How to Write a Cover Letter That Gets You Hired in 2025

Even in 2025—amid AI-written applications, applicant tracking systems (ATS), and one-click LinkedIn Easy Applies—a well-crafted cover letter can be your secret weapon. The cover letter is not dead. In fact, most hiring managers still read them: a 2024 survey found 83% of U.S. hiring managers always or frequently read cover letters and 68% consider them important in deciding who to interview. Recruiters say a great cover letter helps you stand out in a job application by adding depth and personality beyond the resume. Considering that nearly 45% of applicants skip the cover letter altogether, taking the time to write one already puts you ahead of the pack. Bottom line: cover letters still matter in 2025, and they can be the deciding factor in getting hired.

So how do you write a cover letter that gets you hired in 2025? This guide will walk you through a proven cover letter format (with a template for each part), provide examples of powerful cover letter phrases, and share tips on tailoring your letter to the job description. We’ll also highlight common mistakes to avoid. By the end, you’ll know exactly how to write a cover letter that helps you stand out and land that interview.

Cover Letter Format for 2025: The 5 Key Parts

A successful 2025 cover letter follows a clear structure. Think of it in five main sections: Greeting, Hook, Value Proposition, Proof, and Closing. Here's how to nail each part:

1. Greeting

Start your cover letter with a professional greeting. Address the hiring manager by name whenever possible. For example, begin with “Dear Ms. Smith,” or “Dear John Doe,” instead of a generic “To Whom It May Concern.” If you can’t find a specific name, “Dear Hiring Manager” is acceptable. Personalizing the salutation shows you’ve done your homework. It creates a friendly yet professional tone from the outset and proves you’re not sending the same form letter to multiple companies.

Tip: Double-check you have the correct name and company—addressing the wrong person or company is a common faux pas that can cost you the job. (It happens more often than you’d think when reusing cover letters!)

2. The Hook (Opening Paragraph)

Your opening paragraph should grab the reader’s attention and make them want to keep reading. Don’t start with a bland “I am writing to apply for X position.” Instead, use a hook that highlights your enthusiasm or a key qualification. For example, you might begin with an energetic statement:

“I was excited to see the Marketing Manager opening at ABC Corp, as a marketing specialist with 5+ years of experience in crafting campaigns that drive results.”

Notice how this line immediately states the role and company, conveys excitement, and hints at relevant experience. Another approach is to mention something you admire about the company or a recent project of theirs: for instance, “Having followed ABC Corp’s innovative ad campaigns, I was thrilled to discover the opening for a Marketing Manager—and I’m eager to contribute my creative strategy experience to your team.” This shows you've done research and are genuinely interested in them.

If someone referred you or you have a personal connection to the company, mention it right away in the intro (a quick name-drop can be an effective hook). You can also lead with a relevant anecdote or quote that reflects your passion for the field, which Glassdoor’s career experts note is a great way to make your opening stand out. The key is to make the reader think, “Here’s someone who really gets us and is excited about this opportunity.”

3. Value Proposition (Why You’re a Great Fit)

In the middle paragraph(s), present your value proposition – essentially, why hiring you will benefit the employer. This section should answer the employer’s question: “What’s in it for us if we hire you?” To do that, align your skills and experiences with the job requirements. Show that you have the key skills, traits, and experience needed to excel in the role. For example, if the job posting emphasizes project management and teamwork, you could write: “In my current role as Project Lead at XYZ Inc., I’ve honed my ability to coordinate cross-functional teams to deliver projects on time. I’m confident I can bring that same organizational leadership to the Marketing Manager position at ABC Corp.”

Be specific about how your background matches the job. You might highlight a couple of relevant accomplishments or responsibilities that mirror what the new role entails. Frame it as what you will do for them, not just what you want from the job. For instance: “I’m drawn to this role because I see an opportunity to apply my experience in launching international campaigns to help ABC Corp expand its global reach.” This shows you understand the company’s goals and how you can contribute. According to career experts, the key to writing an effective cover letter is clearly showing how your experience fits the needs of the role and the company’s culture.

