How to Stand Out: Writing Job Applications That Get Responses
Part 1 of 3: The Cover Letter Formula. Templates That Work in 2025
Hello from your favourite work bestie!
Alright, let’s have a discussion. How many of us totally go blank when writing a cover letter? And honestly, who has time to write a brand new letter from scratch for every single application?
That’s why I’m here for you. You don’t have to reinvent the wheel every time. What you need is a solid template that you can customize quickly. And that’s exactly what I’m giving you today.
This is Part 1 of our 3-part series on job applications that actually get responses. Today, we’re tackling cover letters with 3 plug-and-play templates you can literally copy, paste, and customize in under 10 minutes.
Does a cover letter matter in 2025?
Yes, cover letters still matter!
Here’s why:
68% of hiring managers say they still read cover letters.
They help you stand out when AI is screening applications.
They show you can communicate professionally.
They let you explain things your CV can’t (career gaps, career changes, etc.)
Before You Copy & Paste: Do This.
Before you grab a template, do these 3 things:
1. Read the job description like it’s a treasure map. Highlight 3-5 key requirements. These are your keywords.
2. Stalk the company (professionally). Check their website, LinkedIn, and recent news. Find ONE specific thing to mention.
3. Pick your best achievement. Think of ONE accomplishment that relates to this job.
Your 3 Copy-Paste Cover Letter Templates.
Choose the one that fits your situation, copy it, and fill in the [brackets].
Template 1: Entry-Level/Graduate Position.
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email Address]
[Date]
[Hiring Manager’s Name]
[Their Job Title]
[Company Name]
[Company Address]
Dear [Mr./Ms. Last Name],
I am writing to express my strong interest in the [Job Title] position at [Company Name], as advertised on [where you found it - LinkedIn/company website/job board]. As a recent graduate with [your degree] from [University Name], I am eager to contribute my [2-3 key skills from job description] to your team.
During my time at [University/Recent Experience], I developed strong capabilities in [specific skill #1] and [specific skill #2]. For example, [brief 1-2 sentence achievement that shows impact - include numbers if possible]. This experience has prepared me to [how this relates to the job you’re applying for].
I am particularly drawn to [Company Name] because [specific reason - mention something from their website, recent news, company values, or projects]. Your commitment to [something specific about the company] aligns perfectly with my professional goals and values.
My enclosed CV provides additional details about my qualifications, but I would welcome the opportunity to discuss how my skills and enthusiasm can contribute to [specific team/department/goal]. I am available for an interview at your convenience and can be reached at [phone number] or [email address].
Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the opportunity to discuss this position further.
Yours sincerely,
[Your Signature]
[Your Typed Name]
Enclosure: CV
Quick Customization Tips:
→ Replace ALL [brackets] with your specific information.
→ Use 2-3 keywords from the job description in your opening paragraph.
→ Keep the example achievement to 1-2 sentences maximum.
→ Research the company and mention something specific in paragraph 3.
Template 2: Career Change/Different Industry.
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email Address]
[Date]
[Hiring Manager’s Name]
[Their Job Title]
[Company Name]
[Company Address]
Dear [Mr./Ms. Last Name],
I am excited to apply for the [Job Title] position at [Company Name], as advertised on [platform]. With [X years] of experience in [your current field] and a proven track record in [transferable skill #1] and [transferable skill #2], I am confident in my ability to bring valuable perspectives and drive results in this role.
While my background is in [previous industry/field], the core competencies required for this position align closely with my expertise. In my current role as [Current Job Title] at [Current Company], I have [specific achievement with numbers/metrics]. These skills directly translate to the [Job Title] role, particularly in [mention 2-3 requirements from job description].
What attracts me to [Company Name] is [specific reason about the company/industry]. I have been actively preparing for this transition by [mention any courses, certifications, volunteer work, or projects relevant to the new field]. I am committed to bringing my [unique perspective from previous field] while quickly adapting to [new industry/field].
I have enclosed my CV for your review, which outlines my relevant experience and achievements in detail. I would appreciate the opportunity to discuss how my transferable skills and fresh perspective can contribute to [Company Name]’s success. Please feel free to contact me at [phone number] or [email address].
Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to speaking with you soon.
Yours sincerely,
[Your Signature]
[Your Typed Name]
Enclosure: CV
Quick Customization Tips:
→ Focus on TRANSFERABLE skills, not your old job duties.
→ Show you’re serious about the change - mention relevant training/preparation.
→ Explain what you’ll bring from your VALUABLE previous experience.
→ Don’t apologize for changing careers - be confident!
Template 3: Experienced Professional.
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email Address]
[Date]
[Hiring Manager’s Name]
[Their Job Title]
[Company Name]
[Company Address]
Dear [Mr./Ms. Last Name],
I am writing to express my interest in the [Job Title] position at [Company Name]. With over [X years] of progressive experience in [your field/industry] and a demonstrated history of [major achievement area - e.g., “driving revenue growth” or “leading high-performing teams”], I am well-positioned to make an immediate impact on your organization.
In my current role as [Current Job Title] at [Current Company], I have [major achievement #1 with specific metrics/numbers]. Additionally, I [major achievement #2 with results]. These accomplishments demonstrate my ability to [key requirement from job description], which I understand is critical for success in this role.
My expertise in [specific technical skill/methodology] and [leadership/strategic skill] would be particularly valuable as [Company Name] [mention their goal/challenge/initiative you learned from research]. I have successfully [relevant experience that matches their needs], resulting in [quantifiable outcome].
I am impressed by [Company Name]’s [specific achievement, project, or value], and I am excited about the opportunity to contribute to [specific goal or initiative]. My approach to [relevant area] and proven ability to [key skill] align well with the requirements outlined in your job posting.
I have enclosed my CV, which provides comprehensive details of my career accomplishments. I would welcome the opportunity to discuss how my experience and vision can support [Company Name]’s objectives. I am available for a conversation at your earliest convenience and can be reached at [phone number] or [email address].
Thank you for your consideration. I look forward to the possibility of contributing to your team.
Yours sincerely,
[Your Signature]
[Your Typed Name]
Enclosure: CV
Quick Customization Tips:
→ ALWAYS include numbers and metrics - percentage increases, money saved, team size.
→ Show you’ve researched the company - mention recent news or initiatives.
→ Demonstrate strategic thinking, not just task completion.
→ Keep it confident but not arrogant - let your achievements speak for themselves.
The 10-Minute Customization Checklist.
After pasting your template, run through this quick checklist:
☐ Change ALL the [brackets] to your specific info.
☐ Use at least 2-3 keywords from the job description.
☐ Include at least ONE specific number or metric.
☐ Mention something SPECIFIC about the company (not generic praise).
☐ Check spelling and grammar (paste into Grammarly if you have it).
☐ Make sure you’re addressing the right person/company.
☐ Save it with a clear file name: YourName_CoverLetter_CompanyName.pdf
Coming Up Next Week: Part 2
We’ll tackle those tricky “Tell us why you’re suitable for this role” sections with ready-to-use STAR technique templates. I know how we all feel about this question, so I will definitely give you a CHEAT.
Remember: A great cover letter doesn’t have to take hours. It just needs to be relevant, specific, and show you actually care about THIS job at THIS company.
Talk soon,
DC Content Writer, Lucres.