Checklist titled 'Cover Letter Checklist' with seven items, each with a checkmark icon and bullet points, outlining steps for writing a cover letter, including including hiring manager's details, greeting, introduction, paragraphs, closing, and signature.
Cover letter guide with a woman pointing to a clipboard titled 'Rules' with checkmarks, set against a yellow background.

Issued September 2022/Updated March 2026

Cover Letter FAQs

  • A cover letter should not exceed 1 page and should be between 2 -4 paragraphs or between 200 - 300 words.

  • Some job postings ask specifically for a resume and cover letter, but many do not require a cover letter.

    Adding a cover letter with each resume may be helpful in obtaining a job offer and making a great impression on a recruiter or hiring manager.

  • It is recommended that each cover letter should be tailored to the specific position you are applying for. This ensures you capture key words from the job announcement in the cover letter.

  • Think through your experience, whether it is from extracurriculars, an internship, a part-time job, volunteer work, etc., and figure out how that experience can apply to the role you’re interested in. While you may not have specific experience related to the job you are applying for, consider mentioning skills you already have. For example, if you learned how to communicate more clearly and effectively with others while on a mission trip, discuss this to show that you have strong communication skills. Use personal experiences to compensate for any missing professional experiences.

    The same rule applies to how to write a cover letter for an internship. You'll want to explain how the experience you've gained would benefit the position—and lean heavily on how much you'd like to learn from the prospective employer.

  • Since resumes are limited to your previous jobs and education, a cover letter is an opportunity for you to show how the skills you attained in past positions can carry over to your new career. A cover letter can also help you further explain why you are making the transition. Show the hiring manager your experience in a different career, which is an opportunity for a fresh perspective.

  • A resume outlines your job history in general, while a cover letter highlights qualifications you have that are specific to the job you are applying for.

Dark background with stars, illustrated people helping each other climb a staircase of blocks, and text about career development questions and clicking to ask Ezra.

References

Hajek, M., & Hajek, M. (2026, January 15). Cover letters in 2026: Still worth writing? Staffing by Starboard. https://staffingbystarboard.com/blog/cover-letters-in-2026-still-worth-writing/

Novorésumé. (2026, March 4). 67 Cover letter Statistics and Trends for 2026. Novoresume. https://novoresume.com/career-blog/cover-letter-statistics

Resume.io. (2025, May 22). 50+ Intriguing Cover Letter Statistics & Insights (2025). https://resume.io/blog/cover-letter-statistics

Salt. (2025, November 24). Is a cover letter necessary? Our survey results might surprise you! Salt. https://welovesalt.com/insights/is-a-cover-letter-necessary

Schwartzberg, J. (2025, March 26). Cover Letters Still Matter—Even If They’re Not Required. Harvard Business Review. https://hbr.org/2025/03/cover-letters-still-matter-even-if-theyre-not-required

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