Cover Letter Grader

Ideally 200 to 350 words - roughly three short paragraphs. Hiring managers spend very little time on each letter, so shorter and punchy beats long and comprehensive every time. Anything over 500 words is almost always too long.

No. Opening with 'I' - especially 'I am writing to apply for' - is the most common cover letter mistake. It puts the focus on you rather than on the value you bring to the company. Start with an insight, a specific achievement, or a direct statement of why this role excites you.

It depends on the company and role. In competitive markets or senior roles, a strong cover letter can be the deciding factor. In high-volume hiring, they often get skimmed. Either way, a polished letter never hurts and a weak one can eliminate you.

Three things work: a strong opening that is not 'I am writing to apply', a specific achievement with a number, and a clear reason you want this company in particular - not just the role type. Personalisation beats polish every time.

Use a template as a structure guide, but always rewrite the content from scratch for each application. Hiring managers can spot boilerplate instantly. The company name, a specific role detail, and one genuine reason you applied should always be original.

Read the job description and identify the 2-3 skills or traits they emphasise most. Mirror that language (naturally) in your letter and match each point to a concrete example from your experience. A letter that references the company's product, challenge, or mission will always outperform a generic one.