How to Write a Perfect One-Page Cover Letter
Learn the proven formula for writing concise, impactful cover letters that get you interviews.
A great cover letter can be the difference between landing an interview and getting lost in the pile. Here's how to write a concise, impactful cover letter that gets results.
The One-Page Rule
Recruiters spend an average of 7 seconds scanning your cover letter. Keep it to one page with:
- • 3-4 paragraphs maximum
- • 250-400 words total
- • Plenty of white space
- • Standard business letter format
The Perfect Cover Letter Formula
Opening Paragraph (2-3 sentences)
Hook the reader immediately:
- •State the position and how you learned about it
- •One compelling reason why you're perfect for the role
- •Show enthusiasm without being generic
EXAMPLE
As a data scientist with 5 years of experience building ML models that increased revenue by 30%, I was thrilled to see your opening for a Senior Data Scientist at TechCorp.
Middle Paragraph(s) (4-6 sentences)
Connect your experience to their needs:
- •Pick 2-3 requirements from the job description
- •Provide specific examples of relevant achievements
- •Use keywords from the job posting
- •Quantify your impact with numbers
EXAMPLE
At my current role at DataCo, I led the development of a recommendation engine that increased user engagement by 45% and generated $3M in additional revenue. Your requirement for experience with real-time data pipelines aligns perfectly with my recent project building a streaming analytics platform processing 10M events daily.
Closing Paragraph (2-3 sentences)
Call to action:
- •Reiterate your interest
- •Mention next steps
- •Thank them for their consideration
EXAMPLE
I'm excited about the opportunity to bring my expertise in machine learning and data engineering to TechCorp's innovative team. I look forward to discussing how I can contribute to your continued growth. Thank you for your consideration.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Generic openings
'I am writing to apply for...' is boring
Repeating your resume
Add new information and context
Focusing on what you want
Focus on what you offer them
Wall of text
Use short paragraphs and white space
Typos and errors
Proofread multiple times
ATS Optimization Tips
- •Standard fonts: Use Arial, Calibri, or Times New Roman
- •Keywords: Include keywords from the job description naturally
- •File format: Save as PDF unless they request DOC/DOCX
- •Headers: Use standard section headers
- •Formatting: Avoid images, graphics, or unusual formatting
Cover Letter Templates by Industry
Tech/Engineering
Focus on technical skills, projects, and quantifiable impact on systems or products.
Sales/Marketing
Emphasize revenue generation, campaign success, and relationship building.
Finance/Accounting
Highlight attention to detail, compliance experience, and cost savings.
Healthcare
Stress patient care, compliance, and collaborative teamwork.
Final Checklist
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Content Writer at MyResumeCreator