How Do You Stand Out in a Cover Letter?

To create a cover letter that truly stands out, follow these expert tips:

1. Personalise for each job: Write a separate cover letter for each position, tailoring it to the specific role and company.
2. Direct it to a real person: Address your cover letter using a specific name and avoid generic terms like “To whom it may concern.”
3. Adopt a positive tone: Keep your letter upbeat and confident, showcasing enthusiasm for the role.
4. Hook with your opening: Start with a compelling first sentence that highlights your strengths or relevant experience.
5. Demonstrate your fit: Align your skills with the job requirements and explain why you're the best candidate.
6. Show motivation: Express genuine interest in the company and why you’re particularly drawn to this specific job.
7. Finish strong: Reiterate your enthusiasm and eagerness to contribute in the final lines of your cover letter.
8. Take a break: Step away before revisiting your letter for final edits and error-checking.

If you need professional guidance when writing your cover letter, consider using a dedicated cover letter builder with pre-set structures, tips, and helpful guidelines.

How we review the content at LiveCareer

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.