How to Write a Standout Cover Letter in 2025: Tips, Templates, and Tools
In a job market saturated with AI-generated applications and one-click job submissions, cover letters are making a surprising comeback in 2025. Once considered optional or outdated, cover letters are increasingly being used to differentiate serious candidates from the crowd. Recruiters and hiring managers are now looking for thoughtful, strategic applicants who can clearly articulate why they're a fit — and a cover letter remains the best tool to do just that.
In this guide, you'll learn:
- Why cover letters still matter in 2025
- The anatomy of a winning modern cover letter
- Proven formatting tips and real-world examples
- How to use AI tools like Flavored Resume to generate tailored, impactful letters in minutes
Why Cover Letters Still Matter in 2025
You may have heard the rumor: “No one reads cover letters anymore.”
That’s only partially true.
While applicant tracking systems (ATS) and fast-paced hiring cycles have deprioritized the traditional cover letter for many roles, in 2025, there's a growing premium on personalization. A resume tells employers what you’ve done — but a cover letter tells them why it matters and how you'll contribute to their goals.
Here’s Why Cover Letters Are Valuable Today:
✅ They Humanize Your Application
Your resume may be impressive, but it’s still a bullet-point summary. A cover letter lets you show personality, explain career pivots, or clarify unusual work history.
✅ They Signal Serious Intent
Recruiters now often use cover letters to filter out low-effort applicants. If you wrote a thoughtful letter, chances are you also did your research.
✅ They Provide Strategic Storytelling
A well-written cover letter frames your experience in a way that aligns with the employer's needs. It’s your chance to connect the dots.
✅ They Are Expected in Some Industries
Fields like marketing, communications, nonprofits, law, education, and government roles still strongly value cover letters — and not submitting one could cost you the interview.
💡 Pro Tip: Many job descriptions still include the phrase “Cover letter required” — but even when it's optional, submitting one can still elevate your candidacy.
What Recruiters Look for in 2025 Cover Letters
Recruiters in 2025 want cover letters to be:
- Short and skimmable (no more than 300–400 words)
- Specific to the role and company
- Keyword-aligned with the job description
- Insightful, offering new info not on your resume
With AI tools like ChatGPT and Flavored Resume making it easy to generate content, recruiters are now hyper-aware of generic language. If your letter feels “templated” or vague, it’s more likely to be ignored.
So what makes a great cover letter?
Let’s break down the format.
Cover Letter Format & Structure: 2025 Edition
The best cover letters in 2025 follow a modern, streamlined format that’s easy to read on both desktop and mobile. Here's a simple structure:
1. Header (Optional but Polished)
Example:
Your Name
your.email@example.com
(555) 123-4567
[LinkedIn Profile] | [Portfolio Website]
Date
Hiring Manager’s Name
Company Name
Company Address
If you're submitting via an online portal, you can skip the physical address. Prioritize clarity.
2. Greeting: Get Personal (When You Can)
Use the hiring manager's name whenever possible. If unavailable, use:
- “Dear [Team Name] Hiring Team”
- “Dear [Department] Department”
- Avoid “To Whom It May Concern” — it’s outdated
3. Opening Paragraph: Grab Attention Immediately
Your first paragraph should do one thing: spark interest. Mention the role you’re applying for and one reason why you’re excited about it — ideally something specific to the company or product.
Example:
As a product designer who’s passionate about creating intuitive user experiences, I was excited to see [Company]'s recent launch of [Product]. I’m applying for the UX Designer role to contribute my design expertise to a mission-driven team that values simplicity and accessibility.
4. Body Paragraph(s): Align Your Experience with Their Needs
Use one or two short paragraphs to:
- Highlight 1–2 relevant accomplishments
- Use metrics to show impact
- Mirror language from the job description
- Show that you understand the company’s goals or challenges
Example:
In my last role at Acme Inc., I led a website redesign that boosted user engagement by 37% within three months. I collaborated across product, engineering, and marketing teams to ensure alignment, and used A/B testing to validate design choices. I see parallels in your focus on user-centered design, especially in your recent case study on [Company Initiative].
