Cover Letter Examples: What Works and What Doesn't?

Cover Letter Examples: What Works and What Doesn't?

A cover letter can make a difference. In this article, you'll learn what works and what doesn't.

Bad Opening Lines

"I would like to apply for the position of..." — Boring. Everyone writes this. Stand out.

"I am a motivated professional..." — Vague. What does that mean? Be specific.

"After reading your job posting..." — Generic. As if you could use it for any job.

Good Opening Lines

A relevant anecdote: "During my internship at X, I discovered that I thrive on Y — exactly what you are looking for in this role."

A question: "What if you find a candidate who combines X and Y? Then you have me."

A strong statement: "In five years, I have learned that [relevant insight] — I will bring that to your team."

Structure That Works

1. **Opening** — Engaging, specific to this job.

2. **Why this position** — What attracts you? Link it to your experience.

3. **Why this company** — Show that you've done your research.

4. **What you bring** — Concrete examples, results.

5. **Closing** — Clear CTA. "I would love to come in for an interview."

[Discover your story for the letter](/test)

Common Mistakes

• Too long (more than one page)
• Generic (same letter for every job)
• No concrete examples
• Spelling errors
• Wrong company name or position

[Start the test](/test)

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a template?

Yes, but customize it. A template is a starting point. Each letter should be specific to the job. Otherwise, it stands out — negatively.

How personal can I be?

Personal is fine, but remain professional. A relevant anecdote can work. Being too personal or emotional can be off-putting. Use your common sense.