How to Write a Cover Letter That Actually Works

Always write a cover letter unless the application explicitly says not to. Even if it's optional, submitting one sets you apart from the majority of applicants who skip it. Many hiring managers say a strong cover letter can tip the scales between two equal candidates.

Opening (3 sentences): Hook the reader. Mention the specific role, how you found it, and one compelling reason you're excited. Middle (2–3 paragraphs): Connect your experience to their needs. Use specific examples with metrics. Show you've researched the company. Closing (2 sentences): Reaffirm interest, mention your availability for an interview, thank them for their time.

1. Repeating your CV word-for-word — the cover letter adds context, not duplication. 2. Using 'To Whom It May Concern' — find the hiring manager's name on LinkedIn. 3. Being generic — tailor every cover letter to the specific company and role. 4. Focusing only on what YOU want — show what you can do for THEM. 5. Making it longer than one page — brevity shows respect for their time.

❌ 'I am writing to apply for the position of Marketing Manager at your company.' ✅ 'When I saw that TechNaija is hiring a Marketing Manager, I knew I had to apply — I've been following your work in the fintech space for two years and have admired your approach to community-driven growth.' ✅ 'Your job posting for a Frontend Developer mentioned you need someone who can build performant, accessible UIs. That's exactly what I did at my last role, where I reduced page load time by 60% for an e-commerce platform serving 100K monthly users.'