How To Write A Cover Letter That Stands Out (Including Templates)

After spending hours crafting a flawless resume, the last thing you want to do is dedicate more time to writing a personalized cover letter. However, a strong cover letter can be the hook that snags your first interview and ultimately helps you land your dream job. 

Let’s talk about why you need a cover letter and how to write one that helps you stand out in a sea of sameness. 

Thanks to AI-driven screening and automated job applications, you may wonder if a cover letter is still necessary. Contrary to what you may want to believe, cover letters are not dead. 

According to research: from Business and Professional Communication Quarterly, 

• 56% of employers prefer a cover letter. In fact, 
• 45% of recruiters say that not including a cover letter could cause your application to be rejected. 
• Even when a cover letter is optional, 77% of recruiters give preference to an applicant who included one

However, only 38% of job seekers include a cover letter with their application.  

Applicant tracking systems are often involved in the screening process, but hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. Your cover letter creates an emotional connection that can make or break the opportunity to secure an interview. 

A generic, run of the mill cover letter isn’t going to cut it, though. Anyone can churn out a cover letter using AI or copy and paste the same text for each application, and hiring managers are being flooded with resumes and cover letters that have almost no differentiating factors. 

You need a well-written cover letter to help you stand out and showcase your personality. Taking the time to personalize your letter demonstrates your effort and enthusiasm and sets the tone for what employers can expect from you.

As executive resume writer Sarah Johnston shares, “Different is better than better.”

TIP: Use your cover letter to emphasize soft skills that AI can’t replace, such as creativity, leadership, problem-solving, and emotional intelligence. 

A strong, tailored cover letter sets you apart in a competitive market. It’s proof that you can express yourself clearly and persuasively.

Your resume already covers your skills and experience. Hiring managers don’t need to take a second walk through your work history. They want to know how that background will benefit their organization. 

Here are a few ways to convey you’re the perfect fit for the role. 

When reading the job posting, identify key skills and responsibilities. Then, match them to your own skills and experiences that align with the job’s requirements. 

Your cover letter should be explicit in how your strengths and experience relate to the job and organization you’re applying to. Stay focused on 2-3 key skills and use specific examples from your past. 

For example, skip the generic, “I have excellent project management skills.” Instead, provide a concrete example such as, “In my previous role, I successfully managed a cross-functional project that streamlined operations and reduced turnaround time by 20%. I am confident that my experience will translate seamlessly into this role, allowing me to help optimize processes and improve efficiency.”

TIP: Look for challenges mentioned in the job posting or company website and explain how you can help solve them.

Measurable achievements are clear evidence of the value you bring to the table. Use numbers, percentages, or specific outcomes to back up your claims. 

Instead of, “I managed a sales team,” you could say, “I led a sales team of 10, achieving a 30% increase in quarterly sales.”

If you can’t provide exact data, focus on other types of concrete proof. This might sound like, “I cultivated new business relationships, bringing in multiple high-profile clients who became long-term partners.”

TIP: Use quantifiable achievements and skills to prove how you can bring long-term value to the organization.

If the hiring manager wants to see a list of your skills and work history, they just need to look at your resume. Your cover letter should bring depth to your resume instead of repeating it.

Gorick Ng, Harvard career advisor and author of The Unspoken Rules, explains that “a cover letter is like a written introduction of yourself.” 

Focus on the ‘why’ behind your experience. What motivated you to enter the industry or take a certain role? 

In addition, “your cover letter is a chance to clarify any questions or concerns a hiring manager may have about your resume, such as gaps, career changes and short tenures at organizations,” says Genevieve Northup, HR manager for a Texas college.

Explain how those uncommon experiences make you a strong candidate for the role you want. 

TIP: Relate your experiences to the company mission, showing that you’re not just qualified but also a good fit. 

Research shows 70% of hiring managers prefer concise cover letters (250-400 words) with clear visual organization. Here’s how to structure yours. 

Greeting

Address the hiring manager by name whenever possible. If you don’t have this information, do a little digging. Check out the company website or visit the organization’s LinkedIn page and scroll through current employees. 

