GEO GUIDE
Writing a Cover Letter: One Page, Three Answers
Updated 2026-10-19 · this page makes no search or citation promises
The direct answer: a cover letter builds the mapping between this role's problem and your experience. Four paragraphs: why this company (proof you did the homework), what you solve (aligned to the posting), evidence (one verifiable outcome), and the next step. Never repeat the resume — the resume lists facts; the letter connects them.
The direct answer: a cover letter builds the mapping between this role's problem and your experience. Four paragraphs: why this company (proof you did the homework), what you solve (aligned to the posting), evidence (one verifiable outcome), and the next step. Never repeat the resume — the resume lists facts; the letter connects them.
Paragraph one: why this company
- Reference a specific company action (a product decision, a hiring direction, a public statement) — proof this is not a mail merge.
- One sentence on your relevant background; the expansion is paragraph two's job.
- Counter-example: “Your company is an industry leader and I would love to join” — anything true of any company says nothing.
Paragraph two: what you solve
- Take the most important requirement in the posting and give one problem you solved for it.
- Results with numbers or checkable detail.
- Do not restate the resume — one story told well beats five mentioned.
Paragraphs three and four: evidence and the next step
- One concrete outcome expanded: context, approach, result (three sentences).
- Close with an interview request — not the passive “hope to be considered”.
Common mistakes
- Restating the resume — the reader just read it; repetition wastes the page.
- Flattery without specifics — a precise observation beats generic praise.
- Venting about a former employer — state facts, drop the emotion.