5. Closing Paragraph: Call to Action + Culture Fit
Reiterate your interest and show enthusiasm. End with a respectful CTA.
Example:
I’d welcome the opportunity to bring my skills to the [Company] team and contribute to your mission of [specific company goal]. Thank you for considering my application — I look forward to the possibility of discussing how I can support your continued growth.
6. Signature
Simple and professional:
Sincerely,
[Your Full Name]
Formatting Tips for 2025
The design of your cover letter matters more than you might think. Here are best practices for readability and professionalism:
| Tip | Why It Matters |
|-----|----------------|
| Use a clean, readable font (e.g., Arial, Calibri, or Georgia) | Avoid over-stylized or hard-to-read fonts |
| Keep font size between 10.5pt–12pt | Ensures mobile and ATS readability |
| Use single spacing with a line between paragraphs | Improves skimmability |
| Save as PDF | Preserves formatting and avoids compatibility issues |
| Name your file clearly | e.g., Jane-Doe_CoverLetter_MarketingManager.pdf |
Common Cover Letter Mistakes (and How to Avoid Them)
❌ Using a Generic Template
Fix: Tailor each letter to the company and role using keywords and relevant examples.
❌ Repeating Your Resume
Fix: Your letter should add context, not duplicate content. Focus on why your experience matters.
❌ Writing a Wall of Text
Fix: Keep paragraphs short and use whitespace effectively.
❌ Forgetting a Call to Action
Fix: Always express interest in an interview or next steps.
❌ Submitting Without Proofreading
Fix: Run a spell-check and read aloud to catch awkward phrasing.
How AI Tools Can Help (Without Sounding Like a Robot)
In 2025, AI has transformed how cover letters are written. But not all AI tools are equal. Flavored Resume, for instance, offers a smarter approach by tailoring both resumes and cover letters to the exact job description.
Why Use Flavored Resume for Your Cover Letter?
- ✅ Automatically aligns your language with the job post
- ✅ Incorporates relevant keywords for ATS optimization
- ✅ Offers personalized phrasing to avoid sounding robotic
- ✅ Saves hours of time, especially for bulk applications
Whether you're applying to your dream job or targeting multiple roles at once, Flavored Resume helps you put your best foot forward with professionally tailored documents — all in just a few clicks.
Sample Cover Letter (2025 Version)
Here’s what a modern, effective cover letter might look like today:
Jane Doe
janedoe@gmail.com
(555) 123-4567
linkedin.com/in/janedoe
June 16, 2025
Hiring Team
GreenTech Energy
New York, NY
Dear GreenTech Hiring Team,
I’m writing to apply for the Marketing Strategist position at GreenTech Energy. As someone passionate about sustainability and data-driven storytelling, I was inspired by your recent campaign highlighting residential solar adoption — and I’m excited by the chance to contribute to your team.
At my current role with EcoBrand, I launched a content marketing initiative that increased inbound leads by 42% in six months. By combining SEO insights with educational storytelling, we grew organic traffic and improved conversion rates among eco-conscious consumers. Your emphasis on mission-driven branding and measurable outcomes feels like a perfect match for my skillset and values.
I’d welcome the opportunity to support GreenTech’s growth while promoting a cleaner energy future. Thank you for your time and consideration — I’d be thrilled to discuss how I can contribute to your marketing efforts.
Sincerely,
Jane Doe
Final Thoughts: Are Cover Letters Worth It in 2025?
Absolutely — if done right.
In a world where AI-generated noise is only increasing, a personalized, strategically written cover letter can help you rise above the noise. It shows you’re not just looking for any job — you’re aiming for this one.
If writing the perfect letter feels daunting, don’t worry — tools like Flavored Resume are built to help you generate customized, high-impact cover letters in seconds, using both your resume and the job description as inputs.
Because in 2025, it's not just about applying — it's about connecting.
Need a Tailored Cover Letter in Minutes?
🎯 Try Flavored Resume – Your AI Cover Letter Strategist