How to Make Your Cover Letter Stand Out: Expert Tips and Strategies

…It's the year 2120, and they still write cover letters to their potential employers — that is what an alien historian studying human history might record. This seems fitting, as we have been writing cover letters for nearly 100 years, and this tradition appears to stay even in the era of artificial intelligence chatbots.

While the concept of introducing oneself in writing dates back to the Renaissance, with Leonardo da Vinci's letter to the Duke of Milan serving as a precursor to modern resumes and cover letters, the modern cover letter as we know it today began gaining popularity in the 1930s. This was during the transition from a manufacturing-based economy to a service-sector economy in the United States.

100 years later, in today’s competitive job market, knowing how to connect with the right people can make all the difference in your job search. One of the most effective strategies is identifying and reaching out to a decision maker, in our case it’s the hiring manager for the position you’re interested in. By establishing a direct line of communication, you not only demonstrate your enthusiasm for the role but also increase your chances of writing cover letters that stand out among other candidates.

Before we dive in, a quick disclaimer: many applicants believe that cover letters are outdated and unnecessary, just useless documents that nobody reads. However, many HR professionals recommend writing tailored cover letters that stand out, especially for jobs in fields like education. The importance and format of cover letters can also vary by region and company. Some prefer a formal, one-page document with traditional paragraphs. Others, particularly in the US tech industry, encourage applicants to submit only a couple of lines via LinkedIn, which recruiters can then easily copy and forward to the hiring manager. Regardless, we'll provide you with a comprehensive guide, just in case your field or region requires a more traditional cover letter.

In this article, we’ll explore practical tips and strategies for locating hiring managers, leveraging platforms like LinkedIn, and crafting messages that capture their attention. Whether you’re seeking advice on where to look or how to approach these key decision-makers, we’ve got you covered!

Why Your Cover Letter Matters

In 2025, with the rise of AI-driven application processes, the question "Do they even read cover letters?!" is more pertinent than ever. The answer is, it depends. But generally, yes, good cover letters still matter.

Your cover letter serves as a bridge between your resume and the employer's needs. It allows you to:

• Offer a narrative, putting your experiences into context and showing how they're relevant to the hiring company.
• Showcase your personality, connecting with the hiring manager on a human level.
• Address points in the job description, demonstrating that you've read the entire vacancy description and understand the company's needs and how you can fulfill them.
• Explain your employment gaps, career transitions, or other unique aspects of your professional history that aren't reflected on your resume.
• Show that you're goal-oriented and enthusiastic about this specific role.
• Reflect your understanding of the company's culture and values – here you can create a compelling case for why you would be a good fit.

A modern CV is supposed to be short while concise, typically one or two pages at most, so the cover letter gives you the opportunity to tell more about yourself. A cover letter that truly stands out must set you apart from other candidates who may have similar qualifications.

Key Elements of a Distinct Cover Letter

Customization is the number one key element, as what makes a cover letter stand out is its uniqueness; the best approach is to write a completely new letter tailored to each specific vacancy.

To make your cover letter distinct, focus on including these key elements, but be mindful of keeping the total length concise, no one wants to receive a long and bulky cover letter:

• Personalization. Generic cover letters are easily spotted and tossed out by an HR person. Tailor each letter to the specific company and position.
• Strong opening. Grab the reader's attention from the first sentence.
  Example: “Having closely followed [Company Name]'s innovative work in [Specific Industry/Area] for the past [Number] years, I was particularly excited to see the opening for a [Job Title] position.”
  Another example: “When [Previous Company] faced the challenge of [Specific Challenge/Problem], I developed and implemented a [Specific Solution] that resulted in [Quantifiable Result, e.g., a 25% increase in efficiency, a $50,000 cost reduction, a 85% customer satisfaction rating]. I am confident that my ability to [Key Skill] and [Another Key Skill] would allow me to make a similar impact as your [Job Title].”
• Quantifiable achievements. Don't just list responsibilities; highlight achievements and quantify them whenever possible. For example, stating that you "increased sales by 30% through targeted marketing strategies" adds credibility to your claims and illustrates your potential value to the employer.
• Relevance. Focus on experiences and skills that directly align with the job requirements. For instance, mentioning a recent project or initiative by the company can demonstrate your genuine interest and make your application more relatable.
• Company knowledge. Show that you've researched the company and understand its mission, values, and recent developments.
• Clear Call-to-Action. End with a confident statement that invites further discussion, specifying your time zone, preferred messenger, and hours when you are available. Express gratitude for their consideration, to leave a positive impression on hiring managers.

