The covering message.
WHAT IT IS FOR
Explaining why you and why them, briefly.
HOW LONG
Short. A few paragraphs.
WHAT TO INCLUDE
What role you are applying for Why this company specifically What you bring that matches A link to relevant work
WHY THE SPECIFICITY MATTERS
Generic applications are obvious and ignored.
WHAT DEMONSTRATES SPECIFICITY
Referencing their product, their problem, or something they published.
WHAT TO AVOID
Restating your curriculum vitae Flattery with no substance Explaining what the company does back to them Long descriptions of your passion
WHY PASSION CLAIMS FAIL
Everyone claims it; evidence is what distinguishes.
WHAT COUNTS AS EVIDENCE
Something you built with their tools A problem in their space you have worked on Specific knowledge of their domain
WHAT TO DO IF YOU LACK DIRECT EXPERIENCE
Address it directly, and say what you have done instead.
WHY DIRECTNESS WORKS
Hiring managers read the gap anyway.
WHAT TO NEVER SEND
The same message with the company name changed.
WHY
It is visible, particularly when the previous name remains.
WHAT TO PRIORITISE
Fewer applications, better targeted.
WHAT TO MEASURE
Response rate, and adjust.
