how to write a cover letter to stand out

How to write a standout cover letter

Learn what a cover letter is, why you need one and what to include.

Hands on a laptop keyboard, typing a cover letter

Whether you’re applying to schools or searching for scholarships, co-ops, internships or jobs, you may be asked to include a cover letter.

Cover letters can be a useful addition to any application or resume, highlighting your experience, personality and passions, and how they align with the job description.

Before you start writing, be sure to understand the purpose of a cover letter and the benefits of including one in your job search.

What is the purpose of a cover letter?

A cover letter introduces you to potential employers, highlights your qualifications, and explains why you're a good fit for the position. It complements your resume by providing context and personality — it should not simply relay the same information that is on your resume.

Cover letter vs resume

A resume is a list providing the facts about your qualifications and experience. You can generally use the same resume across applications.

A cover letter is a narrative piece explaining why you're applying and why you're a good fit for the job. It should be highly personalized for each job application.

Together, a resume and cover letter offer a comprehensive view of your qualifications and demonstrate both your interest and ability to succeed in the role you're applying for.

Benefits of cover letters

Make your application stand out : When the job market is competitive and employers are looking at many qualified applicants, take every opportunity to stand out. Research shows a cover letter can make your application 38% more likely to get noticed. As many as 45% of employers may skip over an application that’s lacking a cover letter. A cover letter can give you the competitive edge.

Help you prepare for an interview : All the steps required to write a good cover letter are the same needed to prepare for an interview. You want to connect your skills and experience to the company’s needs and illustrate why you’d be a great employee.

Show off your writing skills : If the role you’re applying for requires strong writing skills, a cover letter is a perfect opportunity for you to highlight those. Beyond relaying information about yourself, a cover letter can also serve as a writing sample, showcasing your ability to communicate effectively and write succinctly. Even if writing is not a primary part of the job, good communication skills are always desirable.

Find your Next

As a premier, public urban research university, the University of Cincinnati is constantly seeking visionary individuals to work at UC.

Our faculty and staff are the driving force behind student success, and it’s through a culture of diversity, innovation and collaboration that UC jobs shape tomorrow.

If you’re ready to take the next step in your career, apply to work at UC today .

Frequently asked questions about cover letters

The answers to your questions about cover letters, plus hacks and tips.

Do I need a cover letter?

In 2024, some employers are foregoing the longtime trend of requiring a cover letter. And it is true that cover letters don’t always get read. But a majority of recruiters still want and expect them, even if it’s optional to include.

So, a few may view the cover letter as outdated, but there’s no harm in including a well-written piece that conveys information about you that’s not covered in your resume. At the very least it demonstrates that you took the time to articulate your desire for the job. That alone can elevate your standing.

In short, when in doubt, it’s always better to include one than not. Never forget to attach a cover letter when specifically asked to include one.

Can I use a template?

Yes, using a template can help you structure your letter. Just make sure to customize it for each application to reflect your personality and the specific position.

Here’s a cover letter template to get you started.

A note on artificial intelligence (AI)

It’s no secret that AI tools like ChatGPT can produce a cover letter in seconds. In fact, those tools can be a helpful starting point when crafting a cover letter. But because of the importance of personalization in cover letters, it is crucial to only use those prompts as an outline or suggestion, and always elaborate with your own personal language.

Nearly a third of job applicants are said to use the same generic cover letter. That’s a huge mistake to avoid. A tailored, thoughtful cover letter can really capture a recruiter’s attention.

Is it necessary to customize each cover letter?

Absolutely. Personalizing each cover letter to reflect the job and company shows genuine interest and helps you stand out. Highlight specific skills and experiences that align with the job description, like co-ops and internships .

How long should a cover letter be?

A cover letter should ideally be one page, typically consisting of three to four paragraphs. Keep it concise and focused on relevant information.