If you manage to tailor your CL to the desired vacancy while keeping the length of it concise, you increase your chances to be heard and invited to the interview.

Check out our recommendations for those who change career in 40+.

How to Write a Cover Letter That Stands Out

We’ve come across some simple yet fantastic mnemonic way to write cover letters: imagine it would be the same as a postcard to your grandma.

1. Hello grandma.
2. I hope you're doing well.
3. I'm doing very well over here.
4. I can't wait to see you again and put a jigsaw puzzle together.
5. Kisses

Now, back to our actual cover letter:

1. Know who you are sending the letter to, good formula to start with.
2. Show that you researched the company and the role and that you are truly interested in it. Identify what they do as a project and why it matters to you.
3. Talk about what's relevant about you with respect to what you identified above. Insist more on personality and traits than hard skills: they also have your resume so avoid redundancy.
4. Talk about what you will bring to the company. Prove that you understand what they need and that you already constructively project yourself in the role.
5. Politeness formula to end.

And just like a postcard: keep it short, to the point, and uplifting.

Writing an effective cover letter requires careful planning and attention to detail. Begin by thoroughly researching the company and the specific vacancy. This knowledge will enable you to tailor your letter specifically to the organization and the individual, clearly articulating your reasons for wanting to work there.

How to identify a hiring manager? Check the job vacancy description for specific clues about the department or location. Look up the company on LinkedIn and find key staff members who may have a blue "Hiring" label on their profile image. Check their department to see if they've posted about the vacancy you're interested in. If so, consider sending them a message through LinkedIn InMail, particularly if you have a Premium LinkedIn subscription (which is easy to obtain for a free trial month, but shhh — let’s keep that our little secret).

When drafting your cover letter, ensure it follows a professional format and is free of typos. Proofread it meticulously. Avoid overly casual language or slang, and instead, maintain a friendly yet professional tone.

Formatting and Design Tips

In 2025, while content remains king, visual appeal is increasingly important:

• Length. Aim for compactness. A cover letter should ideally be no more than one page. It's crucial to present your qualifications concisely and effectively. Focus on the most relevant experiences, and avoid unnecessary details.
• Font. Use a clean, professional font like Calibri, Arial, or Times New Roman (size 11 or 12).
• Spacing. Single-spaced with a blank line between paragraphs.
• Headings. Use clear headings to organize the content.
• White space. Ensure adequate white space for readability.
• Subtle design elements. Consider a subtle color accent or a professional-looking header/footer that aligns with your or company branding. That’s optional.
• File format. Submit as a PDF to preserve formatting.
• File naming. Use a descriptive filename when saving your cover letter, just try to keep it as short as possible.
  A good format is: JobTitle_FirstName_LastName_CL_CompanyName.pdf. This makes it easy for the hiring manager to identify your document and associate it with your application.

Remember that simplicity and briefness is key here; avoid cluttering the page with too many graphics or texts.

Common Cover Letter Mistakes to Avoid

One of the best pieces of advice for crafting a great cover letter is this: don't send it out immediately, especially if you're particularly interested in the job. Sit on it, meaning set it aside for a while. Then, re-read it later, imagining you're the hiring manager receiving and reading it for the first time. Revise and correct any issues you find, and then send it out.

Other mistakes to avoid:

• Typos and grammatical errors. Proofread it. Use grammar and spell-checking tools, but also have a human review your letter.
• Irrelevant information. Focus on skills and experiences that directly relate to the job.
• Too long. Keep it concise (ideally one page or even less, as we spoke about it).
• Lack of research. Too generic, failing to demonstrate knowledge of the company and the role.
• Passive voice. Use strong, active language.
• Negative tone. Maintain a positive and confident tone.
• Not addressing the Hiring Manager. Always try to find the hiring manager's name.

A frequent error is neglecting to address the hiring manager by name. In today's environment, it's also important to avoid gendered assumptions in your salutation. For example, addressing a female hiring manager as "Dear Sir" is a significant misstep. Take the time to identify the correct name and title of the person reviewing applications, and address your cover letter to them directly. This demonstrates professionalism and respect.

