Cover Letter for a Job Application: How to Write One

A cover letter is a short text, three to four paragraphs long, that accompanies your résumé and explains why you are a good candidate for that specific job. It is not required by law or by every company, but it can help when the posting asks for it or when you send your résumé by email.

When it is worth sending one

• When the posting asks for a cover letter or a statement of motivation.
• When you send your résumé directly to a recruiter or manager by email.
• When your career needs context, such as a change of field or a first job.
• When the company accepts unsolicited applications, with no defined opening.

If the application form has no space for a letter, a well-made résumé is enough. See Résumé: how to write one, what to include, and what to avoid.

Four-paragraph structure

1. Opening: state the position and how you found it.
2. Who you are: summarize the education and experience most relevant to the job.
3. What you offer: mention one or two deliverables or skills that meet what the posting asks for.
4. Closing: show interest in talking, give your contact details, and say thank you.

Template to adapt

Dear [recruiter's name], My name is [your name], and I am writing to apply for the [job title] position, advertised on [where you saw it]. I hold a degree in [program] and worked for [length of time] in [field or role], handling [main responsibilities]. In that role, [concrete result, if any]. I believe I can contribute with [skill requested in the posting], and I am interested in growing with the company. My résumé is attached. I am available for a conversation. You can reach me at [phone and email]. Sincerely, [your name]

Tips for writing well

• Use the person's or the company's name when you know it; avoid "To whom it may concern" if you can.
• Write a separate letter for each job, citing what the posting asks for.
• Be concise: the letter does not repeat your résumé; it complements it.
• Proofread the text and check that the company name and job title are correct.
• Send it as a PDF or in the body of the email, as the posting indicates.
• Say only what is true and can be backed up.

What not to include

Leave out personal information unrelated to the job, such as marital status, religion, or children. Lei 9.029/1995 (Law 9,029/1995), art. 1, prohibits discriminatory practices in access to employment on grounds of sex, origin, race, color, marital status, disability, age, among others. It is also not the place to speak ill of former employers.

Tone and language

Write naturally and respectfully, without slang and without exaggeration. Prefer short sentences, with verbs in the past tense for what you did, such as "I organized" and "I served," and in the present tense for what you offer. Avoid vague praise of the company; mention something concrete that you researched, such as a product, a service, or a value published on the official website.

Where to use it

You can send the letter along with your résumé to companies and recruiting consultants. For free public job openings, register your profile on the Portal Emprega Brasil or in the Carteira de Trabalho Digital (Digital Work Card) app, as shown in the guide to Sine (Sistema Nacional de Emprego, National Employment System).

Frequently asked questions

Is a cover letter mandatory?

No. It is only necessary when the posting or the selection process asks for it.

What is the ideal length for the letter?

As a rule, half a page, with three to four short paragraphs.

Can I use the same letter for several jobs?

You can use it as a base, but it is better to adapt the company name, the job title, and the skills mentioned.

Read also

• Résumé: how to write one, what to include, and what to avoid
• Job interview: common questions and how to answer them
• How to get a job in 2026: step by step