How to make your cover letter stand out

Writing a standout cover letter involves creativity, personalization and a clear demonstration of your value. Here are some tips to help you make your cover letter memorable:

Personalize your content

Tailor it to the company : Research the company’s culture, mission and recent achievements. Mention specific details that resonate with you and relate to the role.
Address the hiring manager : Whenever possible, use the hiring manager’s name instead of a generic greeting.

Showcase your unique value

Highlight your key achievements : Use quantifiable achievements to demonstrate your skills. Back up your examples with real-life results — using statistics when you can — to show how your contributions saved a company time or money. For example: In my last role, I increased sales by 30% through targeted marketing strategies.
Connect your skills to company needs : Clearly illustrate how your skills and experiences directly address the company’s challenges or goals.

Inject your personality

Be authentic : Let your voice shine through. Use a conversational tone, but maintain professionalism. Share a personal story that highlights your passion for the field.

Keep it concise and focused

Limit to one page : Get to the point quickly while still being engaging. Avoid unnecessary fluff and focus on what’s most relevant to the position.

Use a strong opening, customize your content every time, demonstrate your unique value with specific achievements, and let your personality shine through while maintaining professionalism.

How to write and format a cover letter

Writing a cover letter can be a key part of your job application. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you craft an effective one.

The basics: Font and format

Use a professional font (like Arial or Times New Roman, size 10-12), maintain standard margins, and align text to the left.
Your name and contact information at the top.
Employer’s name and contact information.
A formal greeting (e.g., “Dear [Hiring Manager's Name],”).
Tip : If you’re applying for a more creative or untraditional role, you can have a little more fun with it. But don’t go overboard: Let your experience speak for itself.

First paragraph: Start with a strong opening

Hook the reader : Begin with an engaging statement or anecdote related to the job or industry. For example: As a lifelong advocate for sustainable practices, I was thrilled to see the opening for [Position] at [Company].
Introduce yourself, state the position you're applying for, and mention how you found the job listing (e.g., job board, company website, personal reference).

Body paragraphs: Tell a story

First paragraph : Highlight your relevant experience or skills. Use specific examples to demonstrate how you meet the job requirements.
Second paragraph : Discuss why you’re interested in the company and the position. Show that you’ve researched the company and align with its values or goals.
Third paragraph (optional): Include any additional information that may strengthen your application (e.g., certifications, relevant projects).

Closing paragraph: End with a call to action

Express enthusiasm : Reiterate your excitement about the opportunity and your eagerness to discuss how you can contribute.
Include a follow-up statement : For example: I would love to discuss my application in more detail and explore how I can help [Company] achieve its goals.
Thank the reader for considering your application.
Use a professional closing (e.g., “Sincerely,” “Best regards,”) followed by your name.

Before you begin

Do your research.

Study the job description . It’s a goldmine of information and a helpful guide for your cover letter. Get a solid idea of what the company wants from prospective employees.
Scour the company’s website, LinkedIn page and other resources to learn more about the organization. Find examples of work you’d be doing in the role.
Your top priority when writing your cover letter and preparing for interviews is to align your skills and experiences with the qualities they’re looking for. Use specific examples.

Final thoughts

If you're a recent graduate trying to make your applications stand out, a cover letter might just give you an edge, which might be exactly what you need to get an interview and stand out from other applicants.

Not all cover letters get read, but most recruiters still expect cover letters to indicate effort and interest. A personalized cover letter can help boost the visibility of your application, which is crucial for entry-level positions, where distinguishing your application from other applicants is key.

Cover letters provide an opportunity to highlight how your specific skills align with the job requirements. This can all make up for having less experience right out of college.

A cover letter allows you to directly align your skills with the job requirements. Use it to demonstrate how your background and abilities make you a suitable candidate. This is really helpful for early-career applicants who may lack direct experience but might have relevant skills, coursework or projects to show their potential value to the employer.

You can use your cover letter to write a narrative around your resume, so the hiring manager understands why you're the perfect fit.