If you still can’t find a name, use a straightforward “Dear Hiring Manager” or “Dear Hiring Team.” Skip the outdated and overly formal “To Whom It May Concern” as well as the overly informal “Hello.”

Paragraph 1 

In the first paragraph, describe specific experiences and achievements that relate to the position. Amy Gallo, author of “How to Write a Cover Letter” advises that your cover letter should focus on the future. Take your top wins and detail how they will translate into the role you’re applying for. 

Use language like:

• “I would bring…”
• “With X years of experience in [skill/industry], I have a strong understanding of [XXX].”
• “My background in [skill] has provided me with the ability to [key strength], which aligns well with [company’s goal].

This is also a great opportunity to highlight that you’re a team player. Instead of focusing on individual achievements, speak about how you contributed to department efforts and collaborated on a project with others. 

Paragraph 2

Gallo suggests the line “I saw your listing on this website, and I was thrilled to see it, because it’s exactly the kind of job I’ve been looking for to apply my skills in X.”

Emphasize your passion and motivation for applying to the company with language such as:

• “I was impressed by…”
• “Your company’s dedication to [mission or value] resonates with me because…”
• “I’ve been following [Company] for a while, and what really excites me about this role is the chance to be a part of [project or value].”
• “I really admire how…”

Not only does this section prove you’ve done your research, but it demonstrates that you’ll be a good fit for the organization. Hiring managers want to find people whose values align with the company to encourage high employee morale and reduce turnover.  

Paragraph 3

Describe additional skills, traits, or interests you have that will strengthen your application. 

• Talk about volunteer organizations you work with who embody the company’s mission
• Mention a shared contact to establish a personal connection
• Address any gaps in your resume that you worry could impact your hirability. 
• Highlight transferable soft skills that will add value to the company.

This is a great time to get personal. Prove that you’re not just a qualified candidate, you’re also a well-rounded individual in general. 

Paragraph 4

Ng suggests including an outro that wraps things up. 

• Note that you’ve attached your resume.
• Say you’d love to connect to discuss the role.
• Include your contact information (phone number or email address) again.
• Sign off with a warm and professional “Thanks so much for your time” or “Kind regards.”

TIP: As you write your body text, pull in some key words from the job description to demonstrate how you align with the company. This can be especially helpful if the organization is using an applicant tracking system to filter through hundreds of job seekers. 

Your cover letter may be the first impression you make on a hiring manager. Make it a strong one by opening with one of these three points.

Making a personal connection demonstrates that you’ve done your research and have a genuine interest in the company. It also proves you’re not sending the same generic cover letter to dozens of employers, but that you’ve taken the time to learn more about this specific role and organization. 

Describe a personal experience with the company. Mention if you’ve used their product or interacted with the brand. 

“When I first used [product], I was blown away by [feature.]”

You can also identify company aspects that resonate with you, like the mission, projects, or initiatives.  

“After learning that [Comapny]’s initiative [made a change], I knew this was an organization where my [background] could make a meaningful impact.”

You might even choose to share a lighthearted personal anecdote.

“I never thought my childhood obsession with [game/activity] would lead me to a career in [industry], but here I am. Now, I’m eager to bring my [skills] to [Company.]”

Be specific and authentic. Your connection should directly relate to the company or role you’re applying for. 

According to resume writer Virginia Franco, “decision-makers are more willing to get excited about someone who really cares versus someone who just wants to leave their old job.”

Highlight your passion for the company’s mission and show how the role aligns with your career goals.

“What excites me most about this opportunity is…”

“I thrive in cultures where [skill/experience] and I know [Company] fosters that culture.”

“The moment I read this job description, I felt like it was written for me. I’ve spent the past X years [relevant skill/experience-, and I’m thrilled at the opportunity to bring that expertise to [Company]. 

If you were referred by someone or know someone at the company, mention their name (and role if necessary). 

