What to Write in a Cover Letter in 2025
Yes, cover letters are very much alive and relevant in 2025, especially when you are:
- Applying for competitive roles where employers want more than a CV file
- Changing careers or industries and need to explain your transition
- Responding to job posts that request one (they do read them)
- Reaching out directly (cold applications, referrals or portfolio links)
- Applying to mission-driven organisations where values alignment matters
While not every recruiter will read your cover letter, hiring managers often do, especially when making final decisions or debating between candidates.
Core Principles for 2025
- Tailored to each job and employer
- Conversational yet professional in tone
- Specific about your value and results
- Brief (ideally under 300 words)
What to Include in Each Section
Opening Paragraph: get to the point personally
Start with a clear statement of intent - what role you are applying for and why. Then we need a hook: a line that shows you are what they are looking for (recent achievement, connection to the company’s mission, gap you could close). Skip generic lines like “I am writing to apply…” and instead write something like:
“As a marketing strategist who recently led a brand refresh resulting in a 35% sales boost, I would like to bring my experience to [Company], a brand that I have long admired for its storytelling.”
Body Paragraph(s): connect your value to their needs
Connect your skills and experience directly to the job description. Use 1-2 specific examples that reflect the most relevant and recent parts of your experience. Tailor this section by adjusting your language to the language from the job post (do not copy-paste).
In 2025 it is smart to touch on:
- Recent outcomes you have delivered
- Adaptability or remote work fluency
- Use of AI or digital tools if relevant to the role
- Cross-functionality and cross-cultural interactions (of relevant)
- Simplicity is key, do not overload and make it unreadable and unclear
Example:
“At [Previous or Your current Company] I increased retention by 20% using AI-powered insights to customer trends. I see how I can do better for [Target Company] with your recent pivot toward customer-centric design.”
Closing Paragraph: reaffirm interest and offer next steps
Keep it short and human. Mention how would you like to be connected and be polite.
“I would like to discuss how I can contribute to your team’s goals during a call. You can reach me at [best means of communication] Thank you for consideration.”
What is Different in 2025?
- More personalisation is expected. Generic letters are easy to spot and ignore.
- Digital fluency matters more. Reference tools, platforms or tech where relevant.
- Tone is trending human-first. Clarity and authenticity beat formal fluff.
Quick Checklist
- Mention the specific job title
- Include 1–2 relevant achievements or examples
- Show that you understand the company or its mission
- Keep it short (ideally 2–4 paragraphs)
- Proofread carefully