Student Experience
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3 Examples of Cover Letters That Stand Out (with Tips)

By Status.net Editorial Team on February 15, 2024 — 12 minutes to read

Crafting a Memorable Introduction

When you’re writing a cover letter, you want to grab the hiring manager’s attention immediately. Your introduction is your first chance to show off your personality and give them a reason to keep reading. Start with a greeting that is polite yet shows you’ve done your homework—use the hiring manager’s name if you can find it.

Dive straight into why you’re excited about the company. Maybe you’re inspired by their mission statement or impressed by their rapid growth in the industry. Then, tie this enthusiasm back to your skills. For example:

“Having followed (…) Company’s evolution as a leader in sustainable practices, I am thrilled at the possibility of bringing my decade of experience in green technologies to your dynamic team.”

It’s important to tell a brief story that highlights your relevant achievements. Pick an accomplishment that aligns with the job requirements and show, don’t tell. Use numbers or outcomes to illustrate your impact. It could look something like this:

“After spearheading a successful social media campaign that increased online engagement by 30%, I am eager to apply my digital marketing expertise to elevate (…) Inc.’s brand presence.”

Close your introduction with a sentence that underscores your enthusiasm and readiness to discuss how you can contribute to the company’s success.

Try to personalize your introduction for each job application. Generic intros are easy to spot and often don’t make it past the first read. Taking the time to craft a unique opening will help your cover letter stand out.

Showcasing Relevant Skills

When crafting your cover letter, highlighting your relevant skills is a key way to grab an employer’s attention. Make sure to tailor these skills to the job you are applying for by matching keywords and demonstrating transferable skills.

Matching Job Description Keywords

Review the job posting carefully and identify the keywords related to the skills and qualifications required .

Use these keywords in your cover letter to show that your experience and abilities align with what the employer is seeking.

This approach not only shows that you’ve paid attention to the details of the job description but also helps your application pass through applicant tracking systems that screen for these specific terms.

“Experienced in social media management and content creation, as specified in the job description.”
“Proficient in graphic design software including Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator, aligning with your need for a creative professional.”

Highlighting Transferable Skills

Even if you’re changing industries or don’t have direct experience, showcase your transferable skills. These are abilities that can be applied across various jobs and sectors, such as leadership, communication, or problem-solving. Explain how these skills have contributed to your success in past roles and how they can be beneficial in the position you’re applying for.

“Utilized exceptional organizational abilities to manage multiple projects simultaneously, ensuring all deadlines were met.”
“Employed problem-solving skills to resolve customer complaints quickly, increasing customer satisfaction by 35%.”

Incorporating Success Stories

When crafting your cover letter, including success stories can make a significant impact. Highlight your past achievements to show how you can bring value to the position you’re applying for.

Using Quantifiable Achievements

By using numbers and data, you make your contributions concrete. This gives hiring managers a clear picture of your potential impact on their company. For example, if you increased sales, specify by how much, such as “Boosted regional sales by 25% within one financial quarter.”

Increased team productivity by 30% through strategic workflow redesign.
Cut customer service response times by 50%, enhancing customer satisfaction.

Narrating Career Milestones

Connect the dots in your career by sharing key milestones. Tell the story of how you solved a difficult problem or took on new responsibilities. This paints a dynamic picture of your growth. Example: “Successfully managed a project that resulted in a patented product, becoming a top-seller for my company.”

Led the development of a new tracking system that decreased shipping errors by 15%.
Spearheaded a fundraiser event that raised $20,000 for local charities.

Cover letters that stand out contain specific components that highlight your suitability for a position.

