How to Write a Cover Letter That Gets You Hired in 2025

Figuring out how to write a cover letter can be frustrating, especially when you’re not sure what hiring managers actually want. At Berry Virtual, we’ve helped job seekers write cover letters that feel clear, honest, and tailored to real opportunities. This guide will give you an insight into the step-by-step process of writing a Cover Letter that will get you hired today!

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Key Takeaways

• Personalize your cover letter to show genuine interest in the company and role.
• Focus on how your skills will help the company in the future, not just your past jobs.
• Keep your cover letter short and clear; one page is enough.
• Always proofread to avoid mistakes and make a strong first impression.

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What's Included in a Cover Letter?

A cover letter’s main goal is to show that you are genuinely interested in a specific position at a specific organization. It should highlight why your most relevant skills and experiences make you a great fit for the role, the company, and the industry.

Your cover letter should give insight into how you are uniquely suited for the job. To do this well, read the job description carefully and note the key skills they want.

Use a formal letter format that includes your address, the date, and the contact’s name and address. Whenever possible, address the letter to a specific person. If you don’t know their name, “Hiring Manager” is an acceptable greeting.

Cover letters usually have three short paragraphs:

1. Opening paragraph: State why you are writing, the position you’re applying for, and how you found out about it. This paragraph introduces your letter and explains your interest in the role.
2. Middle paragraph: Explain why you want to work for this employer and in this position. You can mention relevant past experience if it adds something specific, but don’t just repeat your resume. Focus on the skills and abilities that match the job. Use confident and factual language—avoid words like “try” or “somewhat.”
3. Closing paragraph: Reaffirm your interest in the role and enthusiasm for the company. Thank the reader for considering your application and say you look forward to hearing from them or discussing the position further.

A well-structured cover letter brings your resume to life. Treat it as your personal pitch, tailored, polished, and purposeful, to show employers why you are the right fit. Take the time to get it right; it’s worth it.

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The 2025 Blueprint: How to Write a Cover Letter That Gets You Hired

IMAGE: Confident job seeker sitting at a desk.

In 2025, effective cover letters grab attention immediately with engaging, personalized language focused on how you’ll contribute to the company’s future success. Use this blueprint to make your cover letter stand out in a competitive job market. Each section should make a clear point about why you are the right fit for the role.

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Start strong and get to the point

Your opening should show real excitement and explain why this job caught your eye. Mention the company by name, and connect your experience to something they’re working on or care about.

Example:

“I’m excited to apply for the Marketing Manager role at GreenTech. I’ve spent the last five years leading sustainability campaigns, and your mission to innovate in renewable energy feels like the perfect fit.”

If you know the hiring manager’s name, use it. If not, “Dear Hiring Manager” is perfectly fine.

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Show you’ve done your homework

Hiring teams notice when you’ve clearly researched the company. Mention something specific, like a recent launch, company value, or news feature, and explain why it resonates with you.

Example:

“I was impressed by your recent partnership with EcoBuild to reduce construction waste. My background in product strategy could help expand that impact across your next initiatives.”

This shows you’re applying here for a reason.

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Talk about what you’ll bring next

Don’t just list your past jobs. Use your experience to explain how you’ll help the company solve real problems or reach its top priority goals in the future.

Example:

“In my last role, I improved team onboarding speed by 40%. At your company, I’d love to apply that experience to streamline your internal training as you scale and help you achieve your top priority objectives. I’m excited for the opportunity to join your team.”

This kind of future focus helps hiring managers picture you in the role.

Back it up with real examples

Skip the generic phrases. Show your strengths by telling a quick story or sharing a result, something that proves your point.

Example:

“At TrendSpace, I led a rebranding project that boosted engagement by 25% in just three months. It taught me how to manage feedback from different teams while staying true to a creative vision.”

Storytelling makes you memorable, and it lets your personality come through in a natural way.

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Keep it short and focused

One page is enough. Stay focused on what matters: why you’re a great match for this role and this company.

