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Cover letter

How to write a cover letter: a structure that works (with example)

A clear four-paragraph structure, the phrases to avoid and a complete cover letter example you can adapt to any job.

By The CVticket team 8 min read

A cover letter is not always read, but when it is, it can tip an application in your favor. Its job is simple: explain in a few lines why you, why this job and why this company. Here is a clear structure, the mistakes to avoid and a complete example.

A four-part structure

The most effective method fits in four short paragraphs:

  1. The hook: the position you are applying for and what draws you to the company. One specific sentence beats a generic opening.
  2. Them (the company): show that you understand its needs, projects and challenges. This is where your research shows.
  3. You (your value): two or three concrete achievements directly related to the job. Facts and results, not a list of qualities.
  4. Together (next steps): what you would bring to the team, then a request for an interview and your sign-off.

Formatting essentials

  • Your contact details at the top, then the recipient’s if you know them.
  • The date.
  • A clear subject line: “Application for the Communications Officer position (ref. 2026-114)”.
  • A greeting: “Dear Hiring Manager,” or, if you know the name, “Dear Ms. Smith,”.
  • A simple closing such as “Sincerely,” followed by your name.

The most common mistakes

  • Repeating your resume: the letter should say what the resume does not (your motivation, the link between your background and the job).
  • One letter sent to ten companies: recruiters spot a generic text instantly.
  • Only talking about yourself: “I want to grow”, “I am looking for a stable job”… Talk about what you bring instead.
  • Empty buzzwords: “dynamic and motivated”, “excellent people skills”. Replace them with an example.
  • Typos: read it out loud, or ask someone to proofread it.

Cover letter example

Re: Application for the Digital Project Manager position

Dear Hiring Manager,

Your customer portal redesign, announced in September, is exactly the kind of work I have been doing for four years: making online services simpler for the people who use them. That is why I am applying for the Digital Project Manager position.

Your offer stresses coordinating cross-functional teams and meeting launch deadlines. At Horizon Agency, I managed twelve web projects a year with teams of eight developers, designers and writers.

I introduced tracking metrics shared with clients, which raised their satisfaction by 25%, and led the team’s move to Scrum. This experience would let me contribute to your redesign from day one.

I would welcome the opportunity to tell you more about how I work in an interview. Thank you for your time and consideration.

Sincerely,

Save time without losing sincerity

With CVticket, you can create a cover letter from your resume: paste the job offer, and the letter is written with AI from your real experience, inventing nothing. It uses the same template and colors as your resume; all that is left is to review and personalize it.

To make your resume as strong as your letter, read our guide to ATS-friendly resumes.

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