How to Write a Cover Letter

Yes — when the application asks for one. Studies show 83% of hiring managers find cover letters important when the job requires one. A great cover letter won't get you hired, but a missing or bad one can get you eliminated. It's your chance to explain context that a resume can't: why this company, why this role, why now.

Skip "I am writing to apply for..." — everyone says that. Start with something specific: "When I read about [Company]'s expansion into AI-powered diagnostics, I knew my 6 years of ML engineering experience at healthcare startups was exactly the background you need." Connect your experience to their specific situation.

The body should contain 1-2 paragraphs with 2-3 specific achievements that are relevant to the role. Don't repeat your resume verbatim — instead, tell the story behind the bullet point. "My resume shows I increased conversion by 40%, but here's the context: I was the only designer on a 3-person team at a startup running out of runway. I ran 23 A/B tests in 8 weeks."

Show genuine interest in the specific company: mention a recent product launch, news article, company value, or mission that resonates with you. "I admire how [Company] open-sourced [Project] — it signals a commitment to the developer community that matches my own values." This proves you didn't send a generic letter.

End with confidence, not desperation. "I'd love to discuss how my experience scaling teams from 5 to 50 can support your rapid growth. I'm available for a conversation at your convenience." Don't say "I hope to hear from you" (passive) or "I'm the perfect candidate" (presumptuous). Be professional and forward-looking.