ATS Cover Letter 2025 - Templates & Examples That Work
Cover letters go through ATS just like resumes. Here's how to write one that passes automated screening and impresses recruiters—with templates, examples, and keyword optimization strategies.
50%
Recruiters prefer candidates with cover letters
5-10
Keywords needed per cover letter
250-400
Ideal word count
Why Cover Letters Matter for ATS
Do ATS Systems Read Cover Letters?
Yes. Modern ATS systems (Workday, Greenhouse, Taleo, Lever) scan and parse cover letters just like resumes. While cover letters typically account for 10-20% of your total ATS score (vs 80-90% for resumes), they still matter—especially when:
- • You're competing against equally qualified candidates - The cover letter breaks the tie
- • The job explicitly requests one - Not submitting = automatic rejection
- • You need to explain career gaps or transitions - Cover letters provide context
- • You want to highlight specific achievements - Extra space for impact stories
✅ What ATS Checks in Cover Letters:
- • Keyword matches from job description
- • Proper formatting and parsing ability
- • Contact information consistency with resume
- • Standard business letter structure
- • File format compatibility (.docx, PDF)
❌ What Causes ATS Cover Letter Rejection:
- • Complex formatting (tables, columns, graphics)
- • Missing or inconsistent contact info
- • Zero keywords from job description
- • Incompatible file format (JPG, .pages)
- • Headers/footers with critical info
ATS-Friendly Cover Letter Format
Standard ATS Cover Letter Template
[Your Name]
[Phone Number] | [Email Address]
[LinkedIn URL] | [City, State]
[Date]
[Hiring Manager Name]
[Company Name]
[Company Address]
Dear [Hiring Manager Name],
*If name unknown, use "Dear Hiring Manager" or "Dear [Department] Team"
Paragraph 1: Opening (Why This Role)
I am writing to express my interest in the [Job Title] position at [Company Name]. With [X years] of experience in [Industry/Field] and a proven track record in [Key Skill from Job Description], I am excited about the opportunity to contribute to [Specific Company Initiative or Team].
✓ Include: Job title, company name, 1-2 keywords, specific reason for interest
Paragraph 2-3: Body (Your Fit)
In my current role as [Current Position] at [Company], I have successfully [Achievement with metrics]. My experience with [Keyword 1], [Keyword 2], and [Keyword 3] aligns closely with your requirements for [Specific Job Requirement].
Additionally, I have [Another Achievement or Skill]. For example, [Brief story demonstrating impact with numbers]. This experience has prepared me to excel in [Specific Responsibility from Job Description].
✓ Include: 3-5 keywords, specific achievements with metrics, relevant examples
Paragraph 4: Closing (Call to Action)
I am eager to bring my expertise in [Key Skill] to [Company Name] and contribute to [Specific Goal or Project]. I would welcome the opportunity to discuss how my background and skills align with your team's needs. Thank you for your consideration, and I look forward to speaking with you soon.
✓ Include: Forward-looking statement, gratitude, call to action
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
📏 Formatting Rules:
- • Length: 250-400 words (3-4 paragraphs)
- • Font: Arial, Calibri, or Times New Roman, size 10-12
- • Margins: 1 inch on all sides
- • Spacing: Single-spaced with space between paragraphs
- • Alignment: Left-aligned (not justified)
- • File Format: .docx (best) or simple PDF from Word/Google Docs
How to Add Keywords to Your Cover Letter
Step-by-Step Keyword Strategy
Step 1: Extract Keywords from Job Description
Read the job posting and identify 5-10 priority keywords in these categories:
Hard Skills
- • Technical tools (Python, Salesforce, Excel)
- • Certifications (PMP, CPA, AWS Certified)
- • Software platforms (SAP, HubSpot, Tableau)
Soft Skills & Requirements
- • Leadership, team management, collaboration
- • Experience level (5+ years, senior-level)
- • Industry terms (SaaS, B2B, healthcare IT)
Step 2: Place Keywords Naturally Throughout
Distribute keywords across all paragraphs, not just one section:
Opening Paragraph: Job title + 1-2 keywords
"...interest in the Senior Data Analyst position with expertise in Python and SQL..."
Middle Paragraphs: 3-5 keywords with context/examples
"...led cross-functional teams using Agile methodology, increased efficiency by 30% with Tableau dashboards..."
Closing Paragraph: 1-2 keywords in forward-looking statement
"...eager to bring my machine learning expertise to your data science team..."
Step 3: Use Exact Phrases from Job Description
ATS looks for exact keyword matches. Mirror the job posting's language:
❌ Don't Paraphrase:
- • Job wants: "Project Management"
- • You write: "Managing projects"
- • Result: No keyword match
✅ Use Exact Phrases:
- • Job wants: "Project Management"
- • You write: "Project Management (PMP)"
- • Result: Perfect keyword match ✓
⚠️ Don't Keyword Stuff
Avoid forcing keywords unnaturally or repeating them 10+ times. ATS counts unique presence (keyword appears: yes/no), not frequency. Over-stuffing looks robotic to human recruiters and can hurt your chances. Aim for 5-10 keywords used 1-2 times each in natural context.
