Guides

How to Write a Cover Letter

Priya Sharma·Updated June 26, 2026· 6 min read

A cover letter is your chance to connect the dots between your resume and the specific job — in your own voice. Done well, it shows fit and motivation that bullet points can't. Here's a structure you can reuse for any role.

The 3-part structure

Opening: name the role, the company, and a one-line hook on why you're a strong fit.
Body (1–2 paragraphs): prove it with one or two specific, quantified achievements relevant to the job.
Close: reaffirm interest, mention your resume, and invite a conversation.

Tailor it to the job

Mirror the language of the posting and mention the company by name. A generic letter reads as generic. You can pair your letter with your resume and target the same keywords in the CraftMyDocs cover letter builder.

An example opening that works

The first line decides whether the rest gets read. Skip "I am writing to apply for…" and lead with relevance: "As a marketer who grew inbound leads 3x at a B2B SaaS startup, I was excited to see your demand-generation role at Acme." In one sentence it names the role, the company, and a concrete reason you fit. From there, the body simply backs it up with detail.

How to address and format it

Address a specific person where you can — find the hiring manager on LinkedIn rather than defaulting to "To whom it may concern".
Keep it to three or four short paragraphs on a single page, in the same font as your resume.
Match the header (name and contact details) to your resume so the application looks cohesive.
End with a clear, low-pressure call to action — that you'd welcome the chance to discuss the role.

Common mistakes

Repeating your resume word-for-word instead of adding context.
Making it about what you want rather than the value you bring.
Going over one page — keep it to 3–4 short paragraphs.
Forgetting to change the company name from your last application — a classic, fatal copy-paste slip.

Build my cover letter

Frequently asked questions

How long should a cover letter be?

Half a page to one page — three or four short paragraphs. Recruiters skim, so make every line earn its place.

Should I address it to a specific person?

Yes, whenever you can find the name — it shows effort and reads better than a generic greeting. If you truly can't, 'Dear Hiring Manager' is an acceptable fallback.

Do I still need a cover letter in 2026?

When the application allows one, yes — a tailored letter can differentiate you, especially for competitive or senior roles.

Priya Sharma

Career Coach & Resume Writer

Priya is a career coach and resume writer who has helped job seekers across tech, finance, and creative fields land interviews. She writes CraftMyDocs guides on resume writing, formatting, and presenting experience with impact.

How to Write a Cover Letter

The 3-part structure

Tailor it to the job

An example opening that works

How to address and format it

Common mistakes

Frequently asked questions

Related reading

The 3-part structure

Tailor it to the job

An example opening that works

How to address and format it

Common mistakes