A cover letter is like the shiny wrapper of a chocolate—it grabs attention and makes the hiring manager eager to explore your resume. Without it, or with a poorly written one, your application risks being overlooked. In this blog on how to write a cover letter, you’ll learn three simple steps to craft a compelling one, along with a format and example to get you started.

Step 1: Research the Company

To craft a tailored and impactful cover letter, start by researching the company. Let’s take Google India as an example.

Here’s how you can structure your research:

Find out who to address: Look for the hiring manager’s name in the job posting or on LinkedIn. If unavailable, you can use a general salutation like “Dear Hiring Manager.”

Analyze the job description: For instance, if the job description mentions skills like data analysis, problem-solving, or proficiency in Python, note these and highlight them in your cover letter.

Connect with employees: Reach out to current or former employees at Google India on LinkedIn to understand the company’s culture, work environment, and expectations.

Check recent news: For example, Google India recently announced its initiative to enhance AI literacy in India. Mentioning this in your cover letter shows you’re updated on their work.

Review company reports and goals: Google’s mission is to organize the world’s information and make it universally accessible. Tailor your cover letter to reflect how your skills align with this mission.

Example Opening Statement for Google India:

Dear Hiring Manager,
I am excited to apply for the [Position Name] role at Google India. First, I would like to congratulate your team on launching the AI literacy initiative, a remarkable step towards empowering individuals with cutting-edge technology. With my background in [Your Field] and passion for [Specific Area], I am eager to contribute to Google’s mission of organizing and making information universally accessible.

This introduction not only demonstrates your knowledge about Google India but also highlights your enthusiasm and alignment with their goals, making your cover letter stand out.

Step 2: Structure Your Cover Letter

A cover letter typically consists of three parts:

1. Introduction

2. Body

3. Follow-Up

1. Introduction

Your introduction should grab the hiring manager’s attention and set a positive tone. Include one or two of the following points:

• Who you are and why you’re interested in the position.
• Your unique selling point that makes you the ideal candidate.
• A reference to an employee who referred you (mention their name and position).
• A note congratulating the company on a recent achievement.

For example:

My name is [Your Name], and I’m excited to apply for the [Position Name] role at [Company Name]. With my background in [Your Field] and passion for [Specific Area], I believe I can bring valuable contributions to your team.

2. Body

The body of your cover letter is where you showcase why you’re the perfect fit for the role. Focus on:

• A summary of your technical, soft, and interpersonal skills.
• How your skills match the job requirements.
• Why you’re a cultural fit for the company.
• Most importantly, how you can bring value to the organization.

Remember, instead of just talking about yourself, emphasize how you can contribute to the company’s success. For example:

My experience in [Specific Skill] has allowed me to [Accomplishment]. I’m confident this expertise will help [Company Name] achieve its goal of [Company Objective].

The more you align your skills and values with the company’s needs, the more impactful your cover letter will be.

3. Follow-Up

In the final section, wrap up your cover letter by:

• Reiterating why you’re a great fit for the company.
• Proposing a follow-up, such as a phone call or meeting.
• Thanking the hiring manager for their time and consideration.

For example:

I would be thrilled to discuss how my skills and experiences align with your team’s goals. Thank you for considering my application, and I look forward to the opportunity to connect further.

To learn about this in further detail, check out our video below:

Step 3: Proofread Your Cover Letter

Before submitting your cover letter, ensure it’s polished and professional:

Keep it short and to the point—ideally one page and under 300 words.

Avoid spelling and grammatical errors.

Double-check that your letter is tailored to the specific company and role.

A concise, error-free cover letter will show your attention to detail and professionalism.

Bonus: Cover Letter Format

Here’s a simple format to follow:

• Your Full Name
• Contact Information
• Date
• Hiring Manager’s Name and Company Information
• Greeting
• Introduction
• Body
• Follow-Up
• Closing (e.g., Sincerely, Your Name)

Hope you got an idea about how to write a cover letter. If you wish to learn in detail on how to build a professional resume, then do register for our course – Resume Buiding Course. In case you have any queries, feel free to reach out to us! All the best 🙂