Keep your tone confident and positive. You’re essentially making a tailored sales pitch about yourself, so assert that you can meet the challenges of the job. However, stay humble and factual – avoid hyperbole or overselling. The next part will help reinforce your claims with evidence.

4. Proof (Back Up Your Claims)

Don’t just tell the employer you’re great – prove it. Use one or two concrete examples or achievements to back up the key qualifications you highlighted. Metrics are powerful here. If you have statistics or results, include them to quantify your impact. For example:

“In 2024, I led a product launch campaign that grew our SaaS product’s user base by 40% within six months, exceeding our targets.”

Or, “Under my management, our team’s social media engagement doubled and contributed to a 15% increase in sales year-over-year.”

These specific accomplishments serve as proof that you can deliver results. Even if you don’t have easily quantifiable results, you can share a brief success story or a challenge you overcame that’s relevant to the new role. The goal is to provide evidence that supports your value proposition. This “show, don’t just tell” approach convinces the hiring manager that you have done what you claim and can repeat that success for them.

Also, consider mentioning any relevant certifications, awards, or notable credentials here if you have them, but only if they add to your case. Don’t overload the letter with too many examples; choose the most impressive and relevant one or two as your proof points. Remember, your cover letter should complement your resume – not just repeat it. Pick examples that elaborate on the top strengths you bring that are directly related to the job.

5. Closing (Wrap Up with Confidence and a CTA)

Finally, end with a strong closing paragraph that summarizes your interest and invites next steps. In your closing, reaffirm your enthusiasm for the role and the company, and briefly restate why you’d be a great fit (in fresh words). For example: “I am excited about the prospect of bringing my marketing and leadership experience to ABC Corp and helping drive the company’s mission of innovative advertising forward.” This ties back to points you made earlier, without sounding redundant.

Next, include a call to action (CTA) – a polite prompt towards the next stage of the hiring process. This can be as simple as: “I would welcome the opportunity to discuss how my background can benefit ABC Corp in this role.” or “I look forward to the possibility of interviewing to further share how I can contribute to your team.” Also, thank the reader for their time and consideration. A little gratitude goes a long way. For instance: “Thank you very much for your time. I’m looking forward to hearing from you.”

Close formally with a sign-off like “Sincerely,” or “Best regards,” then your full name. If you’re sending a physical letter or PDF, you might include your signature as well. Make sure to include your contact information (email, phone number) either under your name or in the header, so the hiring manager can easily reach you.

In summary, a cover letter’s format in 2025 isn’t radically different from the past – it’s the content and personalization that count most. Keep it to one page (about 250–400 words), and ensure it’s clear, concise, and tailored to the job at hand. Now, let’s look at some examples of language that works well in cover letters.

Cover Letter Examples 2025: Strong Phrases and Sentences

Sometimes it helps to see sample phrasing. Below are a few strong cover letter sentences you can adapt (do not copy these verbatim – always tailor to your own voice and situation!). These examples illustrate the tone and specificity you should aim for:

• “I am drawn to [Company Name]’s mission of X, and I’m excited about the opportunity to contribute through [skill or experience].” – Shows you know the company and align with their values.

• “In my previous role as [Position] at [Previous Company], I [specific achievement] – experience that has prepared me to excel as your new [Target Position].” – Connects past results to the new job’s requirements.

• “Your job posting mentioned a need for [Skill]. Here’s how I’ve demonstrated that: In my last project, I [brief example with result].” – Directly addresses a job requirement with evidence.

• “I’ve been a long-time user (and fan) of [Company]’s products, which is why I would be especially thrilled to join the team and take [specific project or responsibility] to the next level.” – Conveys genuine enthusiasm and company knowledge.

• “Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the chance to discuss how my background in [relevant area] can help [Company] achieve [specific goal].” – Gracious, confident closing that invites an interview.

Each of these phrases is focused, personal, and relevant. Notice the use of keywords from the job description (e.g., skills or responsibilities mentioned in the posting) – integrating those can help your cover letter resonate with what the employer is seeking and may help you get past ATS filters. Always remember to adjust the details to fit your experience and the specific job. Real cover letter examples in 2025 reflect authenticity and customization, so use these sample phrases as inspiration to write your own unique story.

