Posted on December 23, 2025
Resume & Portfolio
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In an era where AI plays a role in recruitment, many people begin to question whether a Cover Letter is still important. Some think it is just a document that no one reads, but in reality, a good Cover Letter remains an essential tool that helps you stand out from other applicants.
Common Misconceptions About Cover LettersThe truth is that HR and hiring managers read Cover Letters more than you think, especially for mid-level positions or roles that require special communication skills. Research shows that 83% of HR managers confirm they read Cover Letters when deciding between similarly qualified candidates.
While AI can help draft, a good Cover Letter must have personality and a narrative that genuinely connects to the job position. Experienced HR professionals can immediately spot AI-generated text without customization. Therefore, using AI as a writing aid is good, but only incorporating your identity and real experiences will make it powerful.
This is the gravest mistake. A generic Cover Letter sent everywhere will be immediately noticeable and often overlooked. Tailoring your Cover Letter to fit each company and job position is what separates serious applicants from those who just keep submitting applications.
A Resume tells what you have done, but a Cover Letter explains why you are suitable for this job and why you want to work for this company. It is an opportunity to showcase your personality, motivation, and understanding of that particular business.
Most global companies still use Cover Letters as part of their selection process, especially in the finance, consulting, and technology industries. These companies often have a large number of applicants, and Cover Letters help them filter out those who are genuinely interested and understand their business.
Creative and Communication IndustriesIn fields such as marketing, advertising, writing, design, and PR, a Cover Letter serves as the first example of your communication skills. Employers in these industries will use it to assess creativity, writing tone, and the ability to present ideas.
The higher the position level, the more important the Cover Letter becomes. At this level, not only technical skills are important, but vision, leadership, and understanding of business direction are equally crucial. A Cover Letter is a space where you can showcase your strategic thinking and work approach.
Startups and companies that prioritize culture fit often read Cover Letters carefully. They want to know if you understand the company’s values and can work well with the team. A Cover Letter is an opportunity to show that you not only have the required skills but also the attitude and values that align with the organization.
Government Agencies and Non-Profit OrganizationsGovernment and NGO organizations often require a Cover Letter as part of the formal job application process. They use it to assess understanding of the agency's mission and the genuine motivation to work for the public good.
An average Cover Letter often looks like this: it starts with a boring introduction such as "My name is... and I am applying for the position of..." It contains repetitive content that is already in the Resume without adding any new value, uses overly formal language, lacks research about the company, has only general information applicable to all companies, and contains no specific examples or concrete numbers
In contrast, a good Cover Letter grabs attention from the first sentence with a relevant story or an impressive achievement that connects your experience to the company's needs. It shows that you have done your homework about the company, uses specific examples and numbers that demonstrate results, and ends with a confident and clear call-to-action.
Comparative examples:
Average Cover Letter: "I have 5 years of experience in digital marketing, and I believe I am qualified for this position."
Good Cover Letter: "Last year, I developed a content marketing strategy that increased organic traffic by 180% within 6 months, resulting in a 45% increase in conversion rate. I noticed that your company is expanding in the Southeast Asia market, and I am very excited to bring this experience to help drive growth."
Start with what makes you stand out from competitors. It could be a directly related achievement or an interesting reason why you are interested in this company. Avoid starting with "My name is..." but begin with a sentence that grabs attention.
Clearly state the position you are applying for, and if possible, reference the person who referred you or where you found the job posting. Show enthusiasm and an initial connection with the company.
The core of a Cover Letter is to use specific examples from your experience that demonstrate you possess the skills required for this position.
Link your experience to the company's needs as outlined in the job description. Show that you not only have the skills but that you have used them to create tangible results. Use numbers and data to make your story and experiences more credible.
In the second paragraph, demonstrate that you understand the company and the industry. Reference the company's recent projects, values, or growth direction. Explain how your skills and experiences will help the company achieve its goals.
Summarize why you are a great fit for this position specifically. Express enthusiasm for discussing further and clearly suggest the next steps, such as "I look forward to discussing how I can help your team achieve its goals this year."
Thank you for your time and consideration, and indicate that you are available for further information or interviews at any time.
A good Cover Letter should be no longer than 1 A4 page, using an easy-to-read font such as Arial, Calibri, or Times New Roman in size 11-12 point, with appropriate margins (about 1 inch on all sides) and comfortable line spacing (1.15 - 1.5).
Use professional language but not overly formal. Carefully check spelling and grammar, and avoid using overly complex language or jargon unless it is appropriate for that industry.
Read the job description at least 3 times and note the key terms that appear repeatedly. Identify the 3-5 core skills that the company is looking for the most. Research the challenges this position may face and understand what kind of person they are really looking for.
Visit the company’s website and read the About Us, Mission & Values, and Recent News sections, or look for additional information on social media. Read articles or news related to the company from the past 6 months and try to understand the direction the company is growing towards and what problems you might help solve.
Step 3: Match Your Experience with Their NeedsCreate a table with 2 columns. In the first column, write the requirements from the job description, and in the second column, write your experiences or skills that match those requirements. Choose 2-3 points where you have the strongest stories to highlight in your Cover Letter.
For each point you choose, write a short story that shows how you used that skill, what the outcome was, and why it is relevant to the position you are applying for. Use concrete numbers and data to enhance credibility.
If it’s a startup or a tech company, you might use a more casual tone and show more creativity. If it’s a corporate or formal business, you should use more polite and professional language. Look at examples from the company’s website, social media, or blog to understand the tone they use.
After writing, take a break and come back to read it again. Check if every sentence adds value to your story. Cut out any redundant or unnecessary sentences. Have a friend or mentor read it and provide feedback, and read it out loud to check if the content flows well and sounds natural.
Use keywords from the job description in your Cover Letter, as many companies use ATS (Applicant Tracking System) that scans for these words. But use them naturally, not forced in without meaning.
Show enthusiasm but don’t come off as overly desperate. You want to convey that you want this job, but also have confidence in the value you will bring.
If there are gaps in your work history, briefly and positively explain them. Focus on what you learned or did during that time, such as developing new skills, furthering your education, or freelancing.
Although technology has changed significantly, effective communication and authentic self-presentation remain valuable in the job market. A good Cover Letter is not just a repetition of your Resume but tells your story in a way that demonstrates your understanding of the company, the job position, and how you can create value.
It is important to remember that a good Cover Letter must be specific, have real stories, and demonstrate commitment to applying for that particular company. In an era where everyone can easily submit applications with just one click, taking the time to write a good Cover Letter shows that you are serious about this opportunity and ready to commit to the company.
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