Cover letter structure: format, subject line and closing

How long should a cover letter be?

Between 200 and 300 words, about half a page. The recruiter skims it, so each sentence must add something your resume does not already say.

What goes in the first paragraph?

State the role you are applying for, where you saw it and the concrete reason the company interests you. Skip stiff formulas. A direct opening reads better.

Illustrative example: "I am writing about the Digital Marketing Specialist role. Your rebranding campaign convinced me that your team works with data, which is how I like to work."

How do I show that I am a fit?

Pick one or two achievements from your resume that answer the posting's requirements directly and tell them in two or three sentences with a measurable result. The letter adds context to the resume, so skip repeating the task list.

• Reuse the skills the posting asks for, in its wording.
• Add a number: a percentage, a sum, a duration, a team size.
• Show what you did personally, beyond what the team did.

How do I close the letter?

Close with your availability for an interview and thanks for the time. One polite, direct line, followed by the sign-off and your full name.

• Thank you for your time; I look forward to discussing the role.
• I am available for an interview on any day that suits you.
• Kind regards, with your full name on the next line.

What goes at the top and in the email subject line?

The letter needs no big title. At the top put your name and contact details, the date, then the company name and, if you know it, the hiring manager's name.

By email, the subject line states the role and your name, for example: "Application: Digital Marketing Specialist, Ana Popescu". If the posting has a reference code, add it to the subject.

Do you sign a cover letter?

On paper, sign by hand under the sign-off. Sent electronically, your typed full name under the sign-off works as the signature, so a scanned signature is optional.

Frequently asked questions