Rocket Career Center

1. Header

Use the same header as your resume for a consistent and professional look. This typically includes your name, phone number, email, and LinkedIn profile (if applicable).

2. Date & Company Contact

Include the full date at the top of your letter. Below the date, list the organization’s name and mailing address. If you have the name and title of the person you’re writing to, include that as well.

Format Example:
May 14, 20XX
Name of Contact Person
Title of Contact Person
Organization Name 
Street Adress
City, State ZipCode 

Including this information creates a professional appearance and shows attention to detail. Whenever possible, personalize this section with the recipient’s name and title—this demonstrates initiative and genuine interest in the role.

4. Addressing Your Letter

Whenever possible, address your letter to a specific individual. This might be the hiring manager, supervisor, recruiter, or contact listed in a job posting (such as on Handshake). Check LinkedIn or the company’s website if a name isn’t provided.

If a specific name isn’t available, use a general title such as:

• Dear Hiring Manager,

• Dear Hiring Committee,

• Dear Selection Committee,

Avoid overly generic phrases like “To Whom It May Concern.”

5. Letter Body: 3–4 Paragraphs Max

Your cover letter should be concise, relevant, and focused. Aim for three main sections:

Opening Paragraph: Introduce your interest in the position

• State why you are writing; mention the exact position title for which you are applying.
• Reference how you learned about this position and name any referring person.
• Briefly describe why you are interested in this position.
• Keep this paragraph two to three sentences.

Body of the Letter: Sell yourself to the reader

• Give the reader insight into who you are as a person and what qualifies you for the position.
• Link your coursework, experiences, competencies, and skills to the position description.
• Explain how you would leverage your skills and experience in the role you are applying to.
• Don’t include all of your experiences; do share personal qualities and motivators.
• Keep this paragraph five to eight sentences in length.

Closing Paragraph: Request an interview

• Directly but politely, show your desire to further discuss your qualifications in an interview.
• Make it easy for the reader to contact you by providing your phone number and email.
• Thank the contact person for their time and consideration.
• Keep this paragraph to three or four sentences.

Tip: Use keywords from the job posting to strengthen your alignment with the role.

7. Signature

Close your letter with a professional sign-off:

Sincerely,

(Your signed name, if possible)

Your Typed First and Last Name

[Your Name][Your Email Address] | [Your Phone Number] | [LinkedIn Profile URL – optional]

May 14, 2025

Hiring Manager
[Organization Name]
1234 Main Street
City, State ZIP

Dear Hiring Manager,

I’m reaching out to apply for the [Job Title] position at [Organization Name]. I came across this opportunity through [Job Board or Referral Source], and it immediately caught my attention because of your organization’s work in [something meaningful or specific about the company]. I’m especially drawn to your commitment to [company mission/value] and would be excited to be part of a team making that kind of impact.

In my previous role as a [Previous Job Title], I gained hands-on experience with [Skill #1], [Skill #2], and [Skill #3]. One project I’m especially proud of involved [brief description of a task or achievement], which led to [a result or impact]. That experience showed me the importance of [lesson or skill learned], and it’s something I’m eager to bring into a new role.

Beyond my technical skills, I’ve learned how to work well in fast-paced environments, communicate across teams, and think creatively to solve problems. I’m confident that these strengths, along with my passion for [industry/cause], make me a strong match for your team.

Thank you for taking the time to review my application. I’d welcome the chance to learn more about the role and share how I can contribute to your goals. You can reach me at [Phone Number] or [Email Address], and I hope to connect soon.

Sincerely,
[Your Name]

AI tools can be helpful for getting started on your cover letter, especially when you’re staring at a blank page. They can suggest structure, polish grammar, and help you identify key industry phrases. But here’s the truth: employers can quickly spot a cover letter that sounds like it was written by a robot.

If your letter is too generic, too polished, or lacks any personal detail, it stands out — and not in a good way. Recruiters read dozens (sometimes hundreds) of cover letters. The ones that leave an impression are authentic, personal, and specific.

Here’s what AI can’t do:

• It can’t tell your story — only you can do that.

• It won’t know what moment sparked your interest in this field.

• It can’t describe how you overcame challenges in a meaningful way.

• It won’t connect your real experiences to what the job actually requires.

That’s why it’s essential to use real, specific examples in your letter. Talk about projects you led, problems you solved, or skills you gained through experience. Explain why you care about the organization and how your background makes you a great fit. These are the kinds of things that make your letter memorable — and those details can only come from you.

Pro Tip:
If you use AI to brainstorm or structure your draft, that’s okay — just make sure you go back and infuse it with your own voice, personality, and real-life evidence. That’s what turns a generic cover letter into a strong, compelling one.