Guide: How to Write a Professional Cover Letter
Connect your skills to what the company's actually looking for.
What Is a Cover Letter?
A cover letter is a one-page document that introduces you and explains why you’re the right person for the job. Your CV shows your experience — your cover letter shows why you actually want this one.
The Ideal Cover Letter Structure
Follow this structure for a professional and easy-to-read cover letter.
Best Practices: Do vs. Don't
Follow these simple rules to make a great impression.
| Do | Don't |
|---|---|
| Address the hiring manager by name | Use "To whom it may concern" |
| Tailor to each job | Send the same letter everywhere |
| Keep tone positive and confident | Sound desperate or apologetic |
| Use short, clear sentences | Write long, dense paragraphs |
| Proofread carefully | Send with spelling errors |
| Match tone to company culture | Be too casual or overly formal |
| Keep it to 250–350 words | Try to fill a full page — shorter is better |
| Save and send as a PDF | Send as a Word doc — formatting can break |
Quick Checklist
Before you send your cover letter, run through this final checklist.