Plenty of people skip the cover letter or paste in a generic template. That's exactly why a focused, genuine one still stands out — when it's actually read, it can tip a close decision in your favor.
What a cover letter is for
It's not a reworded resume. Its job is to connect the dots: to show why you fit this role at this company, with a bit of personality the resume can't carry. It answers the question hiring managers silently ask: "why should I care?"
A simple structure
- Opening: state the role and a hook — genuine enthusiasm or a relevant achievement.
- Middle: pick two or three requirements from the job post and prove you meet them with specific examples.
- Close: reaffirm your interest and invite next steps.
Make it specific
Address a real person if you can find the name. Reference something concrete about the company — a product, value or recent project — to show you did your homework. Generic flattery ("I admire your great company") is transparent; specific, informed interest is persuasive.
Common mistakes
Don't simply restate your resume, don't make it about what you want ("this job would help my career"), and never reuse a letter without swapping the company name — that mistake ends applications instantly. Proofread every word.
The bottom line
A short, tailored, specific cover letter shows effort and fit. When the competition copy-pastes, genuine relevance wins.