Tailoring Your Cover Letter to the Job (and Why It Matters)

One of the biggest cover letter mistakes is sending the same generic letter to every employer. Don’t do that. A cover letter that isn’t tailored to the job description shouts that you’ve put in minimal effort, and recruiters definitely notice. In fact, in an analysis of 300,000 cover letters, lack of customization was one of the top errors, affecting 45% of applications. To make your cover letter effective, you must tailor it to each job and company.

Here’s how to tailor your cover letter for each application:

• Use the job description as a guide. Read the job posting carefully and identify the top 3–5 qualifications or skills the employer wants. Make sure your cover letter addresses those directly. Incorporate the same keywords used in the job description (naturally, in context) to highlight that you meet their criteria. For example, if the posting emphasizes “project management” and “data analysis,” use those terms when describing your experience. This not only resonates with hiring managers but also helps your application get picked up by ATS algorithms that scan for keywords.

• Match your tone to the company culture. Research the company’s culture and values (their website, LinkedIn page, or Glassdoor reviews can help). Then, adjust the tone of your letter accordingly. If it’s a buttoned-up corporate firm, keep your language formal and businesslike. If it’s a creative startup or an NGO with a vibrant culture, you can be slightly more casual or passionate in tone. The content remains professional, but the flavor can match what the company would appreciate. This shows you’d fit in well.

• Mention specific details about the company. A great tailored cover letter might reference a current company project, a value from their mission statement, or recent news. For instance: “I was excited to learn that XYZ Corp is expanding into renewable energy – as an engineer with a passion for sustainability, I find this role especially motivating.” This level of detail proves you’re truly interested in them, not just any job. It’s all about making the recruiter feel like this letter was written just for this position (because it was!).

• If you have a referral or connection, use it. As noted earlier, name-dropping (with permission) can immediately set you apart. Example: “When Jane Doe on your marketing team told me about the innovative work at ABC Corp, I knew I had to apply.” Companies love when candidates come recommended by current employees or acquaintances – it adds trust. Just ensure the connection is relevant and real.

• Customize the small things too. Little tweaks matter: the job title, the company name (double-check spelling!), and any references to the company’s products or services should be correct and specific to that employer. It sounds obvious, but a common mistake is forgetting to swap out a previous company’s name — a dead giveaway of a recycled cover letter that will turn off a hiring manager instantly.

Tailoring your cover letter also helps convey genuine motivation. Recruiters report that a tailored letter reveals a candidate’s motivation and interest more clearly. It shows you’re not just blanket-applying everywhere; you actually want this job at this company. That can make a huge difference. In fact, 78% of recruiters say they are more likely to choose a candidate who includes a cover letter, especially because it shows things like motivation, added info, and personality.

Yes, customizing each letter takes extra time, but the effort can dramatically improve your response rate. It’s far better to send 5 customized applications than 50 generic ones. As one career coach puts it: Your cover letter is your chance to share your story, personality and strengths. Don’t forego it in a rush to apply – taking the time to tailor a cover letter shows you’re willing to go above and beyond.

Common Cover Letter Mistakes to Avoid

Knowing what not to do is just as important as knowing what to do. Many otherwise qualified candidates hurt their chances with avoidable cover letter mistakes. Here are some common pitfalls to steer clear of when writing your cover letter, and how to avoid them:

• ❌ Sending a generic cover letter. “Dear Company, I am writing to apply for [blank] position…” – If your letter could apply to any job, it will impress no job. Always tailor your cover letter as discussed above. A one-size-fits-all letter tells employers you didn’t bother learning about their role. (Remember, 45% of applicants fail to customize, and it hurts their chances.) ✅ Fix: Personalize each letter with the hiring manager’s name, the specific role, and references to that company’s needs.

• ❌ Repeating your resume word-for-word. Your cover letter shouldn’t be just a prose version of your resume. Recruiters have likely read your resume already – they’re looking for new insights in your cover letter. If you just copy-paste resume bullet points into paragraphs, it adds no value and wastes their time. ✅ Fix: Use the cover letter to explain briefly how your experiences make you a fit, share a relevant accomplishment story, or highlight something not obvious from your resume (e.g. why you are passionate about this role or an explanation of a career transition).

