The Cover Letter Problem
Most cover letters fall into two categories: the generic "I'm writing to express my interest in the [Job Title] position at [Company]" letter that reads like a form, or the overwrought three-page essay that no recruiter has time to read.
Both fail for the same reason: they're about the candidate, not the company. A cover letter should answer one question from the hiring manager's perspective: "Why should I care?"
The templates below give you proven structures for different situations. They're starting points — you still need to customize with specific details about the company and role. A template with genuine research beats an original letter with generic content every time.
The Anatomy of a Strong Cover Letter
Before the templates, here's the structure that works across every situation:
Paragraph 1: The Hook (2-3 sentences)
- Why this company, why this role, why now
- Reference something specific: a product, a recent announcement,
a company value that resonates
Paragraph 2-3: The Evidence (4-6 sentences each)
- Connect your experience to their specific needs
- Include 1-2 quantified achievements per paragraph
- Mirror language from the job description
Paragraph 4: The Close (2-3 sentences)
- Propose next steps
- Reiterate enthusiasm without being generic
- Thank them for their time
Total length: 250-400 words. That's it. Anything longer gets skimmed or skipped.
Template 1: The Standard Application
Use this when applying to a posted job where you meet most of the qualifications.
Dear [Hiring Manager's Name],
[Company]'s work on [specific product, initiative, or recent news] caught my attention because [genuine reason it resonates with you]. When I saw the [Job Title] opening, the alignment with my background in [relevant area] was immediate.
In my current role at [Current Company], I [specific achievement with metrics that maps to a key requirement]. For example, [brief story: what you did, what the result was]. This experience directly relates to your need for [requirement from job description].
I'm also drawn to [another specific aspect of the role or company]. At [Previous Company], I [another relevant achievement]. I'd bring that same approach to [specific challenge or goal mentioned in the job description].
I'd welcome the chance to discuss how my experience in [key skill area] could contribute to [specific company goal]. Thank you for your time — I look forward to hearing from you.
Best regards, [Your Name]
Why This Works
It opens with a specific reference to the company (not a generic "I'm excited to apply"). It connects experience to the job's actual requirements with concrete examples. It closes by referencing a specific company goal, not just "the position."
Template 2: The Career Change
Use this when you're transitioning to a new industry or role. The key challenge: addressing the gap between your background and the job directly, rather than hoping they won't notice.
Dear [Hiring Manager's Name],
I'm reaching out about the [Job Title] position, coming from a [current field] background that might not be the first resume you'd expect in this pile. But my experience in [transferable skill area] has given me a perspective that's directly relevant to [what this role requires].
In my [X years] in [current industry], I've [transferable achievement with metrics]. What this taught me — [specific transferable lesson, like stakeholder management, data analysis, or project delivery] — is core to what you're looking for in this role.
I've also been actively building skills in [new field]: [specific actions you've taken — courses completed, certifications earned, projects built, volunteer work]. This isn't a casual pivot. I've been working toward this transition because [honest reason connecting old career to new one].
I know I'd need to ramp up on [specific domain knowledge], but I've consistently demonstrated the ability to learn quickly — [brief example]. I'd love the opportunity to discuss how my [unique combination of skills] could bring a fresh perspective to [team/company].
Thank you for considering a non-traditional candidate. I'm confident the conversation would be worth your time.
Best regards, [Your Name]
Why This Works
It acknowledges the elephant in the room immediately. It reframes the career change as an asset (fresh perspective) rather than a weakness. It shows concrete investment in the transition, not just interest.
Template 3: The Referral
When someone inside the company has referred you, use that connection early. A referred candidate is 4x more likely to be hired, but only if the hiring manager knows about the referral.
Dear [Hiring Manager's Name],
[Referrer's Full Name] on your [team/department] suggested I reach out about the [Job Title] role. After hearing [him/her/them] describe the [specific challenge or project the team is tackling], I wanted to share why my background could be a strong fit.
At [Current/Recent Company], I [achievement that directly relates to the team's challenge]. The result was [specific metric], and the approach I used — [brief methodology] — sounds closely aligned with how [Referrer's first name] described your team's priorities.
What especially excites me about [Company] is [specific thing beyond the job itself — mission, product, market position]. Combined with my experience in [key skill], I believe I could contribute meaningfully from day one.
I'd love to continue this conversation. Would [specific proposed time frame, e.g., "sometime next week"] work for a brief call?
Best regards, [Your Name]
Why This Works
The referrer's name in the first sentence guarantees this letter gets read. It connects the referral to a specific challenge (not just "they said you're hiring"). The closing proposes a concrete next step.
Template 4: The Cold Outreach
Use this when there's no posted job, but you want to work at a specific company. Cold outreach has a low response rate, but when it works, you face zero competition.
Dear [Hiring Manager's Name],
I've been following [Company]'s work in [specific area] for [time period], particularly [specific thing: a product launch, blog post, conference talk, industry move]. It's clear you're solving [problem] in a way that [your genuine assessment].
I'm a [your title] with [X years] of experience in [relevant area]. Most recently, I [achievement with metrics that would be valuable to them]. I'm reaching out because I believe this experience maps to where [Company] is heading, even if there isn't a posted opening right now.
To give you a concrete sense of what I bring: [brief case study — a problem you solved, how you approached it, what happened]. If that kind of work is relevant to your roadmap, I'd welcome a conversation — even an informal one.
I've attached my resume for context. No pressure to respond if the timing isn't right, but I wanted to put this on your radar.
Best regards, [Your Name]
Why This Works
It leads with genuine knowledge of the company's work. It doesn't ask for a job — it asks for a conversation. The "no pressure" close reduces friction and shows confidence.
Template 5: The Follow-Up After No Response
Use this 7-10 days after your initial application if you haven't heard back. Keep it short.
Dear [Hiring Manager's Name],
I submitted my application for the [Job Title] role on [date] and wanted to follow up briefly. I'm genuinely excited about this opportunity, particularly [one specific reason tied to the company or role].
Since applying, [brief new development — you completed a relevant project, earned a certification, or have a new insight about the role]. I'd welcome the chance to discuss how my experience aligns with what you're building.
Happy to work around your schedule. Thanks again for your consideration.
Best regards, [Your Name]
Why This Works
It's short (under 100 words in the body). It adds new information rather than just repeating "checking in." It remains professional without being pushy.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
"The worst cover letters aren't poorly written. They're well-written letters that could be sent to any company on earth. Specificity is the signal that separates you from the stack."
Here are the patterns that undermine even well-structured letters:
- Starting with "I." Your first sentence should be about the company, not you.
- Restating your resume. The cover letter should add context and motivation, not repeat bullet points.
- Using "passionate" without evidence. Everyone claims passion. Show it through specific actions and knowledge.
- Forgetting to include the job title. Hiring managers often have multiple open roles. Make it easy.
- Sending a PDF when they asked for text in the body. Follow the application instructions exactly.
Generate Cover Letters That Actually Work
Templates get you 70% of the way there. The remaining 30% — the specific details about the company, the keyword alignment with the job description, the right tone for the industry — is what separates form letters from compelling ones.
Superpower Resume generates tailored cover letters by analyzing the job description against your experience. Instead of starting from a blank page, you get a customized draft that you can refine with your own voice. It's the fastest way to write cover letters that feel personal at scale.
