experience | Explains how you apply them |
| Structured and factual | Personal and persuasive |
| Generic for multiple jobs | Customized for each role |
A well-structured cover letter ensures readability and professionalism. Follow this proven format:
Include your contact details and the employer’s information.
State the position you’re applying for and grab attention immediately.
Explain your qualifications, achievements, and how they match the job requirements.
End with a strong call to action and express enthusiasm.
Writing long, dense paragraphs without structure. Always keep your content concise and scannable.
If you're unsure how to align your experience, reviewing manager responsibilities on a resume can help you translate achievements into compelling statements.
Formatting plays a crucial role in making your cover letter visually appealing and easy to read.
Learn more about typography in this guide to best resume font types and sizes.
| Element | Best Practice |
|---|---|
| Length | 250–400 words |
| Font | Professional and readable |
| Spacing | Single or 1.15 |
Match your cover letter style with your resume using modern layouts from current resume templates.
Using overly creative fonts or colors. Keep it simple and professional.
Writing a strong cover letter requires more than just following a template. Here are actionable strategies:
Highlight transferable skills if you lack direct experience. This is especially useful for career changers.
For niche roles, explore this sales representative cover letter example.
If you need personalized guidance, our specialists can help you create a high-converting cover letter. Just register on our website and get expert assistance.
Even small mistakes can ruin your chances. Avoid these common pitfalls:
Sending the same cover letter to multiple employers without customization.
Repeating your resume instead of adding new insights.
Focusing too much on yourself instead of the employer’s needs.
| Mistake | Solution |
|---|---|
| Generic content | Customize each letter |
| Too long | Keep it concise |
| No achievements | Add measurable results |
Always end your cover letter with a call to action, inviting the recruiter to contact you.
Using proven templates can save time and improve quality. However, always customize them.
Dear Hiring Manager, I am excited to apply for the [Position] role at [Company]. With my experience in [Skill], I am confident I can contribute to your team. In my previous role, I achieved [Result], demonstrating my ability to deliver results. I look forward to the opportunity to discuss how I can add value to your organization. Sincerely, [Your Name]
Also, don’t forget to include relevant personal details, such as hobbies, when appropriate. Learn how in this guide to the resume interests section.
If you're struggling to write your cover letter, our experts are ready to help. Simply register on our website and get professional support.
Yes, many employers still expect a cover letter, especially for professional roles.
Ideally, 250–400 words or one page.
Absolutely. Tailored letters perform significantly better.
Yes, but modify it for each job.
Professional, confident, and concise.
Only if requested by the employer.
Yes, but ensure proper formatting.
Yes, our specialists can create a tailored cover letter for you. Just register on our website to get started.