• ❌ Focusing on yourself over the company. It’s a mistake to make the letter all about what you want (“I’ve always dreamed of a higher salary or fully remote work…”). Employers care about what you can do for them. ✅ Fix: Emphasize the value you’ll bring to the company, not just what you hope to gain. For example, instead of “This job would be a great step for my career,” say “This job would allow me to apply my [specific skill] to help [Company] [achieve X goal].”

• ❌ Using clichéd, unsupported statements. Simply saying “I’m a hard-working team player” means little without context. These phrases are overused and tell rather than show. ✅ Fix: Give specific examples instead of clichés. If you want to convey that you’re a team player, mention a team project you led or contributed to and what the outcome was. Show, don’t just tell, whenever possible.

• ❌ Going too long or too short. A cover letter that’s too long (multiple pages) will likely not be read fully. Conversely, a one-liner cover letter is pointless. ✅ Fix: Aim for a concise one-page letter, about 3–4 paragraphs and roughly 300-400 words. This is enough to convey your key points without losing the reader’s interest. Every sentence should have a purpose; if it doesn’t, cut it.

• ❌ Making typos or grammatical errors. Sloppy writing can knock you out of contention fast. A misspelled company name or a typo in the hiring manager’s name is especially damaging. According to one analysis, 67% of cover letters had grammar or syntax errors – the #1 most common mistake. ✅ Fix: Proofread meticulously. Don’t rely solely on spell-check. Read your letter out loud to catch awkward phrasing or run-on sentences. It can also help to have a friend or mentor review it. Fresh eyes may catch errors you missed.

• ❌ Using an overly formal or stiff tone (or the opposite, too casual). For example, starting with “To Whom It May Concern” or writing in old-fashioned business-speak can come across as outdated or impersonal. On the other hand, being too informal (slang, jokes, or emoji) is unprofessional. ✅ Fix: Write in a professional yet natural voice. Imagine speaking to the hiring manager in a polite conversation. Be courteous and respectful, but also let some of your personality show. And always use a proper greeting and closing (no “Hey team” or texting lingo).

• ❌ Forgetting to follow instructions. Sometimes job postings specify things like “Include Job Code 123 in your cover letter” or ask you to answer a specific question in the letter. Ignoring these details can get you disqualified. ✅ Fix: Read the job application instructions carefully and make sure you follow them in your cover letter. It shows attention to detail and that you can follow directions — qualities every employer values.

• ❌ Relying on AI or templates without personalization. Tools like AI writing assistants or templates can be helpful to get started, but they often produce generic content. Hiring managers can tell if your letter is cookie-cutter. ✅ Fix: If you use a template or an AI-generated draft, always customize and humanize it. Infuse details that only you could write. Double-check that everything is accurate (AI can sometimes insert wrong info). The final product should sound like you, not a robot.

By avoiding these common mistakes, you’ll already be ahead of many candidates. Remember, a cover letter’s purpose is to add value to your application – so if it’s generic, duplicative, or riddled with errors, it can actually hurt you more than help. Take the extra time to make it great. As one Harvard Business Review contributor pointed out, dismissing cover letters as “a waste of time” is a mistake – a thoughtful cover letter can make a strong positive impression.

Conclusion: Your Cover Letter Is Your Chance to Shine

In 2025, a compelling cover letter remains a powerful tool for landing a job. It’s your personalized sales pitch, your opportunity to show the human behind the resume. When you take the time to craft a tailored, thoughtful letter, you demonstrate professionalism, enthusiasm, and attention to detail – qualities every employer wants. More importantly, you make it easier for the hiring team to see why you are the candidate they should interview.

Now that you know how to write a cover letter that gets results – from the proper format and persuasive examples, to customization strategies and pitfalls to avoid – it’s time to put that knowledge into practice. Take the next step: open up a new document and start drafting (or revising) your cover letter using these tips. Whether you’re applying to your dream job or just the next step in your career, a standout cover letter can be the factor that tips the scales in your favor.

Good luck, and happy writing! With a bit of effort, you can create a cover letter that truly stands out in the job application process – and gets you one step closer to the words “You’re hired.” Now go get that job! ✨