What Should a Cover Letter Include for a Job Application?
A good cover letter does more than repeat your resume. It explains why you want the job, why you fit the role, and why the employer should keep reading. The best cover letters are short, specific, and focused on the employer’s needs. They usually include a clear greeting, a strong opening, a few targeted body paragraphs, and a simple closing that asks for the next step. If you are applying for a job, knowing what to include can save time and help you avoid common mistakes like sounding too generic or writing too much. Use the cover letter to connect your experience to the job posting in a way that feels direct and easy to follow.
1. A Clear Header and Greeting
Start with your contact information at the top, followed by the date and the employer’s contact information if you have it. Use the same name, phone number, and email address you use on your resume so everything matches. Keep the formatting clean and easy to scan.
Next, include a greeting that names the hiring manager if possible. If you cannot find a person’s name, use a professional greeting such as "Dear Hiring Manager." Avoid outdated greetings like "To Whom It May Concern," which can feel impersonal.
If you are sending the letter by email, your greeting and opening lines still matter. The first few lines should make it obvious which job you are applying for and why you are writing.
- Your full name
- Phone number and email address
- Date
- Employer name and company
- A specific greeting when possible
2. A Strong Opening That Names the Job
Your first paragraph should say exactly which position you are applying for and where you found it. This helps the reader place your application right away. If the job was referred by someone, mention that name in the first sentence.
In the same paragraph, give one short reason you are interested in the role. Keep it specific to the company, the team, or the kind of work involved. A good opening does not waste space on long personal stories or vague praise.
Aim for three to five sentences in the opening paragraph. That is usually enough to identify the job, show interest, and set up the rest of the letter.
- Job title
- Where you found the posting
- One specific reason you want the role
- Optional referral name
3. The Main Body: Match Your Experience to the Job
The middle of the cover letter should connect your background to the employer’s needs. Pick two or three qualifications from the job posting and show how your experience lines up with them. Do not list every job you have ever had. Instead, choose the most relevant examples.
Use short, concrete examples. For instance, mention a project, task, result, or responsibility that proves you can do the work. If the job asks for teamwork, communication, organization, customer service, or a technical skill, point to a time you used that skill successfully.
A strong cover letter body is usually one to two paragraphs long. Each paragraph should focus on one main point. If possible, include numbers, time frames, or clear outcomes, such as the size of a team you supported, the number of projects you handled, or how often you performed a task.
- Two or three job requirements you can meet
- One example for each requirement
- Relevant skills, tools, or certifications
- Simple evidence of results or improvement
4. Why You Want This Employer, Not Just Any Job
Employers want to know why you are interested in their opening specifically. Add a sentence or two that shows you researched the company, the department, or the work itself. This can be as simple as mentioning the company’s focus, the team’s mission, or the type of clients or projects it handles.
Keep this section honest and practical. Do not use generic compliments like "your company is amazing" unless you explain why. Instead, connect your interest to something real, such as a work style, industry focus, growth opportunity, or service approach that matches your own goals.
This part should feel natural, not forced. One or two sentences is often enough. The goal is to show that your interest is thoughtful and specific, not copied from a template.
- One detail about the company or team
- One reason that detail matters to you
- A link between their needs and your goals
5. A Simple Closing and Call to Action
End your cover letter with a short paragraph that thanks the reader and expresses interest in an interview. You do not need to ask too aggressively. A polite line such as "I would welcome the chance to discuss how my background fits this role" is enough.
Include the best way to reach you again, even if your contact details are already in the header. Then use a professional sign-off such as "Sincerely" or "Best regards," followed by your name.
Keep the closing brief. A strong ending is usually two to four sentences long. It should leave the reader with a clear sense that you are ready for the next step.
- Thank the reader
- State interest in an interview or follow-up
- Repeat your contact information if needed
- Use a professional closing
6. What to Leave Out
A cover letter should be focused, not crowded with extra information. Leave out salary demands unless the employer asks for them. Do not repeat your resume line by line, and do not include personal details that do not help your application.
Avoid vague language, long paragraphs, and overly casual tone. A cover letter that runs longer than one page is usually too much unless the employer gives different instructions. Most applicants can make a strong case in about three to four short paragraphs.
Before you send it, read it once for job-title accuracy, company name, spelling, and grammar. Small mistakes can make a polished application look rushed. If possible, save the file with a simple name like your first name, last name, and the word "cover letter" so it is easy to find.
- No salary talk unless requested
- No resume repetition
- No unrelated personal details
- No typos in company names or job titles
- Usually keep it to one page