A cover letter is most useful when it explains the connection between your CV and the specific role. It should not simply restate your work history.
What a good cover letter does
- Shows why this role makes sense for you.
- Highlights two or three relevant strengths.
- Connects your experience to the employer's needs.
- Gives the reader a reason to open the CV with interest.
A simple structure
- Opening: Name the role and your strongest fit.
- Evidence paragraph: Use one or two examples that match the job.
- Motivation paragraph: Explain why this team, product, or mission is relevant.
- Close: Keep it confident, brief, and easy to act on.
Make it specific
Generic cover letters are easy to ignore. Mention the role's priorities and choose examples that directly support them.
Use the CV as the foundation
Your cover letter should amplify the best evidence in your CV. If the two documents tell different stories, the application feels weaker.