What to Include in a Cover Letter for a Job in 2025

There is a basic structure that every cover letter should follow to give job seekers a good chance of being called for an interview for a particular job vacancy. There are five basic elements that must be contained in every application letter, namely:

1. Header and greeting

At the very top of your cover letter, you should have a header that contains important information such as your full name, professional social media links (such as your LinkedIn profile) and contact information. Be sure to include your phone number and email to make it easier for recruiters to contact you if they want.

After this, you should include a greeting or address to the hiring manager or recruiter. Ideally, you should find the name of a specific person who will carry out the recruiting process. If you know this person’s name, you should use it. If you absolutely cannot find the name of the hiring manager or recruiter, or if the hiring process is handled by a team, using “Dear hiring manager” or “To whom it may concern” is acceptable. This greeting is generic yet professional, which means it’s acceptable if you can’t think of a specific name to use.

2. Introduction

In the first paragraph, you should introduce yourself and note the name of the company and the specific position you are applying for to make it easier for hiring managers looking to fill multiple roles. Your introduction should paint a picture of you as a candidate to make a good first impression and catch the hiring manager’s attention.

For example, if you are applying for a job at a famous restaurant, you might write:
“[XYZ] is one of the most respected places in [ABC]and as sous chef at [E]I’ve long admired the incredible menu and specials. With over a decade supporting and leading kitchens, I know that I can be a valuable asset to the company [XYZ] team.”

A compelling introduction like this gives hiring managers everything they need to make a decision about whether to spend more time on an application. You will expand on the information in this opening paragraph later in your cover letter.

3. Reasons why you are suitable for the role

In the second paragraph, you should try to expand on the things you noted in the introduction. Repeat why you feel you are the right person for the job and then provide additional information. If you have a lot of work experience, for example, it’s a good idea to provide some examples of your accomplishments. For example, you might write something like:
“In my first year as sous chef at [XYZ]I created a dessert item that quickly became one of the most popular items on the dinner menu, ordered on average [X%] table. This item is also beneficial for the company, with a profit margin of [X%] on every plate.”
This is a way to provide proof to the hiring manager that you would be a favorable choice to interview for the particular role you are applying for.

4. Your reasons will fit the company culture

The third paragraph is your opportunity to improve your case. The best cover letter is one that ensures hiring managers and recruiters pay attention to your job application. In this middle paragraph, you should indicate what kind of employee you will be, how you will fit into the company culture, and what unique insights you can provide. For example, the chef from the previous example might write:
“Being a sous chef at [XYZ] would be a dream come true for me because of the quality of the menu on offer and the skilled colleagues I would be able to work with. Current Head Chef [name] is someone whose work I really admire, and the opportunity to work alongside him is something I’m really excited about.”
Statements like this show that you are passionate about the job you are applying for and will make a good impression.

5. Call to action and closing

The final paragraph and signing of your cover letter is very important; even a generic cover letter can be elevated if it has a strong call to action. Encourage the hiring manager to contact you for more information if they wish and reiterate that your contact information is in the header. End your closing paragraph with “Regards” or “Sincerely” to ensure that you finish on a professional note.
If you follow this basic structure and personalize the body of your cover letter with relevant experience and skills, you have a good chance of creating a great cover letter that will catch and keep the attention of any hiring manager who reads it.