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Write the cover letter

Not every application requires one. When it does, most people get it wrong in one of two directions: they write too much and repeat the resume, or they write too little and say nothing memorable.

A good cover letter is short. Three to four paragraphs. It does not need to summarize your resume—the recruiter already has it. In turn, it should do something harder: make them feel like they are reading something written by a person who actually wants to be there.

The purpose​

The job of a cover letter is to make you stand out from the rest of the applicants. That means it has to be specific to the company, team, and role.

This is why generic ones do not work. If you cannot pinpoint what draws you to this opportunity, take the time to think this through before applying. becasue sending a template with lazily swapped in terms will do you a disservice.

What to write​

The company and the role​

Not "I have always been passionate about technology" or "I admire your mission." Be specific. What did you notice about their product, their docs, their engineering blog, their culture? What made you stop and think—I want to work on this?

Speak to intrinsic motivation. Mention what excites you about the problem they are solving, the stage they are at, the way they work, the learning opportunities. Do not mention compensation. We all apply for the money. That is not what makes you stand out.

The connection​

Pick one or two specific experiences from your background that connect directly to what they need. Connect these experiences to what you identified that their company need.Show that you have read the job description, done your research, and identified where your skills meet their actual problem.

This is also the place to address something you noticed during your research. For example, ff their documentation has a clear gap and you have solved exactly that kind of problem before. Being specific about this demonstrates your proactive thinking about their work and helps you being notices in a sea of applications.

The close​

End simply and directly. Express that you would welcome the conversation. Do not over-soften it with I hope to hear from you or over-sell it with I am confident I would be a tremendous asset. Just close.

What to avoid​

  • Repeating the resume—They have it.
  • Clichés—I am a team player with a passion for excellence communicates nothing. Cut anything generic.
  • Templates—Recruiters recognize them easiliy. Write something that sounds like you.
  • Opener filler—Do not start with I am writing to express my interest in the position of.... Prolongs the piece too much and says nothing.
  • Overselling—Confidence is good. But be careful of empty boasts that could read as hollow and are hard to prove later.

The right length​

Three to four short paragraphs. If it fills more than one page, it is too long. If it is one paragraph, it probably does not say enough. The goal is to leave them wanting to have the conversation—not to answer every possible question in advance.