A fun, no-fluff guide to making your cover letter sound like you—plus a formula anyone can use.
Let’s Be Real for a Second…
Cover letters? Kinda the worst.
They feel like that weird second date you didn’t really want to go on. You don’t know what to say, you’re overthinking every word, and you’re positive you sound awkward.
And the kicker? You’re not even sure if anyone is reading the thing.
But here’s the deal: cover letters might be annoying, but they’re also a golden opportunity to show off what makes you you. A strong one can help you stand out in a sea of applicants—even when your résumé looks like everyone else’s.
So if you hate writing cover letters, welcome. This guide is for you. Let’s keep it simple, skimmable, and—dare I say it—kinda fun.
Step 1: What a Cover Letter Actually Needs to Do
Before we dive into the how, let’s zoom out and look at the why.
A cover letter isn’t a résumé remix. It’s not your life story. And it’s not a formal essay full of buzzwords like “synergize” and “leverage” (ew).
It’s a personalized pitch that tells the hiring manager:
- Why you’re excited about this role and company
- Why you’re qualified and what value you bring
- Why you’d be a great teammate
That’s it. No Shakespeare required.
Step 2: Use This Plug-and-Play Format (Seriously, Just Copy It)
You don’t have to reinvent the wheel every time you write a cover letter. Use this easy 4-part structure:
1. The Hook (First Paragraph)
Start strong. Show them you know the company and are genuinely interested.
Example:
I’m thrilled to apply for the [Job Title] role at [Company Name]—not only because it matches my background in [Relevant Area], but because I’ve admired your work on [Specific Project or Mission] for a while now. Your team’s creativity and impact instantly stood out to me.
No “To Whom It May Concern.” No “I am writing to apply…” Yawn. Be specific. Be excited. Be you.
2. The “Why Me?” Paragraph
Now, bring the receipts. Highlight 2–3 relevant strengths, experiences, or wins—and connect them to what the company needs.
Example:
During my internship at [Company], I managed a social media calendar and created weekly content that increased engagement by 40%. I also helped launch a campaign targeting Gen Z users, which ended up being one of the most shared posts of the quarter. I’m proud of my ability to balance creativity with strategy—and I’d love to bring that same energy to your growing team.
Use numbers when you can. Be clear about what you did and why it mattered.
3. The “We’d Vibe” Paragraph
Optional—but powerful. If you really feel aligned with the company’s vibe or mission, say so. It’s the professional version of, “OMG we’d totally be friends.”
Example:
One of the things that excites me most about this opportunity is your emphasis on [Company Value or Team Culture]. I do my best work in environments that value collaboration, curiosity, and open communication—so the more I read about your team, the more I wanted to be a part of it.
This paragraph turns your letter from “qualified candidate” to “future fave coworker.”
4. The Confident Close
Finish with warmth, confidence, and a nudge toward the next step.
Example:
Thank you so much for considering my application. I’d love the opportunity to bring my skills, ideas, and passion to [Company Name] and contribute to your mission. I look forward to the possibility of chatting more!
End on a high note. Then sign off with “Best,” “Warmly,” or even just “Thanks again!”—and your name.
Step 3: Sound Like a Person, Not a Robot
This is key. Your cover letter should feel like a conversation—not a legal document.
You can be:
- Professional and friendly
- Polished and personable
- Clear without being cold
Do:
- Use contractions (I’m, I’ve, it’s)
- Keep sentences short and snappy
- Use words you’d actually say out loud
Don’t:
- Use clichés like “go-getter” or “results-driven professional” (what does that even mean?)
- Copy-paste your résumé
- Be afraid to show enthusiasm
Step 4: Don’t Skip the Research
The best cover letters are customized—and that means doing a little homework. Just 5–10 minutes of research can give your letter so much more power.
Check out:
- The company’s website “About” page
- Recent press releases or blog posts
- Their LinkedIn posts
- Employee testimonials on Glassdoor or their Careers page
You don’t need to name-drop everything. Just pick one or two nuggets to reference and show that you actually care about the role.
Step 5: Proofread Like a Pro
A great letter loses all its shine if it has typos, weird grammar, or the wrong company name (yikes).
Tips:
- Read it out loud. Seriously—it helps you catch awkward phrasing.
- Run it through Grammarly or another editing tool
- Have a friend give it a quick vibe check
Pro move: save a “base template” you can tweak for each job, but always double-check those edits. No one wants to read, “I’d love to join the team at [Insert Company Name Here].”
Step 6: When to Send It (And When to Skip It)
If the job posting asks for a cover letter—definitely send one.
If it’s optional? Still do it. Why? Because it shows effort. Even a short, thoughtful note gives you a leg up over applicants who skipped it.
The only time to skip it? If the application literally doesn’t allow for it. Then you’re off the hook.
Quick Recap – The Chill Girl’s Guide to Cover Letters
✅ Hook with something real and specific
✅ Highlight your top wins with clear, confident language
✅ Connect with the company’s values or vibe
✅ Keep it to 3–4 paragraphs (1 page max)
✅ Write like a person, not a résumé robot
✅ Proof it, personalize it, send it off
Final Pep Talk:
You don’t have to love writing cover letters. But you can get good at them—and even kind of enjoy the process once you make it your own.
Because you’ve got something to say. You’re talented, thoughtful, and ready to contribute. Your cover letter is just your chance to say it out loud.
Now go write it. And show them exactly why you’re the right one for the job.
