If you’re reading this, you’ve probably stared at a blank document wondering how to craft a cover letter that doesn’t sound like every other one in a recruiter’s inbox. We get it. The cover letter can feel like an outdated formality, yet according to one survey, 94% of hiring managers* say cover letters influence their interview decisions.
In fact, Movement Talent recently worked with an Executive Director who made initial interview decisions just by reading cover letters. Only after the initial interviews did they read the candidates’ resumes. The reality is that in today’s competitive job market, a well-written cover letter remains one of your most powerful tools for standing out, as long as you approach it strategically.
The Current Cover Letter Landscape
The approach to writing cover letters today emphasizes brevity, personalization, and the use of keywords relevant to the job description. Gone are the days of lengthy, formal letters that simply repeat your resume. The 2025 cover letter is a lot shorter (generally one page) and more personality-driven than its predecessor. Think of it as your elevator pitch on paper.
What hasn’t changed is the fundamental purpose: your cover letter should connect the dots between your experience and the specific role you’re pursuing. Personalization is key: hiring managers value customization, and, in our experience, tailored cover letters are more likely to get interview invitations. We recommend that you do not use AI to generate your cover letter. Each cover letter should feel like it was written specifically for that organization and that role, not pulled from a template.
Start with Research, Not Writing
Before you type a single word, invest time in understanding the organization and the specific role. Look beyond the job posting to understand their mission, recent initiatives, and organizational culture. This research will inform every paragraph of your cover letter and help you speak their language. Using this “problem-solution” format demonstrates that you’ve done your homework and understand their specific challenges.
Consider what problems this organization is trying to solve, and how your experience positions you to contribute to those solutions. This approach transforms your cover letter from a generic introduction into a targeted proposal that shows you understand their needs and can deliver results.
The Modern Cover Letter Formula: Problem, Solution, Proof
The most effective cover letters in 2025 follow a simple but powerful structure. Start by demonstrating your understanding of the challenge or opportunity the organization faces. Then, position yourself as the solution by highlighting your most relevant experience and skills, including lived experience. Finally, provide concrete proof of your ability to deliver results through specific examples and quantifiable achievements.
Demonstrate how your skills have benefited previous employers and how those same skills can contribute to the prospective employer’s success. Include hard numbers in your cover letter to impress the employer—whether that’s budget size, percentage improvements, or team members managed. Concrete metrics help hiring managers visualize your impact.
Show Your Personality While Staying Professional
Importantly, show creativity and be genuine in your cover letter. Personal stories can make you stand out, especially when they help link your skills to the company’s goals. This doesn’t mean being overly casual or unprofessional. It means letting your authentic voice come through while maintaining a professional tone.
The key is finding the right balance for the organization and role. A cover letter for a small startup team may have a more conversational tone than one for a large, well-established organization, but both should feel genuine and human. Remember, hiring managers want to work with real people with real experiences, not robots (or AI chatbots) reciting buzzwords.
Technical Considerations: Making Your Letter Work with Modern Hiring Systems
Even the most compelling content won’t matter if your cover letter doesn’t make it past applicant tracking systems (ATS). Hiring managers value letters that quickly show value and fit. Here’s what’s in: Concise and tailored content: Get to the point. Highlight results that matter to the organization. Beyond the content, clean design is essential. Use standard fonts, clear formatting, and incorporate relevant keywords from the job posting naturally throughout your letter.
Aim for three to four paragraphs that can be easily scanned while still providing substantive content. Use bullet points sparingly and only when they enhance readability rather than breaking up the natural flow of your narrative.
The Cover Letter as Your Strategic Advantage
In a job market where many candidates skip the cover letter entirely or submit generic versions, a thoughtful, personalized cover letter becomes your competitive advantage. If you’re still using a “To Whom It May Concern” template to summarize your resume, then it’s time to embrace a new approach—one that truly connects with potential employers. Do a little research on LinkedIn or the organization’s website to find the name of the hiring manager for this position. Use this opportunity to address any questions that hiring manager might have about your background, explain career transitions, or highlight transferable skills that might not be obvious from your resume alone.
Remember, your cover letter is often the first impression you make on a potential employer. Make it count by showing you’ve done your research, understand their needs, and can communicate clearly and persuasively. When done well, your cover letter makes the case for why you’re the person they need to meet. That strategic approach can make all the difference between your application being overlooked and landing the interview that changes your career trajectory.
* ResumeGenius 2024 national survey of 625 hiring managers