What Is the Best Writing Style for a Cover Letter?

The best writing style for a cover letter is professional yet engaging, balancing formality with a touch of personality. A perfect cover letter uses a confident, clear tone. Avoid being overly demanding, using jargon, or unnecessary fluff. Each sentence should be purposeful, emphasising your qualifications and how they directly relate to the job. Active phrasing helps keep the reader's attention, while smooth transitions between paragraphs maintain flow.

Regarding your cover letter structure, aim for three key sections: start your cover letter by grabbing the hiring manager’s attention with a brief introduction explaining your interest in the role. Follow with one or two paragraphs detailing how your skills match the job's requirements, using concise, active language. In the last part of your cover letter, express gratitude for their time and consideration, and reinforce your enthusiasm for the position. Lastly, remember to personalise your letter to the company and the role to show your interest and engagement.

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Our editorial team has reviewed this article for compliance with Livecareer’s editorial guidelines. It’s to ensure that our expert advice and recommendations are consistent across all our career guides and align with current CV and cover letter writing standards and trends. We’re trusted by over 10 million job seekers, supporting them on their way to finding their dream job. Each article is preceded by research and scrutiny to ensure our content responds to current market trends and demand.