ATS-Friendly Cover Letter Examples
Example 1: Software Engineer
Sarah Chen
650-555-0123 | sarah.chen@email.com
linkedin.com/in/sarahchen | San Francisco, CA
January 15, 2025
Emily Rodriguez, Engineering Manager
TechCorp Inc.
123 Market St, San Francisco, CA 94105
Dear Emily Rodriguez,
I am writing to express my interest in the Senior Software Engineer position at TechCorp. With 6 years of experience in full-stack development and expertise in React, Node.js, and AWS, I am excited to contribute to your team's mission of building scalable cloud solutions.
In my current role as Software Engineer at CloudStart, I have successfully led the development of microservices architectures serving 2 million daily users. My experience with React, TypeScript, and GraphQL enabled our team to reduce API response times by 40% and improve user satisfaction scores by 25%. Additionally, I implemented CI/CD pipelines using Docker and Kubernetes, decreasing deployment time from 2 hours to 15 minutes.
I am particularly drawn to TechCorp's focus on developer experience and innovation in serverless architecture. I am eager to bring my expertise in cloud-native development and agile methodologies to your engineering team. Thank you for your consideration, and I look forward to discussing how I can contribute to TechCorp's continued success.
Sincerely,
Sarah Chen
✅ Why This Works:
- • Keywords: React, Node.js, AWS, microservices, TypeScript, GraphQL, Docker, Kubernetes, CI/CD, agile (10 keywords)
- • Metrics: 2M daily users, 40% faster, 25% satisfaction increase, 15-minute deployment
- • Structure: Standard format, 3 paragraphs, 250 words
- • Customization: Mentions specific company focus (developer experience, serverless)
Example 2: Marketing Manager
Michael Torres
415-555-0199 | m.torres@email.com
linkedin.com/in/michaeltorres | Austin, TX
January 15, 2025
Jennifer Kim, Director of Marketing
GrowthLabs
456 Congress Ave, Austin, TX 78701
Dear Jennifer Kim,
I am excited to apply for the Senior Marketing Manager position at GrowthLabs. With 8 years of experience in B2B SaaS marketing and a proven track record in demand generation, I am confident I can drive customer acquisition and revenue growth for your platform.
As Marketing Manager at SaaS Solutions, I developed and executed multi-channel campaigns that increased qualified leads by 150% and contributed to $5M in new revenue. My expertise in marketing automation (HubSpot, Marketo), SEO, and content marketing enabled us to grow organic traffic by 200% and achieve a 3:1 marketing ROI. I also led a team of 5 marketers, implementing account-based marketing strategies that shortened our sales cycle by 30%.
I am particularly impressed by GrowthLabs' customer-centric approach and innovative use of data analytics. I would welcome the opportunity to discuss how my background in growth marketing and team leadership can help GrowthLabs achieve its ambitious expansion goals. Thank you for your consideration.
Sincerely,
Michael Torres
✅ Why This Works:
- • Keywords: B2B SaaS, demand generation, HubSpot, Marketo, SEO, content marketing, marketing automation, ROI, account-based marketing, team leadership (10 keywords)
- • Metrics: 150% lead increase, $5M revenue, 200% traffic growth, 3:1 ROI, 30% shorter cycle
- • Company Research: Mentions customer-centric approach and data analytics
- • Leadership: Highlights team management experience (5 direct reports)
ATS Cover Letter Do's and Don'ts
✅ DO:
- Use standard fonts:Arial, Calibri, Times New Roman (size 10-12)
- Include 5-10 keywords:From job description, naturally incorporated
- Keep it concise:250-400 words (3-4 paragraphs), one page max
- Customize for each job:Change keywords, examples, company references
- Include metrics:Percentages, dollar amounts, time saved
- Save as .docx or PDF:From Word/Google Docs (not design software)
- Research the company:Mention specific initiatives, values, or projects
❌ DON'T:
- Use graphics or images:ATS cannot read images, logos, or charts
- Create two-column layouts:Scrambles text order for ATS parsers
- Put contact info in header:Many ATS ignore headers/footers
- Write generic letters:"To Whom It May Concern" = instant deprioritization
- Exceed 600 words:Too long - won't be fully read
- Use tables or text boxes:Causes parsing errors and garbled content
- Forget to proofread:Typos in keywords = no ATS match
ATS Cover Letter Checklist
Before You Submit - Verify These 15 Points:
Goal: Check all 15 boxes before submitting. This takes 2 minutes but dramatically increases your ATS pass rate.
Additional Resources and Tips
This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know. For best results, combine these strategies with JAO's AI-powered tools to maximize your success rate.
Best Practices
- Tailor your approach for each application
- Use data-driven insights to optimize
- Track your results and adjust strategy
- Leverage AI tools for efficiency
- Stay consistent with daily applications
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using generic resumes for all jobs
- Ignoring ATS optimization requirements
- Not following up on applications
- Applying to jobs with low match scores
- Giving up after rejections
Frequently Asked Questions
Need an ATS-Optimized Resume Too?
Cover letters only account for 10-20% of ATS scoring. Get your resume optimized for 95% ATS pass rate in 10 seconds.
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