Top Tips for Writing a Standout Cover Letter

Cover letters can feel tricky. You want to be professional, but also memorable. You want to show your interest, without just repeating your CV. Writing a cover letter that hits all these notes can feel like a balancing act. But here’s the thing—a great cover letter isn’t about fancy language or long paragraphs; it’s about showing why you’re a fit for the job in a way that’s personal, clear, and to-the-point. Let’s walk through a few steps that can make your cover letter stand out from the rest.

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First things first: start strong. Forget the usual “I am writing to express my interest…” Instead, kick things off with something that gives the reader an immediate sense of who you are. Try opening with a line that shows your excitement for the role, or mention a key achievement that ties directly to what the company is looking for. If you’re applying to a marketing position, for example, you might start with, “After driving a 20% increase in engagement for my current company, I’m excited to bring my passion for creative strategy to [Company Name].” This way, you’re instantly setting the tone and showing why you’re a great fit.

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Next, make it personal to the company. Employers can tell when you’re sending a generic letter. Take a moment to mention why you’re excited about this company in particular. Check their website or social media—do they have a mission that resonates with you? Or a recent project that caught your eye? This shows you’ve done your homework and are genuinely interested in what they do, not just the job itself.

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When talking about your experience, focus on impact rather than just duties. Don’t just list what you did in past jobs; instead, highlight what you achieved. If you led a project, what was the outcome? If you increased sales, by how much? Concrete results paint a clearer picture of what you could bring to the role. If you helped streamline a process, mention how it saved time or improved efficiency. Numbers can be powerful here, so if you have any metrics, don’t be shy about including them.

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Another great tip? Keep your language active and confident. Instead of saying “I hope to…” or “I would be pleased to…” try phrases like “I am eager to…” or “I’m excited to…” It adds an extra boost of energy to your words, which can make you sound more motivated and ready to hit the ground running. But be careful not to overdo it—too many exclamation points or overly bold claims can have the opposite effect.

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As you wrap up, finish with a strong closing that reiterates your excitement about the role and hints at what’s next. A line like, “I’m looking forward to the opportunity to discuss how my background in [relevant skill or experience] can benefit the team at [Company Name],” leaves things on a positive note and shows that you’re already thinking about what you could bring to their team.

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Finally, remember to proofread. Typos or awkward phrasing can detract from all the work you’ve put in. Reading it aloud can be a helpful way to catch any issues—it gives you a sense of the flow and tone, ensuring it sounds natural and professional.

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With these tips, writing a cover letter doesn’t have to be daunting. Remember, your cover letter is your chance to bring your CV to life, give a glimpse of your personality, and make a memorable first impression. Taking a few extra minutes to personalize it to the role and company can make all the difference.