How to Write a Cover Letter: Structure, Opening, Template

Most cover letters die in the first seven words. "I am writing to apply" tells the reader nothing.

Quick answer

Use three parts: open (role + proof), middle (two results mapped to the JD), close (ask + thanks). Target 200 to 300 words. Format as plain paragraphs in a PDF or ATS text box.

What is going wrong

People overwrite. They paste the resume, praise the brand, and forget the posting's must-haves.

The practical fix

1. Highlight three must-haves in the job description.
2. Pick two resume bullets that prove them.
3. Write the opening with role + strongest proof.
4. Expand proof in paragraph two with one metric each if true.
5. Close with availability and a screen ask.
6. Read aloud once. Cut anything that sounds like a template.

Copy-ready template

Dear [Hiring Team / Name],

I am applying for the [Role] at [Company]. [One proof sentence tied to a JD must-have].

In my recent work I [result 1]. I also [result 2], which maps to your need for [JD phrase].

Thank you for reviewing my application. I would welcome a conversation about [specific problem from the posting].

Sincerely,
[Name]

Opening lines that work

• "I am applying for the Support Engineer role. Last quarter I cut P1 ticket time by 18% on a similar stack."
• "Your PM posting asks for discovery with engineers. I ran five user interviews that changed our Q3 roadmap."

Openings to delete

• "I am writing to express my interest…"
• "I have always been passionate about…"
• "Please find my resume attached for your review."

Checklist you can run today

• Role in sentence one
• Two JD phrases used honestly
• No emojis or graphics in the PDF
• Contact info matches resume
• Under 300 words

Common traps

Keyword stuffing. Repeating every skill looks robotic.

Name guessing. Wrong hiring manager name is worse than "Hiring Team".

What good looks like

A recruiter can screenshot paragraph one and understand your pitch.

Tools that help without taking over

Draft with the cover letter generator, then rewrite openings yourself. Compare samples in cover letter examples. For 2026 nuances see how to write a cover letter in 2026.

Write one real letter tonight for a job you actually want.