“I recently talked to [Name], who shared how much [he/she] loves working at [Company]. [His/her] enthusiasm makes me even more excited to apply for this role.”

“My former colleague, [Name], encouraged me to apply for this role because [he/she] knows how passionate I am about [industry/role/mission]. After hearing more about the job, I couldn’t be more excited for the opportunity.”

If you haven’t had a direct conversation with a shared connection about the company, you can still point out how you know them. 

“We actually have a shared connection. I volunteered with [Name] at [organization/event].”

“As a fellow member of [organization], I’ve had the opportunity to collaborate with [Name]. I have been blown away by the praise they share about [Company].”

TIP: Gallo recommends that job seekers dig into the company culture on the business’s website and LinkedIn page. From there, determine what kind of hook will have the strongest impact.

A good cover letter introduces you to a potential employer, but a great cover letter makes you stand out and compels them to reach out. Here’s what elevates a standard cover letter.

Select a template that aligns with your industry and the company’s brand. Keep it professional and easy to read. 

To find cover letter templates on Piktochart, just search “cover letter” or access the subsection within the Resume category. 

More than a dozen templates are available. 

When choosing a template, use the cover letter titles as suggestions, not law. Each cover letter can be completely customized with your choice of colors, font, clipart, and structure. 

TIP: Think of the templates as a jumping off point to create the exact document you’re looking for. You can mix and match elements as you need.

Use a simple, professional font such as Arial, Helvetica, or Times New Roman. Keep body text size 10 to 12 point. You may choose a slightly larger size for your name within the heading. 

Text formatting helps emphasize certain points, but don’t overdo it. For example, use Italics to highlight skills or job titles. Use bold to help your contact information stand out within your letter. 

Bullet points highlight key achievements and make your letter scannable. Include them in the middle of the letter to help break up walls of text.

Color can add a touch of personality to your cover letter. Stick to black or dark grey for the body text. Consider navy or dark green for small text accents such as the heading or signature. 

To help yourself standout and maintain a professional look, use the same font and colors on both your resume and cover letter. The hiring team will more easily connect the two and appreciate the consistency. 

TIP: On Piktochart, you can use the same colors on multiple templates by copying the 6-digit hex code of your chosen hue. Just select the color box in the top left corner to see the code of the color you want to use, then enter it in the same place on the second document. 

TIP: Insert a signature at the end of your letter using a script font.

Instead of sticking solely to text, consider using charts, icons, or photos that highlight your qualifications. 

When you’ve started editing your cover letter, you can access a variety of design components on the left. 

The Data & Metrics section is filled with customizable icons that can help you highlight a specific data point. 

Once you insert a graphic, double click a colored block on the image and you can edit the colors for a more cohesive look across every element of your cover letter. 

You can also browse the selection of charts to see if any fit your specific needs. 

Keep the design balanced and avoid overwhelming the reader. 1-2 visual elements are enough to make a statement without taking away from the professionalism of your letter. 

Simple design elements can also make your letter visually pleasing. For example, a thin line separating your header from the rest of the letter looks sharp and polished. 

TIP: If you want to lean into the visual representation of your skills and experience, consider an infographic resume. 

A professional, well-taken photo puts a face to your application and makes your cover letter more memorable. In industries where personal branding is essential, a professional photo reinforces your professional image and credibility. 

Here are a few guidelines to selecting your photo:

• Use a well-lit, smiling headshot. 
• Wear professional attire that aligns with the industry you’re applying to.
• Choose a photo with a neutral background.

Place the photo within your cover letter so that it complements the text and visual elements without acting as the center focus. 

TIP: Save your letter as a PDF to preserve its layout and formatting across devices. 

Check out some of our most popular cover letter templates below. 

This template leans into a more modern look thanks to the organic shapes that block out the top and bottom sections. It’s a stark contrast to many of the text-heavy cover letters that hiring teams may see. 

The template is best for creative industries that value design, such as advertising, fine arts, and photography.

This minimalist design includes clean lines and a simple layout to ensure the content takes center stage. Its subtle design elements add a professional touch to the letter without cluttering the page.  

