what should be in a cover letter

A strong cover letter is a one-page, tailored argument for why you’re the right person for one specific role, and it always includes clear contact details, a focused intro, evidence-based body paragraphs, and a confident close. Think of it as a short, professional story that connects your skills to the employer’s needs, not a repeat of your resume.

Core ingredients

These are the must-have elements almost every employer expects to see.

• Your contact info (name, email, phone, optional LinkedIn/portfolio) and the employer’s details at the top.

• Date and a professional greeting (ideally “Dear [Hiring Manager’s Name]”).

• A targeted subject/opening line that clearly states the role you’re applying for.

• 1–2 body paragraphs that show how your experience matches the job, using specific examples or brief “micro-stories.”

• A closing paragraph that restates your interest, thanks the reader, and includes a polite call to action (e.g., looking forward to discussing your application).

Paragraph-by-paragraph guide

Most modern guides still recommend a three-part structure, even when you use a more creative style.

• Introduction (first paragraph)
  • Say what position you’re applying for and how you found it.

* Add a short hook showing you understand the company or have a relevant motivation, like a value you share or a quick related anecdote.

• Body (1–2 paragraphs)
  • Choose 1–3 key requirements from the job posting and match each with a concrete example (challenge, action, result).

* Use numbers or clear outcomes when you can (e.g., “increased engagement by 40%” rather than “helped marketing”).

• Closing (final paragraph)
  • Summarize why you’re a strong fit in one sentence.

* Thank them, mention your attached resume/portfolio, and signal next steps (e.g., looking forward to the opportunity to discuss your background).

Content that employers look for

Beyond the basic structure, certain themes consistently show up in successful cover letters.

• Clear motivation for this role and this company (show you’ve done your homework, not just mass-apply).

• Relevant technical skills and experience, with very brief context instead of long job histories.

• Soft skills that matter for the role (communication, teamwork, problem-solving) supported by an example, not just listed as traits.

• Evidence you’ll fit the team and culture, often hinted at through how you write (tone, values you reference, collaboration examples).

Modern, “trending” touches

Recent advice often encourages a more human, story-driven and concise style, especially in 2024–2025 job-search content.

• Brief storytelling: a 3–4 sentence mini-story about a problem you solved or impact you had, tied directly to the new role.

• Personality without being informal: vary sentence length, avoid stiff clichés, and skip overly generic lines like “I am the ideal candidate.”

• Laser focus: one page, tight writing, and only details that show how you’ll help this specific employer now, not your whole life story.

What to leave out

Knowing what not to include keeps your cover letter sharp and readable.

• Repetition of your entire resume in paragraph form instead of adding context to key points.

• Vague claims like “hard worker” or “team player” with no example or result.

• Generic letters that could be sent to any company, with no mention of their work, product, or mission.

Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.