If you’re not getting callbacks, your cover letter might be the problem. A weak one can hurt your chances.
Let me walk you through what you should and shouldn’t do when writing your cover letter. These cover letter tips will help you create a strong first impression, and they’re based on real hiring trends I’ve seen working in recruitment for years.
I’ll keep it conversational, clear, and to the point. You don’t need to overthink this. You just need to get it right.
Why the Cover Letter Still Matters
You might wonder do hiring managers even read cover letters anymore? The truth is: some do, some don’t. But when they do, it could be the one thing that makes or breaks your application.
I’ve seen recruiters skim through hundreds of resumes a day. A cover letter helps give context. It shows a bit of personality. And when done well, it makes you stand out.
That’s why learning these cover letter tips can give you a real edge.
Start Strong or Lose Them Fast
One of the biggest mistakes people make is starting with something generic like: “I’m writing to apply for the role of…”
Yawn.
Instead, try something like: “With five years in logistics and a strong record in managing high-volume routes, I’m excited to bring my experience to your delivery team.”
See the difference?
Start with impact. Get straight to the value you bring. Hiring managers want to know why you’re worth their time.
Make It Personal, Not a Template
If you’re using the same cover letter for every job, that’s your first red flag. Each company is different. Each job is unique. Your cover letter should reflect that.
Read the job posting carefully. Highlight what they’re looking for and mirror that language. This shows you’ve done your homework. It also helps you pass through applicant tracking systems (ATS), especially if you’re applying through staffing agencies or using resume platforms.
Even better if you know the hiring manager’s name, use it. A personal touch always beats a robotic intro.
Talk About What You Can Do for Them
This part is key. A cover letter isn’t about what you want it’s about what you can offer. Many candidates forget this and only talk about their goals.
Here’s a better way to think about it: The company has a problem. You are the solution.
Explain how your skills, experience, and mindset can help solve their problem. Whether it’s reducing downtime, improving team productivity, or bringing in creative strategies make it about them.
If you’re working with a top staffing firm, your recruiter might help you identify what to focus on. But if you’re applying directly, take time to align your letter with the company’s goals.
Keep It Clean and Easy to Read
Design matters. Your resume format and the cover letter layout should feel consistent. Avoid cluttered text or too many fonts. Stick to a clear structure with white space and easy-to-read paragraphs.
This doesn’t mean you need to be a designer. A simple, clean format always wins over something fancy that’s hard to read.
You’d be surprised how often messy presentation makes a great candidate look unprofessional.
The Power of Cover Letter Examples (But Don’t Copy Them)
Cover letter examples are useful no doubt. They help you understand the flow and tone. But here’s the catch: don’t copy them word for word.
Use them as inspiration. Take the structure, notice how they build each paragraph, and then write your own story.
Recruiters and hiring managers know when something feels copy-pasted. Trust me I’ve read thousands of these. Authenticity stands out.
Don’t Repeat Your Resume
This is probably the most common mistake I see. A candidate lists all the same bullet points from their resume, just in paragraph form.
The cover letter is not a summary. It’s your highlight reel. Choose 1–2 key achievements. Give them context. Show results. Tell a short story if it helps.
If your resume says you improved delivery times by 15%, your cover letter should explain how you did that and why it matters.
Avoid These Common Pitfalls
Now that you know what works, let’s talk about what to avoid. These are the classic cover letter “don’ts” that could hurt your chances.
First, don’t use vague clichés like “I’m a hardworking team player” or “I think outside the box.” Everyone says that. It means nothing without proof.
Next, don’t make it too long. Keep it to three or four short paragraphs max. If it looks like a wall of text, no one’s reading it.
Also, avoid being too casual. Even if the company has a relaxed culture, your cover letter is still a professional document. That doesn’t mean it needs to be stiff just respectful and polished.
Finally, always proofread. Typos and grammar issues can instantly damage your credibility. Use tools like Grammarly or ask someone else to review it. A second set of eyes never hurts.
What Recruiters Really Look For
As someone connected to some of the best staffing agencies and recruitment networks, I can tell you what hiring managers often say: They want clarity, relevance, and confidence.
They want someone who understands the job, respects the company, and knows how to communicate.
Whether you’re applying through a staffing solution, the best manpower agency, or a direct portal, your cover letter gives you a voice. It lets you speak beyond your resume. And that can set you apart from dozens of equally qualified candidates.
Top staffing firms often coach their candidates on this. So if you’re not sure how to write one, work with a recruitment agency that supports you not just sends your resume around.
Staffing Agencies Can Help, But You Still Need to Stand Out
If you’re using a recruitment agency, especially one that focuses on your industry, that’s great. They might even help tailor your application or give you strong cover letter tips.
But at the end of the day, you are the one who must convince the employer you’re worth meeting.
The best recruitment agency can open the door. Your cover letter can get you through it.
A Final Word on Confidence
If you’ve followed these cover letter tips and still feel unsure, here’s something I want you to remember:
Confidence isn’t about being perfect. It’s about being clear and real.
Don’t worry if your resume design isn’t flashy or if you’re not a “perfect fit” on paper. Use your cover letter to show why you’re still a great choice.
Tell your story. Share your impact. And always end with a strong call to action like: “I’d welcome the chance to discuss how I can contribute to your team.”
That one line can make a difference.
