How long should a cover letter be?

For most roles, three short paragraphs are enough: opening, role fit, and closing.

Should I send a cover letter with my CV?

Yes, especially for competitive roles or applications where extra context can help your CV stand out.

Do I need a different cover letter for every job?

The core structure can stay the same, but company name, role, and supporting examples should be adjusted for each application.

What should I avoid in a cover letter?

Avoid repeating your CV line by line, writing long generic paragraphs, or using the same unedited letter everywhere.

Cover Letter Example and Structure

Use a clear opening, role-fit proof, and short closing to write a stronger cover letter without over-explaining.

Opening

State the role and why you are interested in the opportunity.

Evidence

Choose one or two relevant achievements that connect to the role.

Value

Explain how your experience can help the team or business.

Closing

Finish with a short and confident request for next steps.

Short cover letter example

“Dear Hiring Team, I am applying for the Marketing Specialist position at your company. In my recent role, I supported campaign reporting, content planning, and day-to-day coordination across marketing projects. My ability to organize moving parts and turn data into action would help me contribute quickly to your team. I would welcome the opportunity to discuss my background further.”