Example tip:
Stick to 3 short paragraphs:

1. Why you’re applying
2. What you bring
3. What you hope happens next

Avoid extra filler or repeating your resume, keep it tight, thoughtful, and written like someone who respects the reader’s time.

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End with confidence and clarity

Your closing should remind them why you’re a strong fit and invite a next step. Sound confident, not passive.

Example:

“I’d love to talk more about how I can help your team grow. I’m available next week and happy to connect at your convenience. Thanks for your time and consideration.”

A simple thank-you and a clear CTA go a long way.

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A Real Example: Before and After

Let’s look at a real example of a cover letter before and after applying these tips. The “before” letter is generic, lacks personalization, and merely rehashes the resume. The “after” letter, however, starts with a punch, shows understanding of the company, focuses on future contributions, and closes with a strong CTA.

Before:

To Whom It May Concern,

I am writing to express my interest in the Content Strategist position at your company. I have over five years of experience in marketing and communications, and I believe my background makes me a strong candidate for the role. I am a hard-working, detail-oriented team player who is passionate about creating high-quality content.

In my previous roles, I have written blog posts, managed social media accounts, and collaborated with cross-functional teams. I am familiar with content calendars, basic SEO, and CMS platforms like WordPress. I have always been committed to meeting deadlines and producing results.

I would appreciate the opportunity to speak further about this position. Thank you for your time and consideration.

Sincerely,

[Your Name]

Why This Fails

• No Personalization: Doesn’t mention the company’s name, mission, or work.
• Buzzwords Over Impact: Uses phrases like “hard-working” and “team player” without proof.
• Resume Rehash: Lists job duties with no context or measurable results.
• Lack of Future Focus: Doesn’t explain how they’ll contribute to the company’s goals.
• Weak Opening & Closing: No hook or clear next step, just vague and forgettable.
• Does Not Demonstrate Writing Skills: Fails to showcase strong writing skills or effective communication, which are important for many roles.

After:

[Your Name]
[City, State ZIP Code] | [Phone Number] | [Email Address]
[Date]

Hiring Manager
BrightSeed Health
1800 Mission Street
San Francisco, CA 94103

Dear Hiring Manager,

I'm excited to apply for the Content Strategist role at BrightSeed Health. I’ve followed your work on accessible health education for years, and I was especially impressed by your recent “MyHealth in Minutes” campaign. With five years of experience leading content for wellness-focused startups, I’m confident I can contribute to your mission of making health information clear, personal, and actionable.

In my current role at Well+Good Collective, I built an editorial workflow that cut article production time by 30% while improving SEO performance across our wellness content. I also helped launch a video series that translated complex health topics into quick, digestible insights for a younger audience, an initiative that aligns closely with BrightSeed’s tone and audience. My background in both strategy and writing allows me to think about the full user journey.

I’d love to bring that blend of editorial precision and creative storytelling to your growing team. I’m available to connect next week and look forward to learning more about your goals for this role.

Thank you for your time and consideration.

Best regards,

[Your Name]

Here's Why The After Version of the Cover Letter Works

• Start Strong & Personal: Kick off with genuine enthusiasm and mention something real about the company that caught your eye.
• Do Your Homework: Show you’ve done your research by mentioning specific projects or initiatives that resonate with you.
• Look Ahead: Focus on what you can bring to the table moving forward, not just what you’ve done in the past.
• Tell Your Story: Share clear examples with numbers or results that back up your skills.
• Show Your Writing Skills: Write clearly and confidently, especially if the job needs strong communication.
• Keep It Simple & Short: Stick to one page with three easy-to-read paragraphs and finish with a confident call to action.

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7 Mistakes to Avoid in 2025 Cover Letters

Even the best intentions can lead to common cover letter mistakes. Here are seven mistakes to steer clear of in 2025.

