Are cover letters still necessary in 2026?

Yes, for many roles. While some tech companies have made them optional, 53% of employers say they prefer candidates who send a cover letter. It's your best chance to show personality and explain gaps or career changes.

How long should a cover letter be?

Keep it under one page. Aim for 3-4 paragraphs or about 250-400 words. Recruiters scan them quickly, so brevity is key.

Cover Letter Writing Tips That Get Interviews in 2026

Most job seekers treat cover letters as an afterthought. They copy-paste a generic template, change the company name, and hit send.

This is a huge mistake. A well-written cover letter is your secret weapon. It's the only place in your application where you can show personality, explain career gaps, and tell a story that connects the dots of your resume.

The Golden Rule: Don't Repeat Your Resume

Your resume lists what you did. Your cover letter should explain why it matters. Don't just list your skills again. Instead, tell a short story about a time you used those skills to solve a specific problem.

The 3-Paragraph Formula

1. The Hook (Who You Are + Why Them)

Start with energy. Mention the specific role and why you're excited about this specific company. Show you've done your research.

"I've been following [Company Name]'s growth since your Series B funding, and I was thrilled to see the opening for a Senior Product Manager. As a long-time user of your platform, I have some specific ideas on how to improve user retention."

2. The Pitch (Your Value Proposition)

This is the meat of the letter. choose 1-2 major achievements from your resume and expand on them. Connect them directly to the challenges the company is facing.

"In my previous role at TechCorp, I faced a similar challenge with churn rates. I implemented a new onboarding flow that reduced churn by 15% in just 3 months. I'm eager to bring that same data-driven approach to your product team."

3. The Call to Action

End confidently. Reiterate your enthusiasm and suggest a meeting.

"I'd love the opportunity to discuss how my experience in SaaS growth can help [Company Name] hit its 2026 targets. I'm available for an interview at your earliest convenience."

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formatting tips for 2026

Keep it short: 250-400 words max.
Use standard fonts: Arial, Calibri, or Helvetica.
Match your resume: Use the same header style as your resume for a cohesive look.
Save as PDF: Unless specifically asked for Word.

Frequently Asked Questions

Should I address it "To Whom It May Concern"?

Try to avoid it. It feels impersonal. Try to find the hiring manager's name on LinkedIn. If you absolutely can't find it, use "Dear Hiring Team" or "Dear [Department Name] Manager."

Do I need a cover letter if I apply via LinkedIn Easy Apply?

If there's an option to upload one, do it. It sets you apart from the hundreds of applicants who just clicked the button without adding any extra effort.