How to Write a Cover Letter
A great cover letter takes 20 minutes and can double your interview rate. Here's the exact structure hiring managers expect in 2026 — plus a free template you can edit in your browser.
Why cover letters still matter
Even in the age of one-click applications, 74% of recruiters say a well-written cover letter influences their decision. It's your chance to explain what your resume can't: why this role, why this company, and why now.
The 5-part structure
- Header — Your name, contact info, date, and the hiring manager's details.
- Opening hook — One sentence that names the role and shows enthusiasm without clichés.
- Proof paragraph — Two or three achievements with numbers that map to the job description.
- Culture fit — Why this company specifically. Reference their product, mission, or recent news.
- Close — A confident call to action and a thank you.
Formatting rules
- One page, 250–400 words.
- Same font and header as your resume (11–12pt).
- Left-aligned, single-spaced, with a blank line between paragraphs.
- Save as PDF unless the posting asks for .docx.
Example opening lines
"I've spent the last three years turning cold email into predictable revenue, and Acme's new outbound team is exactly where I want to take that next."
"When I saw the Product Designer role at Linear, I opened Figma before I finished the posting."
Common mistakes to avoid
- "To whom it may concern" — find a name.
- Restating your resume line by line.
- Talking about what the job would do for you instead of what you'd do for them.
- Generic templates with obvious placeholders left in.
Free cover letter template
Use our free cover letter template — edit in your browser and download as PDF. Pair it with an ATS-friendly resume or browse the full resume templates library.