1. Starting with “To Whom It May Concern”

Using a generic salutation like “To Whom It May Concern” feels outdated and impersonal. It shows a lack of effort in researching the hiring manager’s name, making your cover letter seem generic and unengaging.

Instead, find out the hiring manager’s name and address the letter directly to hiring manager’s name.

2. Using AI Tools Without Editing

Relying solely on AI-generated content without personal touches or revisions can lead to a lack of authenticity in your letter. AI tools often produce generic words that fail to capture your unique qualifications and enthusiasm.

To make your cover letter stand out, always personalize and edit AI-generated drafts to reflect your genuine interest and specific achievements.

3. Listing Job Duties Instead of Impact

Cover letters should emphasize your achievements rather than simply restating your job responsibilities. Hiring managers prefer to see how you’ve made a measurable impact in your previous roles.

Instead of listing tasks, highlight specific accomplishments and results that demonstrate your key achievements and value.

4. Ignoring the Company’s Needs

A cover letter should focus on how you can address the company’s needs, not just your own achievements. Tailoring your letter to reflect the company’s mission, values, and current challenges shows that you’re a serious and thoughtful candidate.

Demonstrating alignment with the company’s goals can significantly enhance your cover letter’s impact.

5. Copy-Pasting a Bio Instead of Telling a Story

Simply rewording your resume into a narrative form can make your cover letter dull and unengaging. Share a personal story in your cover letter to highlight your motivations and unique experiences.

A compelling narrative can make your application memorable and resonate with hiring managers.

6. Writing a Novel

Keeping your cover letter short and to the point is crucial. Focus on key accomplishments and relevant skills to make your letter clear and effective.

A well-written, one-page cover letter is more likely to hold the hiring manager’s attention and make a strong impression.

7. Forgetting the CTA

A strong closing statement prompting the hiring manager to take action is essential for a successful cover letter. Ending your letter with a clear call to action, such as requesting an interview, can encourage further communication and show your eagerness for the role.

Avoiding these mistakes can make your cover letter feel more relevant. It shows you’ve done the work, and that you actually care about the role you’re applying for.
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Tools to Make Writing Easier

Writing a cover letter takes time, but the right tools can make it more manageable. Whether you need help getting started or polishing your final draft, here are three options that can make the process smoother:

ChatGPT

ChatGPT can help you draft a cover letter faster, but the quality of the output depends on the instructions you give. One way to get better results is to upload your resume or CV in the same chat. This gives the model more context about your actual experience.

Use this prompt format for stronger, more relevant results:

Prompt Example:

Act as: Me, the candidate based on the attached resume

Context: I’m applying for a [Position] role at a [company] that focuses on [Values]. The company is growing fast and values people who can work across teams and improve operations.

Task: Write a one-page cover letter that highlights my relevant experience, shows how I can contribute to their future growth, and matches the tone of a confident, thoughtful professional. Keep it editable.

Once the draft is generated, review it for tone, accuracy, and personalization.

Sample Result:

Grammarly

Grammarly helps catch small errors, improve tone, and clean up clunky sentences. It’s helpful during the editing stage, especially if you’ve been looking at your draft for too long.

Use it to:

• Fix grammar and punctuation
• Check tone (e.g., confident vs. too formal)
• Rephrase passive or wordy lines

Google Docs Templates

If formatting slows you down, Google Docs has simple, professional templates to get you started. You can focus on writing instead of design.

How to Find Google Docs Cover Letter Templates

1. Go to: https://docs.google.com
2. Click the + New button (top left).
3. Select Google Docs > From a template.
4. In the template gallery, scroll to the “Resumes” section.
5. You'll find a few resume + matching cover letter sets (e.g., “Modern,” “Serif,” “Coral,” etc.).
6. Click any template to open and start editing.

Pro tip: Start with a plain, single-column layout. Avoid fancy colors or multiple columns, hiring managers prefer clean and easy to read.

