Why Cover Letters Still Matter in 2026

Even with AI and ATS in play, a strong cover letter sets you apart. It shows you've researched the role, connects your experience to the job, and gives recruiters a reason to read your CV. Here's how to write cover letters that get interviews in 2026.

Top Cover Letter Writing Tips for 2026

1. Open With Impact, Not Generic Greetings

Avoid "To whom it may concern" and "I am writing to apply." Start with a hook: mention the role, the company, and why you're excited in one sentence. Example: "Your Product Manager opening at [Company] caught my attention—I've followed your growth in [area] and would love to contribute to it."

2. Tailor Every Cover Letter to the Job

Generic cover letters get ignored. Pull specific requirements from the job description and match them to your experience. Mention the company name and role. Our AI CV tailoring tool also generates cover letters tailored to each job in seconds.

3. Use the P-A-R Formula (Problem, Action, Result)

Instead of listing duties, tell a short story: What was the situation? What did you do? What was the outcome? Example: "When our customer churn spiked 15%, I led a retention initiative that reduced churn by 22% within six months."

4. Keep It to One Page

Recruiters skim cover letters. Aim for 250–400 words. Three to four short paragraphs: hook + why you fit + one strong example + closing call to action.

5. Research the Company

Reference recent news, products, or values. A line like "Your recent [product/initiative] aligns with my experience in [area]" shows you've done homework and care about the company.

Cover Letter Examples for 2026

Example 1: Software Engineer Opening

Example 2: Marketing Manager

Example 3: Recent Graduate

Cover Letter Format 2026

• Header: Your contact info (name, email, phone, LinkedIn)
• Date: Current date
• Salutation: "Dear [Hiring Manager Name]" when possible
• Body: 3–4 short paragraphs
• Closing: Professional sign-off ("Sincerely," "Best regards,")

Common Cover Letter Mistakes to Avoid

• Repeating your CV word-for-word instead of adding context
• Using the same cover letter for every application
• Starting with "I" in every sentence
• Being vague or generic about the company
• Typos and grammar errors—proofread carefully

FAQ

Do I need a cover letter in 2026?

Many roles still require or prefer cover letters. When optional, a tailored cover letter can still differentiate you. Check the job posting and err on the side of submitting one when it could help.

How long should a cover letter be?

Aim for one page and 250–400 words. Quality and relevance matter more than length.

Can AI write my cover letter?

AI can help draft and tailor cover letters. Our CV tailoring tool generates job-specific cover letters from your CV and the job description. Always review and personalize the output.