## What is a Cover Letter?
A cover letter is a formal document you send with your resume, introducing yourself and explaining why you're the perfect fit for the position. Research shows that candidates who send cover letters have a **40% higher chance** of being called for interviews.
## Cover Letter Structure
### Header
Include your contact information and date:
- Your Name
- Email Address
- Phone Number
- Date
### Opening Paragraph
Make it attention-grabbing, not generic.
**Bad**: "I am applying for the X position."
**Good**: "My 5 years of digital marketing experience and 150% ROI increase in campaigns I managed last year make me the ideal candidate for your Marketing Manager position."
### Body Paragraphs
**Why This Position?**
- Show you've researched the company
- Align with company values
- Explain your genuine interest
**Why You?**
- Share concrete achievements
- Match job requirements
- Highlight unique skills
### Closing
- Request an interview
- Express gratitude
- Professional sign-off
## Cover Letter Best Practices
### DO:
- Personalize for each application
- Use specific numbers and metrics
- Show enthusiasm for the role
- Keep it to one page (3-4 paragraphs)
### DON'T:
- Use generic templates
- Repeat your resume
- Write more than one page
- Criticize previous employers
## Industry-Specific Examples
### Tech Industry
Focus on: technical skills, projects, GitHub contributions, problem-solving abilities
### Marketing
Highlight: campaign results, platforms used, ROI metrics, creativity
### Finance
Emphasize: certifications (CFA, CPA), financial results, compliance experience, analytical skills
## Common Mistakes to Avoid
**Generic Salutations**
Use hiring manager's name instead of "Dear Hiring Manager"
**Too Long**
Keep it concise and focused - every word should count
**Repeating Resume**
Add new information and tell your unique story
**Typos and Errors**
Proofread carefully - errors suggest lack of attention to detail
## Create Cover Letters with Rejectly
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- Generates letters tailored to your resume and job posting
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- Ensures ATS-compliant formatting
- Offers different tone and style options
[Start creating cover letters now](/cover-letters)
## Key Takeaway
An effective cover letter distinguishes you from other candidates. Invest time in writing a personalized, compelling letter that showcases both your qualifications and your communication skills.
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