Cover letter tips for experienced professionals
A good cover letter is short: three or four paragraphs that say why this role, why you and what you will do first. Write one when the application invites it, when you are changing fields or when you can name a real connection.
By Justin KullaLast updated
A structure that works
- Opening: the role, and one sentence on why this employer.
- Evidence: two results from your past work that match what the job needs, with numbers.
- Close: what you would do in the first months, and a plain request for a conversation.
Use it to explain what the resume cannot
A cover letter is the place to explain a career change, a relocation, a layoff or a gap in two sentences, and to tie your background to the role in your own words.
Keep it short
Stay under one page, address a person where you can find one, and do not repeat the resume line by line.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a cover letter?
Not always. If the application makes it optional and you have a strong resume, a referral is worth more. Write one when you are changing fields or can add something the resume cannot.
How long should a cover letter be?
Under one page: three or four short paragraphs.
How do I mention a layoff in a cover letter?
One factual sentence, then move to what you offer.
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