How to Write a Good Cover Letter: A Complete Guide for 2025

Estimated reading time: 9 minutes

Key Takeaways

• Cover letters are still necessary in 2025 and can increase your chances of landing an interview.
• A well-formatted cover letter follows a standard structure, including a header, greeting, introduction, body, and closing.
• Customizing your cover letter to the specific role and company is crucial.
• Avoid common mistakes such as using generic templates and failing to proofread.
• Understand when to use short vs. long cover letters based on the application context.

In today’s fiercely competitive job market, knowing how to write a good cover letter can be the difference between landing your dream job and getting lost in a sea of applications. A well-crafted cover letter serves as your personal introduction to potential employers, showcasing your unique qualifications and demonstrating genuine interest in the role.

This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know about creating an effective cover letter, including:

• Whether cover letters are still necessary
• Professional cover letter formatting
• Step-by-step writing instructions
• Short vs. long cover letter considerations
• Current examples for 2025

Is a Cover Letter Really Necessary?

A cover letter is a personalized document accompanying your resume that introduces you to potential employers. While some may question its relevance in 2025, the statistics tell a compelling story:

• 60% of companies require cover letters, with 83% of hiring managers regularly reading them
• Only 6% of hiring managers consider cover letters unnecessary
• Candidates who submit cover letters have a higher success rate (35.8%) compared to those who don’t (21.2%)
• 90% of executives consider cover letters crucial for evaluating candidates

Source: Resumemansion.com

When You Must Include a Cover Letter:

• When explicitly required in the job posting
• For roles requiring strong communication skills
• To explain employment gaps or career transitions
• When applying to traditional industries

When a Cover Letter May Be Optional:

• Applications to companies that don’t request them
• When there’s no option to upload one in the application system

Benefits of Including a Cover Letter:

• Sets you apart from other candidates
• Showcases your personality and cultural fit (valued by 59% of hiring managers)
• Provides context for unique circumstances

Source: Harvard Business Review

Professional Cover Letter Format for Job Applications

A proper cover letter follows this standard structure:

Header:

• Your contact information
• Current date
• Employer’s details

Professional Layout:

1. Salutation (personalized to hiring manager)
2. Introduction paragraph
3. Body paragraphs (1-2)
4. Closing paragraph
5. Professional signature

Formatting Guidelines:

• Length: One page (250-400 words)
• Font: Professional choices like Arial or Calibri
• Alignment: Left-aligned text
• Spacing: Standard margins and paragraph spacing
• ATS-Friendly Resume Guide

How to Write a Good Cover Letter: Step-by-Step Guide

1. Research the Company
   • Study their website and social media
   • Understand their mission and values
   • Note key projects or achievements

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2. Craft a Personal Greeting
   • Find the hiring manager’s name
   • Use “Dear [Name]” instead of generic salutations
3. Write an Engaging Introduction
   • State the position you’re applying for
   • Include a compelling achievement relevant to the role
   • Show enthusiasm for the opportunity
4. Develop Strong Body Paragraphs
   • Highlight relevant experience
   • Include specific, quantifiable achievements
   • Connect your skills to job requirements

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5. Create a Powerful Closing
   • Summarize your key qualifications
   • Express enthusiasm for an interview
   • Thank the reader for their time

   AI Cover Letter Generator Guide

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Using generic templates without customization
• Focusing solely on personal benefits
• Duplicating resume content
• Failing to proofread thoroughly
• Including incorrect company information

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Short vs. Long Cover Letters

Short Cover Letters:

• Length: Under 200 words
• Best for: Online applications, tech startups
• Advantages: Quick to read, focused message
• Disadvantages: Limited detail, may seem impersonal

Long Cover Letters:

• Length: Up to 400 words
• Best for: Traditional industries, complex situations
• Advantages: Room for detailed explanations
• Disadvantages: Risk of losing reader’s attention

Cover Letter Examples 2025

Modern Professional Example:

“Dear Ms. Garcia,

I am excited to apply for the Marketing Coordinator position at GreenPeak Solutions. With three years of experience in digital media strategy and a passion for sustainable brands, I am confident in my ability to contribute to your team’s growing social presence. At my last role, I increased campaign engagement by 40% through data-driven content planning…”

Key Features:

• Clear position statement
• Specific achievements
• Company knowledge
• Professional tone

Concise Example:

“Dear Hiring Manager,

I am applying for the Data Analyst opening at BlueStream. My background in Python automation and proven track record with Fortune 500 clients aligns well with your needs. I look forward to discussing how I can drive actionable insights for your team.”

Key Features:

• Direct approach
• Relevant skills highlighted
• Clear value proposition

Source: Resume.io

Conclusion

Mastering how to write a good cover letter is essential for job seeking success in 2025. By following this guide’s structured approach, avoiding common pitfalls, and maintaining professionalism throughout your letter, you’ll create compelling cover letters that capture employers’ attention and increase your chances of landing interviews.

Remember to customize each letter for the specific role and company, maintain appropriate length and formatting, and always proofread carefully. Your cover letter is often your first impression – make it count.

Source: WeLoveSalt.com

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Frequently Asked Questions

Do I really need a cover letter in 2025?

Yes, cover letters are still necessary and can greatly improve your chances of getting an interview. Many hiring managers value them for showcasing your personality and fit.

How long should my cover letter be?

Your cover letter should typically be between 250-400 words, fitting on one page. However, for quick applications, a shorter cover letter under 200 words can be appropriate.

Can I use the same cover letter for multiple applications?

It’s important to customize each cover letter to the specific role and company. Using generic templates without customization is a common mistake.

What are some common mistakes to avoid in a cover letter?

Avoid using generic templates, duplicating resume content, and failing to proofread. Always ensure you’re addressing the correct company and role.

Should I include salary requirements in my cover letter?

Unless the job posting specifically requests it, it’s best to avoid discussing salary in your cover letter. Focus on your qualifications and fit for the role.