How to Write a Cover Letter That Gets You Hired in 2025

Do Cover Letters Still Matter in 2025?

Despite rumors of their demise, cover letters remain crucial: 83% of hiring managers say a great cover letter can convince them to interview a candidate even if their resume isn't perfect. In 2025, with AI screening tools becoming standard, your cover letter is often your first chance to show personality and genuine interest.

Before writing your cover letter, make sure your resume is ATS-optimized. Use ResumeVera's Free ATS Resume Checker to ensure your resume passes automated screening systems with a 90+ score.

The Anatomy of a Winning Cover Letter

1. The Opening Hook (First 2 Sentences)

Your opening must grab attention immediately. Avoid generic phrases like "I am writing to apply for..." Instead, lead with your value proposition:

• Impact Statement: "I increased sales by 340% in 18 months at TechCorp"
• Unique Angle: "As someone who learned Python to automate marketing tasks, I understand the intersection of creativity and technology"
• Mutual Connection: "Sarah Johnson suggested I reach out about the Product Manager role after our discussion at TechCrunch"

2. The Why This Company Paragraph

Show you've done your research. Reference:

• Recent company news or achievements
• Specific products or services you admire
• Company values that align with yours
• Growth trajectory or market position

Example: "Your recent expansion into AI-powered customer service aligns perfectly with my background in machine learning and customer experience design. I've been following your journey since the Series B announcement and am impressed by your 300% year-over-year growth."

3. The Why You're Perfect Paragraph

Connect your experience directly to the job requirements. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result):

• Pick 2-3 key requirements from the job posting
• Tell a brief story demonstrating each
• Quantify results whenever possible
• Show how you solved similar challenges

Pro Tip: Mirror the language from the job description. If they say "cross-functional collaboration," use that exact phrase in your cover letter. This helps with ATS keyword matching—learn more in our Complete ATS Optimization Guide.

4. The Cultural Fit Paragraph

Address the company's values and culture. Show you're not just qualified—you're the right fit:

• Reference company culture from their website or reviews
• Share relevant personal values or work style
• Mention how you've thrived in similar environments
• Demonstrate enthusiasm for their mission

5. The Strong Closing

End with confidence and a clear call to action:

• Restate your enthusiasm
• Mention you've attached your resume
• Request a specific next step (interview, call, meeting)
• Thank them for their time

Cover Letter Format and Length

Length: 250-400 words maximum. Hiring managers spend an average of 30 seconds on cover letters.

Format:

• 11-12pt professional font (Arial, Calibri, or Times New Roman)
• 1-inch margins on all sides
• Single-spaced with space between paragraphs
• Left-aligned text (not justified)
• Professional header with your contact information

Common Cover Letter Mistakes to Avoid

1. Repeating Your Resume: Your cover letter should complement, not duplicate, your resume. Add context and personality.

2. Generic Templates: Hiring managers can spot a template from miles away. Customize every single letter.

3. Focusing on What You Want: Instead of "This role would help me grow," say "My experience in X will help you achieve Y."

4. Spelling/Grammar Errors: One typo can eliminate you from consideration. Use tools like Grammarly and have someone proofread.

5. Being Too Humble or Too Arrogant: Strike a balance—be confident about achievements without sounding conceited.

The 2025 AI-Proofing Strategy

With AI screening tools becoming standard, your cover letter needs to be both human-appealing and machine-readable. Just like your resume needs to pass ATS systems (check yours with our free ATS checker), your cover letter should:

• Include keywords from the job description naturally
• Use clear, structured paragraphs
• Avoid complex formatting or graphics
• Submit as .PDF or .DOCX (not image files)
• Use standard section headers if required

Industry-Specific Tips

Tech: Demonstrate technical knowledge and mention relevant tools/frameworks. Show you understand their tech stack.

Creative: Let your personality shine. Use storytelling and show your creative thinking process.

Finance: Be formal and quantitative. Emphasize analytical skills and attention to detail.

Startup: Show adaptability and entrepreneurial mindset. Mention wearing multiple hats and thriving in fast-paced environments.

Optimize Your Entire Application with ResumeVera

A great cover letter paired with an ATS-optimized resume is your winning combination. ResumeVera's AI Resume Builder helps you create professional, ATS-friendly resumes in minutes, while our Resume Checker gives you an instant score with actionable feedback.

Key Features:

• AI-powered resume optimization for ATS systems
• Real-time feedback and improvement suggestions
• Industry-specific resume templates
• Keyword optimization for your target role
• Free resume score and analysis

Conclusion

A great cover letter is your secret weapon in a competitive job market. While 45% of applicants don't submit cover letters, those who do—and do it well—increase their chances of landing an interview by 53%. Take the time to craft a personalized, compelling narrative that shows why you're not just qualified, but the perfect fit for the role.

Remember: Your cover letter isn't about listing qualifications. It's about telling a story that makes the hiring manager think, "I need to meet this person."

Ready to level up your job application? Start with ResumeVera's free resume analysis and get your ATS score in seconds. Then, build a winning resume with our AI-powered resume builder.