Cover Letter Tips for 2025: Complement Your Resume with Confidence
Learn how to write a cover letter that complements your resume in 2025. Includes formatting tips, examples, and advice on length, tone, and structure.
Updated Nov 26, 2025
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9 min
Why Your Cover Letter Still Matters in 2025
In a world of fast “one-click” apps and AI screening, you might think cover letters don’t matter. But they do — especially when competition is tight.
Your resume shows what you’ve done. Your cover letter explains why you did it — and why that matters to the company. It’s where you can add warmth, context, and motivation behind your experience.
Many hiring managers say that when two candidates look similar on paper, a strong, thoughtful cover letter is what helps one stand out.
Resume vs. Cover Letter: Key Differences
Think of your resume as the facts — your skills, experience, and achievements.
Your cover letter shares your story. It shows how your background fits the company and why you’re eager for this opportunity.
Before you dive into writing your letter, make sure your resume is ready to impress. Check out How to Write a Resume in 2025 (Step-by-Step Guide That Actually Works) for a full breakdown.
What to Include in a Cover Letter
A great cover letter follows a simple flow — clear, focused, and easy to read.
1. Header and Greeting
Include your contact info, the date, and (if possible) the hiring manager’s name. A simple “Dear [Name]” works best. If you can’t find one, “Dear Hiring Manager” is perfectly fine.
2. Opening Paragraph — Grab Attention
Start strong. Mention the company, the role, and one genuine reason you’re excited about it.
Example:
“I’m excited to apply for the Marketing Manager position at BrightEdge, where I can bring my experience in digital campaign strategy and team leadership to drive measurable growth.”
3. Middle Paragraphs — Make the Connection
Here’s where you show how your skills fit what they’re looking for. Pull in a key result or two from your resume, but explain the “why” or “how” behind it.
Example:
“At ABC Agency, I led a five-person creative team that boosted organic reach by 47%. What excites me most about this role is the chance to apply those same strategies to a global brand.”
Need ideas on which strengths to highlight? Check out Resume Skills Section Guide: Top Hard and Soft Skills for 2025 for inspiration.
4. Closing Paragraph — End with Confidence
Wrap up by reinforcing your interest and inviting next steps.
Example:
“I’d love the opportunity to bring my background in brand storytelling and analytics to your team. Thank you for your time — I look forward to connecting.”
End with a clean sign-off:
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Formatting Your Cover Letter
Keep it simple and easy on the eyes.
Length: One page, around 250–400 words
Font: Match your resume (see Best Fonts & Design Tips for Resumes in 2025)
File Type: Save as .docx or PDF (text-based only — not scanned)
Layout: One column, clean margins, consistent spacing
Wondering whether recruiters prefer PDF or Word files? See PDF vs Word Resume: Which Format Is Best for Job Applications in 2025? — the same rules apply to your cover letter.
How to Match Your Resume and Cover Letter Design
Your cover letter and resume should look like a set — same font, color, and header style. It shows professionalism and consistency.
Many modern templates (including Wensa’s) make this easy, letting you create both documents side by side.
Pro Tips for Writing a Great Cover Letter
Personalize every letter. Mention the company or job title — avoid copy-paste templates. Employers can tell when you’ve copied and pasted. Just a line or two about the company’s mission or a recent project can make your application feel real.
One candidate I coached said a company's sustainability campaign matched her volunteer work. The hiring manager told her that single line made her stand out — and she got the interview.Show real enthusiasm. A little excitement goes a long way. People want to hire people who care.
Match the company tone. A startup likes a relaxed, chatty style. But a law firm wants something more formal.
Don’t repeat your resume. Add color and context, not repetition. Use your letter to show the story behind your achievements — what you did and the impact it had.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Using “To Whom It May Concern”
Leaning on buzzwords like “team player” without proof
Writing more than one page
Sending the same letter for every job
Skipping a final proofread
Before sending, read your letter out loud. It’s one of the easiest ways to catch awkward phrasing or missed typos.
FAQs — Writing a Cover Letter in 2025
Do employers still require cover letters?
Yes — especially for professional or leadership roles. Even when optional, it’s worth including.
What is the difference between a resume and a cover letter?
Your resume lists your experience. Your cover letter explains your motivation and personality — why you’re a great fit.
How long should a cover letter be?
Keep it brief — one page or about three to four short paragraphs.
Final Thoughts — Make Your Resume and Cover Letter Work Together
Your cover letter shouldn’t repeat your resume — it should add depth and story. Show why your experience matters and what drives you.
When paired with an ATS-friendly resume, a tailored cover letter gives you a serious edge.
You can start building both using Wensa’s Resume Builder, complete with matching templates and 2025-ready formatting tools.
Teanca Holt is a recruiting expert and digital content writer from Utah with over five years of experience helping people craft resumes that get noticed. At Wensa, she shares practical tips on writing, career growth, and landing the job you want.
