The Cover Letter Nobody Reads (And the One That Gets Interviews)
Hiring managers spend an average of 10 seconds on a cover letter.
Most of that time is spent looking for one thing: does this person understand what we need?
The problem with most cover letters isn't that they're poorly written.
It's that they're generic.
They talk about the candidate without connecting to the role.
They could be sent to any company for any position — and it shows.
Here's how to write a cover letter that actually earns those 10 seconds.
Forget the Template Mindset
The standard cover letter formula — "I'm excited to apply for X position at Y company" — signals that you're sending the same letter everywhere.
Recruiters recognize it instantly.
Instead, open with something specific.
Reference a recent company announcement, a product feature you admire, or a challenge you know their team faces.
Show that you've done your homework before asking them to do theirs.
Connect Your Experience to Their Problems
The biggest mistake job seekers make is listing their accomplishments without context.
Your cover letter shouldn't repeat your resume — it should translate it.
For each key requirement in the job posting, identify a specific example from your experience that addresses it.
Don't just say you have the skill; briefly describe a situation where you used it and what happened as a result.
Weak: "I have experience with project management."
Strong: "At my last role, I led a cross-functional team through a product launch that came in two weeks ahead of schedule — largely because I restructured our sprint planning process after noticing recurring bottlenecks."
Keep It Focused
Three paragraphs.
That's all you need.
- Opening: Why this company, why this role, why now
- Middle: 2-3 specific examples connecting your experience to their requirements
- Close: Clear call to action and appreciation for their time
Anything longer risks losing the reader.
Anything shorter feels like you didn't try.
Address the Elephant in the Room
If there's something unusual about your application — a career change, an employment gap, relocation — address it briefly and positively.
Don't ignore it and hope they won't notice.
A sentence or two explaining your situation shows self-awareness and saves the recruiter from guessing.
Frame it in terms of what you bring, not what you lack.
The Personalization Test
Before you send, ask yourself: could this letter work for a different company or role? If yes, it's not personalized enough.
Every cover letter should feel like it was written for one specific opportunity — because it was.
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