What is a cover letter?

A cover letter is a one-page letter sent with a resume to explain the applicant’s interest in a specific position and to outline relevant qualifications. It’s not a repeat of the resume; rather, it selects two or three achievements or skills and explains how they apply to the job. When written clearly and concisely, a cover letter helps the reader understand your motivations and can make a job application feel more personal and purposeful.

A well-crafted cover letter also signals attention to detail and the ability to communicate professionally. Employers often use it to assess tone, cultural fit, and written expression—qualities that are harder to gauge from bullet points on a resume. Keep it focused on the employer’s priorities and avoid generic openings that could apply to any role.

How does a cover letter complement a resume?

A cover letter complements a resume by providing narrative and reasoning behind the facts listed on the resume. While a resume lists dates, titles, and responsibilities, the cover letter explains the impact you made, the problems you solved, and the results that matter to the employer. Use the cover letter to highlight the most relevant parts of your resume and to connect disparate roles into a coherent career story.

For example, if your resume shows varied roles, the cover letter can describe how those experiences developed transferrable skills that fit the job you’re seeking. This alignment helps recruiters move from a general impression of qualifications to a clearer idea of how you would perform in the specific role advertised.

What should a job application include in a cover letter?

A cover letter for a job application should include a clear opening that names the role and how you learned about it, a middle that links specific experience to the job’s requirements, and a closing that indicates your interest in further conversation. Quantify achievements where possible and match language from the job posting to show you understand the employer’s needs without copying the posting verbatim.

Avoid long recitations of past duties. Instead, provide short examples that illustrate impact—such as process improvements, revenue or cost metrics, project outcomes, or client feedback. End with a professional close that restates interest and leaves contact details visible, and ensure the document is tailored for each position rather than reused word-for-word.

How can a cover letter support your career goals?

A cover letter can be used strategically to steer your career trajectory by emphasizing relevant skills and aspirations that align with the positions you pursue. If you’re changing fields, the cover letter is the place to explain why your background translates and what you bring that other candidates might not. If you’re advancing within a field, use it to highlight leadership, strategic thinking, or domain depth that supports your next step.

Think of the cover letter as a bridge between your past roles and future goals. Articulate where you want to go in your career and how the role you’re applying for fits into that plan, while staying focused on how hiring you benefits the employer today.

What writing techniques improve a cover letter?

Effective cover letter writing uses clear, active language and a professional yet approachable tone. Start with a strong opening sentence that captures relevance, use short paragraphs for readability, and avoid jargon or overused phrases. Tailor vocabulary to the employer and prioritize measurable outcomes over vague assertions, keeping the document to one page and one letter-sized screen view whenever possible.

Proofread carefully for grammar and consistency with your resume (dates, job titles, company names). Consider reading the letter aloud or asking a peer for feedback to ensure tone and clarity. For electronic submissions, save and send the file in commonly accepted formats (PDF unless the application specifies otherwise) to preserve layout and readability.

Conclusion

A purposeful cover letter strengthens a job application by contextualizing your resume, emphasizing fit, and demonstrating communication skills. Focus on relevance, concrete examples, and clear writing to make your case. Tailoring each letter to the role and employer increases the likelihood that a hiring manager will view your application with interest and understand the specific value you bring to their organization.