If you have ever stared at a blank page wondering what actually needs to go in a cover letter, this is the checklist you need. Not every letter requires every element, but knowing what each piece does helps you decide what belongs in yours.
Your Contact Information and the Date
At the top of a formal cover letter, include your name, phone number, email, and LinkedIn URL if it is strong. Below that, the date and the company name and address (or just the hiring manager’s name for email applications). This is standard but sets up a professional presentation.
A Specific Salutation
Address the letter to a real person whenever possible. “Dear Ms. Rodriguez” or “Dear Jamie Chen” is always better than “Dear Hiring Manager,” even though that is the acceptable fallback. Spend five minutes on LinkedIn before you default to generic. For more on this, see our guide on cover letter vs. no cover letter.
A Strong Opening Paragraph
Your opening should hook the reader and state your purpose. In two to three sentences: who you are professionally, why you are writing, and one reason you are a strong fit. This is not the place for your life story, it is the place for your strongest opening argument.
A Body Section That Connects Your Experience to the Role
One or two paragraphs that connect your specific experience to the specific requirements of the role. Use real numbers and real examples. This is the substance of the letter and should take up the most space, but still be tight.
A Brief Note on Why This Company
One to three sentences about why this specific company interests you. Not because it is a great opportunity for you, but because something about their mission, product, culture, or work genuinely resonates. This is where you show you did your homework.
A Closing Paragraph With a Clear Ask
Close with a brief thank you and a direct request for a conversation or interview. Include a note about your availability or that you are happy to provide additional information. End with a professional sign-off: Sincerely, Best regards, or simply Thank you. For more on this, see our guide on write an internship cover letter that stands out.
Read next
- Cover Letter for a Recent Graduate: A Step-by-Step Guide
- How to Write a Cover Letter That Actually Gets Read
- How to Write a Cover Letter for a Promotion That Actually Works
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I always include a cover letter?
Include one when requested, when writing ability is core to the role, or when you need to explain context your resume cannot. For high-volume technical roles, it is often not read.
How long should a cover letter be?
Three to four short paragraphs, 200-300 words maximum. If you are writing more, you are probably repeating your resume.
What should the first sentence of a cover letter say?
Start with something specific. “I have spent four years doing exactly what this role requires” beats “I am excited to apply for this position.”
What should I leave out of a cover letter?
Do not restate your resume, explain why you need the job, apologize for gaps, or use clichés. Every sentence should add information not already in the resume.
Most cover letters fail because they summarize the resume rather than add to it. A recruiter reading your cover letter already has your resume in hand. They do not need you to recap it. What they want to know is why this role, at this company, is one you are genuinely excited about, and what specific experience makes you a stronger candidate than the other 150 applicants who also ticked all the required boxes.
The best cover letters I have seen treat the format like a brief business proposal. They open with a specific observation about the company or role, connect that observation to a relevant achievement, and close with a clear next step. This structure respects the hiring manager’s time while demonstrating that you have done real research rather than sending a mass application.
Length matters here, too. A cover letter should be between three and four paragraphs. Any shorter and it feels dismissive of the opportunity. Any longer and you are asking a busy hiring manager to read a document they typically spend less than thirty seconds on. Every sentence should either demonstrate fit, show enthusiasm, or move the reader closer to wanting to meet you. For more on this, see our guide on write a career change cover letter that works.
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