USA Cover Letter Format 2026: Complete Guide
Learn the exact US cover letter format for 2026. 1 page, professional but confident, customized per job. Free US cover letter templates included.
US Cover Letter Rules
- 1 page maximum - Keep it concise and focused
- Optional but recommended - Many US employers expect cover letters
- Direct, confident tone - Professional but not overly formal
- Less formal than Canada - Semi-formal, confident language
- Customized per job - Never send a generic cover letter
- No repetition of resume - Add new information, don't repeat
- Match resume header - Use same contact information
US Cover Letter Structure
1. Header (Same as Resume)
Use the same header as your resume. Include your name, city/state, phone, email, and LinkedIn (optional).
John Smith
San Francisco, CA | (415) 555-0198 | john.smith@email.com
linkedin.com/in/johnsmith
2. Date
Align the date to the left, below your header. Format: "March 18, 2026"
March 18, 2026
3. Greeting
✅ Default:
"Dear Hiring Manager,"
✅ Allowed:
"Dear [Team Name] Hiring Team,"
❌ Avoid:
"To whom it may concern" (too formal/outdated)
"Dear Sir/Madam" (too formal)
4. Opening Paragraph (WHY YOU)
State the role you're applying for and why you're a fit. Be direct and confident.
"I am applying for the Senior Backend Engineer role at ABC Corp. With over eight years of experience building scalable systems, I have led teams delivering high-impact products used by millions of users."
5. Body Paragraph (PROOF)
Highlight 1-2 key achievements and connect skills to job needs. Include metrics when possible.
"In my current role, I designed microservices that reduced system latency by 40% and improved reliability across core APIs. I enjoy working closely with product teams to translate business needs into technical solutions."
6. Closing Paragraph (CALL TO ACTION)
Express enthusiasm and include a call to action. Be confident but not pushy.
"I would welcome the opportunity to discuss how my experience can contribute to your team. Thank you for your time and consideration."
7. Signature
Sincerely,
John Smith
US Cover Letter Formatting Tips
- Length: Keep it to 1 page (3-4 paragraphs maximum)
- Font: Use the same font as your resume (Arial, Calibri, or Times New Roman, 10-12pt)
- Spacing: Single-spaced with double spacing between paragraphs
- Margins: 1 inch (2.54 cm) on all sides
- Alignment: Left-align all text
- Tone: Professional but confident, less formal than Canada
- File Format: PDF (same as resume)
Key Differences: US vs Canada Cover Letters
- Tone: US cover letters are semi-formal and confident (vs formal in Canada)
- Language: Direct, enthusiastic (vs more reserved in Canada)
- Confidence: Show confidence in your abilities (vs more modest in Canada)
- Length: Both are 1 page, but US allows slightly more casual language
Frequently Asked Questions
How long should a US cover letter be?
US cover letters should be exactly 1 page. Aim for 3-4 paragraphs that are concise and focused on matching your experience to the job requirements.
Do I need to customize my cover letter for each job?
Yes. Every cover letter should be customized to the specific job posting. Generic cover letters are easily spotted by recruiters and reduce your chances of getting an interview.
What tone should I use in a US cover letter?
Use a professional but confident tone. US cover letters are less formal than Canadian ones. Be direct, enthusiastic, and show confidence in your abilities. Avoid overly formal language.
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