Cover letter examples - 5 writing styles + AI generator
A good cover letter doubles your chance of an interview. On this page you'll read how to write a strong letter in 5 steps, find 5 writing styles with examples, and generate your own letter free with every €2 download.
What makes a cover letter strong?
A good cover letter answers three questions: why this company, why this role, and why you. The letter is not a repeat of your CV. It complements - explains why you're calling, not what you've done. Our AI generator takes your CV content plus the job description and writes a letter in your chosen style in 30 seconds.
Write a cover letter in 5 steps
Per step a guideline and concrete phrasing you can borrow.
1. Salutation
Never write 'Dear sir/madam' if you can find a name. LinkedIn the recruiter, check the job page, or call reception. 'Dear Ms. Jansen' always opens better.
2. First sentence - what you're after and where you found it
First sentence gives context: which role, which source, and why you're applying. Direct and factual.
3. Why this company
Show you've researched the company. Recent product launch, mission, culture, client name, pricing strategy - something concrete that proves you didn't blast 200 letters.
4. Why you - 2 concrete achievements
Two measurable achievements from your work directly relevant to the role. No list, no vague terms. Numbers, names, percentages.
5. Closing - concrete next step
Not 'awaiting your response'. Propose something concrete: a conversation, a call slot, or a brief case presentation. Plus formal closing with your name.
5 writing styles - pick what fits the company
Not every employer wants the same tone. Our generator writes your letter in one of these 5 styles.
Professional & warm
Default choice for most employers. Friendly and businesslike, not stiff, not over-enthusiastic. Works at scale-ups, SMB and public organizations.
When to pick: when in doubt, always.
Formal & classic
Crisp, old-fashioned sentence structure, no contractions. No humor, no exclamation marks.
When to pick: government, banks, law firms, traditional consulting.
Modern & direct
Short sentences, addressing reader informally, numbers instead of adjectives. Energetic without forcing.
When to pick: startups, tech scale-ups, marketing and design agencies.
Concise & punchy
No filler words, no repetition. Under 200 words possible. Every sentence delivers new information.
When to pick: recruiters who scan fast, management roles, executives.
Personal & narrative
Starts with a short anecdote or motivation story. Honest and human, not sentimental. Works when the vacancy asks for passion.
When to pick: NGO, healthcare, education, creative sectors.
Or let our AI write it
Paste a job description, pick a writing style, and the AI generates a personal letter based on your CV in 30 seconds. Unlimited letters for 1 hour after every €2 CV download. Read, adjust, copy or download as PDF.
Open the letter generator →5 cover letter mistakes
Common mistakes that put your letter straight in the rejection pile.
Sending a generic letter
'Dear sir/madam, I'm applying for your vacancy' - recruiters see this as a signal you're not looking for anything special. Tailor every letter to company and role.
Repeating your CV
Your letter is not a summary of your work. It adds context: motivation, culture fit, specific examples. The recruiter already read your CV.
Too long (more than 1 page)
Maximum 350-400 words. Recruiters scan letters, they don't read them. Under 200 words is fine if you're strong. Over 400: cut.
Default closings
'Awaiting your response' is empty. Propose something: conversation, call slot, case presentation. Show initiative, not waiting.
Spelling and grammar errors
One typo in a 300-word letter = 0.3% error rate = instant rejection. Have 2 people proofread before sending.
Ready for your application?
Our letter generator comes free with every €2 CV download. Build your CV first, then get 1 hour of unlimited letters.
FAQ about cover letters
How long should a cover letter be?▾
200-350 words. Maximum 1 page. Recruiters read in 30-60 seconds. Shorter is fine if you're strong, longer usually doesn't get read.
Can I use the same letter for multiple vacancies?▾
No. Generic letters get spotted instantly. Adjust at minimum: salutation with correct name, first paragraph about this specific company, achievements that fit this role. With our generator it takes 30 seconds.
Should I send a cover letter if not asked?▾
Yes, unless explicitly 'no motivation letter'. A good letter adds context and sets you apart. With online application forms without upload field: send the letter to the recruiter via email or LinkedIn.
How do I start my cover letter?▾
With the right salutation ('Dear Ms. Jansen' - look up the name!) and a first sentence that's contextual: which role, which source, and why you're applying. Avoid 'I hereby apply for your vacancy' - empty.
What goes in paragraph 1?▾
Why this company. Proof you've researched: recent launch, mission, customer case. Maximum 2-3 sentences.
What goes in paragraph 2?▾
Why you. 2-3 concrete achievements with numbers directly relevant to the role. Not everything, only the strongest.
How do I close my letter?▾
With a concrete next step, not 'awaiting your response'. Propose a conversation, give availability, mention phone number. Plus standard closing ('Kind regards', your name).
Is the letter generator free?▾
With every €2 CV download you get 1 hour of unlimited access to the letter generator. No separate costs, no subscription. Paste job description, pick style, receive your letter.
Write your letter - free with your CV
Build your CV first, then 1 hour of unlimited letters. €2 total. No subscription, no surprises.
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