Concluding with a Strong Call to Action

The closing of your cover letter is where you need to reel in the hiring manager with a compelling call to action (CTA). This means directly inviting them to contact you for an interview or further discussion. Here’s how you can effectively do this:

First, express genuine enthusiasm about the position. You want to communicate your eagerness to take the next step. For example, “I am very excited about the prospect of joining your team and am eager to discuss how I can contribute to the success of your organization.”
Next, clearly state what you want to happen next. It’s important that there’s no ambiguity about your intentions. A straightforward request, like “I would welcome the opportunity to speak with you about how my skills and experience align with your needs,” can convey your confidence and desire for an interview.
Make it easy for them to reach out. Include your contact information in the closing paragraph and invite them to call or email you. Phrases like “Please feel free to contact me at your earliest convenience,” followed by a phone number or email address, demonstrate your openness and readiness for communication.
End on a polite note. Thanking the reader for their time and consideration showcases your politeness and respect. A simple “Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the possibility of contributing to your esteemed company,” can leave a positive final impression.
“Please contact me at [your phone number] to discuss how I can bring value to your team.”
“I am available for an interview at your earliest convenience and can be reached at [your email address].”
“I look forward to the opportunity to share how I can make a difference in your company.”
“I’m keen to discuss my fit for the role in greater detail.”
“I am hopeful for the chance to further discuss my potential impact on your team.”
“Eager to explore this opportunity with you, please reach out to me via [contact method].”

Template of a Strong Cover Letter

Dear [Employer’s Name or Hiring Manager’s Name],

I am interested in the [Job Title] job at [Company Name] that I saw [where you found the job posting]. I have experience in [Your Field/Industry] and have achieved [specific achievement or skill]. I am looking forward to helping [Company Name] reach its goals.

At my last job at [Previous Employer], I did [describe a relevant achievement or project] which improved my skills in [mention specific skills or areas of expertise] and showed I am good at [mention a quality or achievement that reflects the job requirements, such as problem-solving, innovation, or collaboration].

I like [Company Name] because [mention something specific about the company or its mission that aligns with your values or career goals]. I respect how your company [describe an aspect of the company’s work, culture, or values], and I want to use my [mention a key skill or experience] to help your company succeed.

I am excited to [mention how you would apply your skills in the role, aligning with the job description]. I believe my [mention a personal trait or professional attribute] and [another skill or experience] make me a good fit to help [Company Name] with [mention a goal or project relevant to the position].

I have attached my resume for more information about my qualifications. I would be happy to talk about how I can contribute to [Company Name]. Thank you for looking at my application. I am ready to discuss this job with you and join your team.

Best wishes,

[Your Name]

Dear (…),

I am interested in the Marketing Coordinator position at (…) Solutions that I saw listed on LinkedIn. With a background in marketing and a proven record of increasing customer engagement, I am looking forward to helping (…) Solutions reach its marketing objectives.

At my last job at (…), I led a campaign that increased social media engagement by 40%. This experience improved my skills in social media strategy and analytics and showed I am good at creative problem-solving and effective communication.

What draws me to (…) Solutions is your commitment to leveraging technology for environmental sustainability. I respect how your company integrates eco-friendly practices into its business model, and I want to use my expertise in digital marketing to help your company expand its reach.

I am excited about the chance to use my skills in this role, particularly aligning with your recent initiative to launch an online eco-conscious marketplace. I believe my proactive approach and experience in project management make me a good fit to help (…) Solutions successfully market this new platform.

Enclosed is my resume, which provides more details about my qualifications. I would be thrilled to discuss how I can contribute to the innovative work at (…) Solutions. Thank you for considering my application. I am eager to discuss this opportunity with you and hope to join your dynamic team.

When using this template, customize each cover letter with specific details about the company and the role you are applying for . Personalization is key to making your application stand out.

Examples of Cover Letters That Stand Out

Cover letters that stand out are tailored to the job and company, showcasing the candidate’s relevant achievements and expressing genuine interest in the specific role and organization.

Cover Letter Example for a Graphic Designer Position

Hello [Employer’s Name],

I’m interested in the Graphic Designer job at [Company Name] that I saw [where you found the job posting]. I have a degree in Graphic Design and over five years of experience. I believe I can create great designs for you.