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What Hiring Managers Actually Want to See in a Cover Letter

Hiring managers seek cover letters that are clear, confident, and personalized. They value applicants who demonstrate an understanding of the company's needs and articulate how they can contribute to its goals.

Clarity and Confidence
Begin with a direct statement of your intent and interest in the position. Use assertive language to convey your qualifications without ambiguity.

Personalization
Tailor your letter to the specific company and role. Mention recent projects or initiatives that resonate with you, and align your skills and experiences with the company's mission and values.

Future-Readiness
Focus on how your background equips you to address current challenges and contribute to future successes. Highlight your adaptability and awareness of industry trends to show you're prepared for what's ahead.

By incorporating these elements, your cover letter will stand out and demonstrate to hiring managers that you're a thoughtful and qualified candidate.

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How Berry Virtual Supports Both Sides of the Hiring Process

Berry Virtual simplifies the hiring journey by providing a curated list of potential candidates for employers on its job board. This platform supports both job seekers and hiring teams, making the recruitment process more efficient and effective.

For Job Seekers:

Berry Virtual’s blog and VA team can help format and refine your cover letter, ensuring it highlights your unique qualifications and stands out to potential employers. This service is particularly beneficial for non-native English speakers or professionals with limited time.

The platform offers personalized assistance in crafting effective cover letters. By focusing on your relevant skills and experiences, Berry Virtual helps you create a compelling narrative that resonates with hiring managers, see what our clients say.

Berry Virtual also provides resources and tips to help job seekers navigate the job application process, making it easier to showcase your skill qualifications and secure the job you desire.

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For Hiring Teams:

Hiring teams can utilize Berry Virtual to streamline their recruitment process through effective candidate filtering. The platform’s trained virtual assistants can pre-screen cover letters, tag top candidates, and summarize application strengths, speeding up the hiring cycle without sacrificing quality.

Berry Virtual enables hiring teams to focus on the most qualified candidates, enhancing the efficiency of the selection process. By providing insights that assist in making informed decisions about candidate applications, Berry Virtual supports hiring teams in finding the best fit for their organization.

Using Berry Virtual’s services can significantly reduce the time and effort required to review applications, allowing hiring managers to engage more deeply with selected applicants and make better hiring decisions.

Callout Box:

“Many startups and remote companies use services like Berry Virtual to help screen, summarize, and shortlist applicants based on custom-fit hiring criteria.”

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Ready to Write Your Winning Cover Letter?

Crafting a compelling cover letter can make all the difference in your job search. Use the tips in this guide to write a letter that grabs attention, shows your value, and matches the company’s needs. A strong cover letter leaves a great first impression and can help advance your career by highlighting your professional growth and readiness for new opportunities.

A well-written cover letter opens doors for job applicants. Start your writing sample today using the blueprint provided.

For hiring teams, services like Berry Virtual can streamline recruitment and help find top talent.

Understanding what makes a cover letter effective and leveraging available tools benefits both job seekers and hiring managers. Move forward confidently to make the hiring process smoother and more efficient.

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Frequently Asked Questions

1. Do I really need a cover letter in 2025?

Yes. It’s still a key part of your application. A good cover letter shows that you’ve thought about the role, and helps you stand out when your resume alone isn’t enough.

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2. What should I include in the first paragraph?

Focus on crafting a compelling opening paragraph. Clearly state why you’re applying, mention the job title, how you found the opportunity, and express your enthusiasm for the company. This strong opening paragraph helps make a positive first impression and connects your background to the role.

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3. Should I customize my cover letter for every job?

Absolutely. Avoid submitting a generic cover letter, as these are often ignored by employers. Mention something specific about the company or role to show you’ve done your research and to make your application stand out.

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4. How long should it be?

One page. Aim for 3 short paragraphs: why you’re applying, what you bring, and what you hope happens next.

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5. Can I use AI tools like ChatGPT to help?

Yes, but don’t copy-paste. Use AI to get started, then edit for tone, accuracy, and personality. It should still sound like you.