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A strong cover letter is a short, tailored argument for why you fit a specific role. Name the job and employer, explain your interest, connect one or two relevant examples to the employer’s needs, and close by inviting further conversation. It should add context to your resume, not repeat it.
What should a cover letter include?
For most general job applications, organize the letter into three parts: an opening, a body, and a closing. Each part has a distinct job, so keep the letter focused rather than trying to cover your entire work history.
1. Open with the role and a specific reason for applying
State the position you are applying for. If it helps the reader, mention where you found the opening or who referred you. Then give a concise, genuine reason the employer or opportunity interests you. Avoid an opening that could be sent unchanged to any company.
2. Use the body to show relevant evidence
Choose one or two experiences, skills, or accomplishments that respond to the job description. Explain what you did and how it demonstrates readiness for this role. Make the connection explicit; a list of duties or a paraphrase of resume bullets does not explain why your experience matters to this employer.
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If you have limited formal work experience, relevant coursework, projects, volunteer work, or other transferable experience can provide evidence. Describe your contribution accurately and do not invent accomplishments or metrics.
3. Close with interest and a next step
Briefly reinforce your interest, thank the reader, and say you would welcome the opportunity to discuss your application. Keep the ending confident and direct rather than apologetic or vague.
How is an academic cover letter different?
Academic applications may call for several middle paragraphs rather than the compact evidence section used in a general employment letter. Depending on the discipline and position, those paragraphs may address research, future plans, teaching, and fit with the department or institution. Harvard GSAS notes that expectations vary; do not apply the short general-job format mechanically to a faculty application.
| Application context | Typical emphasis | How to approach the detail |
|---|---|---|
| General employment | Role-specific examples that show how your experience meets the employer’s needs. | Keep the argument concise and focused on the opening, relevant evidence, and closing. |
| Academic | Research, future plans, teaching, and institutional or departmental fit, as relevant to the position. | Allow the letter to develop these areas; the appropriate detail varies by discipline and role. |
How long should a cover letter be?
Aim for one page or less. Harvard’s August 2026 general guide recommends one page and three to four short paragraphs; a separate Harvard post from December 2025 recommends three-quarters of a page or less, and Harvard College guidance says not to exceed one page. These are compatible practical recommendations, not a universal employer rule. Follow any length or format instructions in the job posting.
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For a general application, Harvard’s 2026 guide recommends a standard 11–12 point font, one-inch margins, single spacing within paragraphs, and a blank line between paragraphs. Use formatting consistent with your resume so the documents look like a set. Submit a PDF unless the employer requests another file type, and check the converted file to make sure its formatting is intact. Employer instructions take priority.
Quick Recap
How can you check that the letter is tailored?
- Name the specific employer and position.
- Choose evidence that answers the job description instead of trying to include every qualification.
- Explain why each example is relevant to this employer and role.
- Keep accomplishments concrete and accurate; do not add unsupported metrics.
- Keep the layout consistent with your resume and the letter concise.
- Proofread spelling and grammar, then check the final file rendering.
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