Cover Letter Template: The 4-Paragraph Structure That Works (2026)
A simple structure that makes your letter sound tailored—not copy/pasted—with concrete proof.
Published: 2025-12-29
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6 min read
Quick template
Para 1: Role + why this company + your 1-line value.
Para 2: 1–2 achievements mapped to job requirements (with numbers).
Para 3: Proof of collaboration/communication + tools/process.
Para 4: Close with intent + availability + thank you.
The 4-paragraph structure (with guidance)
Paragraph 1 — Hook + match
- Name the role and where you found it.
- One sentence: why *this* company (product, mission, team).
- One sentence: your strongest proof (“I’ve done X and achieved Y”).
Paragraph 2 — Prove the top requirement
Pick the #1 requirement from the job description and show a quantifiable example.
- Use metrics: conversion, speed, cost, accuracy, revenue, users.
- Mirror key phrasing from the job description (truthfully).
Paragraph 3 — Show how you work
- Collaboration (stakeholders, cross-functional teams, leadership).
- Process (planning, QA, experimentation, iteration).
- Tools (mention the stack you used).
Paragraph 4 — Close like a professional
- Restate interest briefly.
- Invite the next step (“I’d love to discuss…”).
- Thank them. Keep it tight.
Want a tailored cover letter in minutes?
Paste the job description and we’ll generate a job-specific cover letter that follows this structure.