Cover Letter Examples and Templates

Having access to examples and templates can help you with crafting your own cover letter at ease. Look for samples that reflect various industries and positions; this will help you understand different approaches. When using someone’s templates, remember not to copy them verbatim. It’s meant to give you inspiration for structuring your own unique narrative.

`Dear [Mr./Ms. Last Name, or "Hiring Team"],`

`I am writing to express my interest in the [Job Title] position at [Company Name], as advertised on [Platform]. With [Number] years of experience in [Industry], I am confident that my skills and experience align perfectly with the requirements of this role.`

`In my previous role at [Previous Company], I [Quantifiable Achievement 1] and [Quantifiable Achievement 2]. I am particularly skilled in [Skill 1], [Skill 2], and [Skill 3].`

`I am impressed by [Company Name]'s [Recent Achievement or Initiative] and believe my passion for [Relevant Area] would make me a valuable asset to your team.`

`Thank you for your time and consideration. I have attached my resume for your review and would welcome the chance to discuss my application further.`

`Sincerely,`

Last thing – consider incorporating elements from successful examples into your own writing style as well. This way, you can create a personalized cover letter while guided by proven best practices.

Conclusion

Creating an outstanding cover letter requires effort but pays off significantly in terms of job prospects. By understanding why cover letters matter, focusing on key elements, avoiding common mistakes, and utilizing templates effectively, you can craft a compelling narrative that captures hiring managers' attention. Remember always to personalize each application — this not only showcases your dedication but also increases your chances of landing an interview. The best ways to start a cover letter can make all the difference, and now you have the tools to craft one that stands out.

If writing a cover letter still seems challenging, and you need a 100% result from the first try, the most effective solution is to seek help from a career coach. A career coach will not only help you craft the perfect cover letter but also assist in creating a resume that highlights all your skills. Moreover, they can guide you in finding your dream job and securing the offer you've always wanted. You can find a coach on the Miranna app – the first platform with an open, transparent database of coaches for any request: career planning, resume building, skill sharpening, job searching, and much more.

Check out the Miranna detailed roadmap to career guidance!

FAQ

How to create an outstanding cover letter?

To create an outstanding cover letter, follow these key principles:

• Personalization: Address it to the hiring manager whenever possible.
• Customization: Tailor each cover letter to the specific job and company.
• Strong Opening: Capture attention immediately with an engaging first sentence.
• Quantifiable Achievements: Highlight measurable accomplishments instead of just listing responsibilities.
• Relevance: Focus on skills and experience directly related to the role.
• Conciseness: Keep it short, ideally within one page.
• Professional Formatting: Use a clean layout, professional font, and submit it as a PDF.

What makes a cover letter stand out from the crowd?

A cover letter stands out when it is tailored, compelling, and engaging. To ensure yours does:

• Start with a strong opening sentence that immediately sparks interest.
• Show you’ve researched the company by mentioning their mission, recent achievements, or industry trends.
• Use quantifiable achievements to demonstrate impact rather than just listing duties.
• Avoid generic phrases; instead, be specific about how your skills align with the company’s needs.
• End with a confident call-to-action, inviting the hiring manager to connect with you.

How to make a cover letter pop?

To make your cover letter pop and grab attention:

• Use engaging storytelling—briefly describe a challenge you solved or a success you achieved.
• Start with an impactful statement that highlights enthusiasm and unique value.
• Keep it visually clean—use proper formatting, spacing, and a professional font.
• Incorporate company-specific details to show genuine interest.
• Keep it concise and focused—hiring managers appreciate clarity over excessive details.

What is a powerful opening sentence for a cover letter?

A powerful opening sentence grabs attention immediately. Here are some effective examples:

• “Having closely followed [Company Name]'s innovative work in [Industry], I was thrilled to see an opening for [Job Title].”
• “At [Previous Company], I spearheaded a project that led to a 30% increase in efficiency—an achievement I am eager to replicate as [Job Title] at [Company Name].”
• “When I saw the posting for [Job Title], I knew I had to apply—my passion for [Industry/Skill] and my experience in [Relevant Experience] make me a perfect fit for this role.”