Sending a cover letter with a typo in the company name or a missing contact detail can cost you an interview. This cover letter checklist gives you a reliable, section-by-section review process so you can submit every application with confidence.
Use it alongside a solid cover letter format and a proven cover letter template to make sure your letter is both well-structured and error-free.
Header and Contact Information
Your header is the first thing a recruiter sees. Errors here signal carelessness before they read a single sentence.
- Your full name is present and matches your resume. Avoid nicknames unless they are what you use professionally.
- Phone number is current and correct. Call it yourself to double-check voicemail is set up and professional.
- Email address is professional. A simple first-last name format works best. Avoid novelty addresses.
- LinkedIn URL is included (optional but recommended). Make sure the link works and your profile is up to date.
- City and state are listed. A full street address is no longer necessary for most applications, but location matters for recruiters filtering by geography.
- Date is accurate. If you are reusing a draft from a previous application, update the date.
- Hiring manager's name is correct. If you addressed the letter to a specific person, verify the spelling and title. If you cannot find a name, "Dear Hiring Manager" is acceptable.
Opening Paragraph
The opening paragraph determines whether the reader continues. It should be direct, specific, and immediately relevant.
- The exact job title is mentioned. Recruiters handle multiple openings. State which role you are applying for.
- The company name is correct. This is one of the most common and most damaging mistakes when reusing cover letters across applications.
- You state why you are interested in this specific company. A generic opener that could apply to any employer adds no value. Reference a product, mission, or recent achievement that caught your attention.
- The tone is confident but not arrogant. Avoid phrases like "I believe I am the perfect candidate." Instead, let your qualifications speak.
- The opening is concise. Three to four sentences is enough. Save the details for the body paragraphs.
If you need guidance on structuring this section, review our guide on how to write a cover letter.
Body Paragraphs
The body is where you prove your value. Each paragraph should connect your experience to what the employer needs.
- At least one measurable achievement is included. Numbers make your claims concrete. Revenue generated, percentage improvements, team sizes managed, or projects delivered on time all work.
- Your experience is connected to the job description. Do not just list what you have done. Explain why it matters for this role.
- You address the top two or three requirements from the posting. Read the job listing carefully and match your strongest qualifications to their priorities.
- Each paragraph focuses on one main point. Avoid long blocks of text that cover multiple topics. One idea per paragraph keeps the letter scannable.
- You avoid repeating your resume word for word. The cover letter should add context, motivation, and personality that your resume cannot convey.
- Industry-specific keywords are included naturally. Many companies use applicant tracking systems that scan for relevant terms. Use them, but do not force them in.
- You explain any gaps or transitions briefly and positively. If your career path has a notable shift, acknowledge it with a forward-looking explanation rather than a defensive one.
For real-world inspiration, browse our cover letter examples to see how other candidates structure their body paragraphs.
Closing Paragraph
The closing is your last impression. It should be professional, appreciative, and include a clear next step.
- You thank the reader for their time. A brief, genuine expression of gratitude is standard and expected.
- A call to action is included. State that you welcome the opportunity to discuss your qualifications further, or that you look forward to hearing from them.
- You avoid being passive. "I hope to hear from you" is weaker than "I would welcome the opportunity to discuss how I can contribute to your team."
- You do not introduce new information. The closing is not the place to add qualifications you forgot to mention earlier. If something is important enough to include, move it to the body.
- Your sign-off is professional. "Sincerely," "Best regards," or "Thank you" followed by your full name.
Formatting and Layout
Even strong content fails if the presentation is difficult to read. Formatting signals professionalism.
- The letter fits on one page. Hiring managers spend seconds on an initial scan. A concise, single-page letter respects their time.
- Font is professional and readable. Use a standard font such as Arial, Calibri, or Times New Roman in 10.5 to 12 point size.
- Margins are consistent. One-inch margins on all sides is the safe default.
- Spacing is uniform. Use single spacing within paragraphs and a blank line between paragraphs.
- The file format matches the employer's instructions. PDF is the safest choice unless the posting specifies .docx or another format.
- The file name is clear and professional. Use a format like "FirstName-LastName-Cover-Letter.pdf" so the recruiter can find it easily.
- Header formatting matches your resume. Consistency across your application materials creates a polished, cohesive impression.
If you want a deeper breakdown of formatting standards, see our full guide to cover letter format.
Final Review Before Sending
This is your last pass. Read the letter one more time with fresh eyes, ideally after stepping away for at least 15 minutes.
- Read the letter out loud. This catches awkward phrasing and run-on sentences that your eyes skip over during silent reading.
- Check every proper noun. Company names, people's names, product names, and locations should all be verified.
- Run spell check, but do not rely on it alone. Spell check will not catch correctly spelled words used in the wrong context (e.g., "manger" instead of "manager").
- Confirm you are attaching the right file. If you have multiple versions saved, make sure you are sending the one customized for this employer.
- Verify the submission method. Some employers want the cover letter pasted into an email body, others want it uploaded as an attachment, and some use an application portal text field. Follow their instructions exactly.
- Ask someone else to read it if possible. A second pair of eyes often catches issues you have become blind to after multiple revisions.
- Remove any placeholder text. Brackets like "[Company Name]" or "[Insert achievement here]" should never make it into the final version.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long should a cover letter be?
A cover letter should fit on a single page, typically between 250 and 400 words. Hiring managers review dozens of applications and favor letters that are concise and focused. If your letter exceeds one page, cut any content that does not directly support your candidacy for the specific role.
Should I customize my cover letter for every job?
Yes. A generic cover letter that could apply to any company is easy to spot and rarely makes a strong impression. At minimum, update the company name, job title, and one or two specific reasons why you are interested in that particular employer. Our cover letter examples show how to tailor content for different roles.
What is the biggest mistake people make on cover letters?
Failing to proofread is consistently the most damaging error. A misspelled company name, an incorrect job title, or leftover placeholder text from a previous application signals a lack of attention to detail. The final review section of this checklist is specifically designed to catch these issues before submission.
Do I need a cover letter if the job posting says it is optional?
In most cases, yes. When a posting says a cover letter is optional, submitting one still gives you an advantage over candidates who skip it. It is an opportunity to show genuine interest in the role and to provide context that your resume cannot. The only exception is if the application system literally does not allow you to upload one.
What file format should I use for my cover letter?
PDF is the safest default. It preserves your formatting across different devices and operating systems, and it cannot be accidentally edited by the recipient. Only use a different format if the employer specifically requests it in the job posting.