How to write a cover letter that actually gets read

Most cover letters are ignored — but the ones that get read often make the difference between an interview and a 'thanks for applying'. Here's how to be the exception.

“Hiring managers spend 7 seconds on average. One sentence either hooks them — or you lose them.”

Paragraph 1 — The hook

• Open with your strongest S-A-I story
• Lead with impact, not 'I am applying for…'
• Show you know something specific about their company

Paragraph 2 — Your proof

• 2-3 specific achievements with numbers
• Connect directly to what they need
• Use their job description language (their words, not yours)

Paragraph 3 — The close

• Express genuine enthusiasm
• State your ask directly
• Keep it one sentence

• 'I am a hard worker' — show, don't tell
• Anything in your resume repeated verbatim
• Your life story
• Salary expectations (unless asked)
• 'To whom it may concern' — find a name

If you've already built your S-A-I stories in the Rezna resume builder, you're 80% of the way to a tailored cover letter. The AI uses your strongest story plus the job description to generate a draft you can edit in seconds.