Cover Letters That Get Read: The 3-Paragraph Formula
Hook, proof, close — a half-page letter customised in ten minutes that survives the six-second scan.
guide:0:in_content · 300×250 / 336×280 fluid
Most cover letters fail because they repeat the resume in full sentences. The 3-paragraph formula — hook (why this role, specifically), proof (one result that maps to the posting), close (availability plus one forward-looking line) — fits half a page, customises in ten minutes, and survives the six-second scan hiring managers actually give it.
Paragraph one: the hook
Name the role, one specific reason this company, and your one-line positioning. 'Your posting for night-shift lead caught me because...' beats 'I am applying for...' every time. Specificity in line one decides whether line two gets read.
Paragraph two: the proof
One story, one number, mapped to the posting's top requirement. Mirror their nouns so the match is effortless. This paragraph does all the selling — everything else is framing.
Paragraph three: the close
Availability, location confirmation, one line of forward energy, and a thank-you. Keep salary, demands and life story out entirely. End clean and let the resume do the listing.
Do this week
- Write your reusable proof paragraph once, with a number.
- Customise hook + close per application in ten minutes.
- Keep every letter under 200 words.
- Mirror the posting's top requirement noun-for-noun.
Quick answers
Do cover letters still matter?
When read, they break ties. When optional, a sharp one helps and never hurts.
Same letter everywhere?
Never the hook — generic hooks are why letters get skipped. Proof can be reused.
What if the portal has no upload?
Paste the hook into the message box or email body. The formula works anywhere.
guide:0:article_end