The template is best for traditional industries, like business and finance, where professionalism is key.

Here’s another minimalist template to consider when applying to organizations that value a sleek and modern style, such as tech companies or startups. 

While you can customize the template to include any colors you choose, we love the original choices. The colors are subtle enough to remain professional but offer a bold contrast against one another.

If you want to keep things classic but still stand out from the other applicants, consider a color drenched template. This option uses a light taupe for emphasis without overwhelming the page.

Check out the icons at the bottom of the letter, which make it easy to find relevant contact information when the manager wants to reach out. 

The use of complementary colors makes this colorful template especially attention-grabbing.  

Although the color choice takes center stage, the runner-up design feature is the immediate and obvious access to key contact information. Keeping your information ‘above the fold’ on your cover letter is a literal way to keep it at the top of the hiring manager’s mind. 

Use this template when applying to jobs that require a strong and bright personality, such as real estate, event planning, and hospitality.

A dark and heavy heading on this template gives it a more modern and almost masculine feel. Although the header is bold, the rest of the letter takes a basic approach that balances out the design. 

Your professional image takes center stage on this cover letter, so use it when applying to a role that prioritizes professional image. Think sales, media, or client-facing roles.

On the other end of the spectrum is this template, which features light colors and curved lines. The softer features work well for creative industries like design, photography, or marketing.

If you know you’re competing against a large number of applicants for the role, consider using a more eye-catching cover letter template. For example, this option uses a bold background to help your letter pop.  The contact information gathered on the left side of the page is highly visible but provides plenty of space for the body of the letter.

TIP: Check out these 5 cover letter generators for more inspiration or template options.

No experience? No problem.

A lack of experience doesn’t mean you have a lack of skills.

As you write your cover letter, directly acknowledge your lack of experience while emphasizing your potential. 

“It can be helpful to think of it as the bridge between the past and the future that explains what you hope to do next and why, ” says Jodi Glickman, author of Great on the Job.

Focus on transferable skills you’ve developed through education, volunteer work, part-time work, internships, or personal projects that are relevant to the job requirements. Connect those experiences to the company’s needs and values. 

Your letter is also the chance to showcase a passion for the industry. Even without experience, demonstrating a genuine interest in the field can make a strong impression. 

Be honest but confident. Everyone starts somewhere, and employers, especially those looking to fill entry-level positions, understand this. 

84% of employees and managers believe that new employees should have soft skills and demonstrate them during the hiring process. The most valuable skills for job seekers include communication, problem solving and time management. 

92% of hiring professionals say that human capabilities and soft skills matter as much or more than hard skills, and 89% agree that when a new hire doesn’t pan out, it’s usually because they lack the necessary soft skills. 

Adaptability and an eagerness to learn can also go a long way. Express enthusiasm for the opportunity while maintaining a professional tone. 

Focus on a growth mindset and give specific examples of how you’ve taken challenges and turned them into opportunities. 

Bottom line? Your people skills and emotional intelligence may have more of an impact on your job search than your technical skills or previous job experience. Emphasize those strengths in your cover letter. 

Job seekers are often advised to send a thank you email after completing an interview. You can get ahead of the crowd by following up within a few days of submitting your cover letter.

The average number of applicants for an open role is 72. Your follow-up email helps jog the hiring manager’s memory as they sort through applicants and determine who they want to interview.

If you’re waiting with bated breath for any sort of communication from the organization, following up also helps you discern whether this job opening is a closed door or if there’s still potential for the role. 

Writing a standout cover letter may feel daunting, but with the right structure, authenticity, and attention to detail, you can create a powerful representation of your skills and passion. This is your chance to highlight what makes you unique and the perfect candidate for the role. 

If you feel stuck and unsure of how to get started, or simply need a creative boost, check out our AI Cover Letter Generator. 

Just enter a short prompt, and the AI tool generates a completely customizable template. You can switch between any available designs, and text is marked to help you discern what details you need to include. 

Try out our AI-powered cover letter generator today.