At my current job at [Current Employer], I led a rebranding for a big client that made their online presence grow by 30% in three months. I’m good with Adobe Creative Suite and always keep up with new design trends, so I make modern and attractive designs.

I’m excited about working at [Company Name] because you value creativity and innovation. I really liked your recent campaign for [specific project or client]. It stood out to me as a designer and a shopper.

I’m looking forward to using my skills and creativity at [Company Name]. I’ve attached my resume and a link to my portfolio for you to see. I look forward to the possibility of discussing this exciting opportunity with you. Thank you for considering my application.

Warm regards,

Cover Letter Example for a Marketing Manager Position

I am a marketing professional with over ten years of experience and I’m excited about the Marketing Manager job at [Company Name]. I’ve led campaigns that increased revenue by 20% each year and I’m looking forward to helping [Company Name] grow even more.

At my last job at [Former Employer], I ran a digital marketing campaign that raised online sales by 40% and got more people interacting with us on social media. My hands-on experience with SEO, PPC, and CRM systems, along with my ability to analyze market trends and adjust strategies accordingly, are skills I am eager to bring to your team.

I really admire [Company Name]’s fresh ways of marketing, like your recent [specific campaign or initiative]. I believe my experience with building brands and targeted marketing fits well with what you’re doing.

I’d love to talk about how I can be part of [Company Name]’s success. Please find my resume attached for your consideration. Thank you for your time and I hope to speak with you soon.

Cover Letter Example for an Administrative Assistant

Dear [Employer’s Name],

I am very interested in the Administrative Assistant job at [Company Name] that I found on [where you found the job posting]. I have experience in administrative work and I really enjoy making sure an office runs well. I’m looking forward to the chance to be part of your team.

In my last job at [Previous Employer], I gained skills like managing schedules, preparing documents quickly, and making sure the office works at its best. I work well with different teams and I’m good at using MS Office and CRM software, which has helped make things run more smoothly and helped the business grow.

I once reorganized the filing system at [Previous Employer], which made finding information 30% faster. I would like to do similar work at [Company Name] to help with the quick pace of your work.

I like [Company Name]’s focus on both helping employees grow and working together. I am excited to bring my skills and experience to a place that values hard work and commitment.

I hope we can talk about how I can help with [Company Name]’s administrative tasks. I am available at [Your Phone Number] or [Your Email].

Thank you for considering my application. I am eager to support the team at [Company Name] and help with your success.

Best regards,

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the key elements to include in a standout cover letter.

A standout cover letter includes a personalized greeting, a compelling opening statement, evidence of your achievements, skills relevant to the job, enthusiasm for the role, and a professional closing.

Can you suggest a structure for an effective cover letter?

An effective cover letter typically starts with a header and salutation, followed by an introductory paragraph, 1-2 body paragraphs detailing your qualifications and fit for the role, and concludes with a call to action and formal sign-off. For instance, “I am excited to discuss how my experience as a digital marketer can drive growth for (…) Corp.”

How can I begin my cover letter to immediately grab the employer’s attention?

Begin your cover letter with an intriguing fact about yourself, a question, or a bold statement related to the job. You could start with, “Reducing customer churn by 30% at my last job makes me eager to apply these strategies to the Client Engagement Specialist position at your esteemed company.”

What are some innovative ways to showcase my personality in a cover letter?

You can showcase your personality by sharing a brief story that illustrates your passion for the field, using a conversational tone, or including an interest that aligns with the company’s culture. For example, “My passion for graphic design started when I redesigned a flyer for a local pet shelter and saw the impact it had on adoption rates.”

Could you provide a model of a concise yet impactful cover letter?

For example, “Dear Hiring Manager, your ad for a creative copywriter caught my eye. At (…) Agency, I increased client engagement for major brands through compelling copy—one campaign saw a 50% jump in CTR.”

What strategies can I use to tailor my cover letter for different job applications?

Research the company and position to include specific details in your cover letter. Use keywords from the job description and speak directly to how your skills and experience meet those needs.