Are Cover Letters Relevant in 2025?

Writing a cover letter can feel like shouting into the void. You’re not sure who’s reading it—or if anyone is—and it’s tempting to blow it off because of the “the probably aren’t relevant anymore” mentality. After all, we live in an age where job applications often involve filling out automated forms, uploading resumes, and hoping for the best.

But here’s the truth: a well-crafted cover letter can still make a significant impact. It’s your opportunity to add nuance to your resume, showcase your personality, and demonstrate why you’re the perfect fit for the role. Especially when it comes to support roles, where your ability to align with a company’s needs and culture can be just as important as your skills and experience.

For those applying for support roles, this is your chance to show that you’re not just another applicant—you’re someone who understands the intricacies of supporting a leader, a team, or an entire organization. You have the rare ability to manage chaos, anticipate needs, and keep things running smoothly. So, let’s break down how to write a cover letter that truly stands out, specifically for these types of roles.

Here’s how to write a cover letter that works—without sounding robotic or overly formal.

1. Open a Cover Letter with Enthusiasm and Specificity

The opening of your cover letter is your first chance to make an impression. This is where you hook the reader and show your excitement for the role. Don’t fall into the trap of vague, generic praise like “I’ve always admired your company” or “I’m excited about the opportunity to work with your team.” Instead, make it clear why this position at this company excites you.

As a support role professional, it’s crucial that you demonstrate an understanding of the company and the specific role. Don’t just talk about how you’ve always wanted to work for them—show how your skills and experience make you the right fit for this particular position.

For example:

“I’m really excited about the opportunity to apply for the Executive Assistant position at [Company Name]. After following your work in [industry or field], I’ve been impressed by how your team handles [specific challenge or achievement]. I’ve spent the last few years supporting fast-paced leadership teams, and I’m eager to bring that experience to help your leaders stay organized and focused on your mission.”

This isn’t just flattery—it’s showing that you’ve done your homework and have a genuine connection to the company and its mission. If you’ve followed their work or have used their products, mention it. It’ll help your application stand out.

2. Connect Your Experience to the Job Requirements

In support roles, the ability to connect your skills to the specific demands of the position is crucial. Don’t expect the hiring manager to read between the lines—show them exactly how your experience matches what they’re looking for.

For example:

“In my last role as an Executive Assistant, I managed a team of assistants, coordinated cross-departmental meetings, and streamlined communication between executives and their teams. I understand that you need someone who can juggle multiple projects while keeping everything running smoothly, and I’ve consistently been praised for my ability to anticipate needs and stay ahead of deadlines. I’m confident that my proactive approach will help support your team’s success at [Company Name].”

Rather than just listing tasks, connect them directly to the goals or responsibilities of the job you’re applying for. For support roles, showing how you can relieve stress, prevent bottlenecks, and keep operations running smoothly is key.

3. Reference Personal Connections to Build Credibility

People want to feel like they’re hiring someone who’s invested in the company, not just looking for any job. If you’ve had experience with the company’s product, service, or culture, or if you’ve met someone from the company, mention it. This not only adds a personal touch but also shows you’ve put thought into your application.

For example:

“Having used your

, I have an appreciation for the impact it has on [specific industry or market]. I would be honored to contribute my organizational and administrative skills to furthering the success of a company whose mission I so strongly support.”

Or, if you’ve met someone from the company:

“After speaking with [Name], one of your team members, I was even more excited about the chance to join your company. I was impressed by your team’s collaborative approach and innovative problem-solving mindset.”

Personal connections, whether through products or people, humanize your cover letter and show genuine interest.

4. Add Relevant Extras That Set You Apart

A cover letter is a chance to show off what your resume can’t. Highlight skills, experiences, or attributes that make you unique and valuable to the team.

Support roles often require not only technical skills but also emotional intelligence, adaptability, and a proactive mindset. If you’ve had experiences that make you particularly well-suited for a support role—like managing multiple executives, supporting a team during a fast-paced project, or working in a remote environment—highlight these in your cover letter. This is your opportunity to elaborate on what sets you apart from other applicants.

For example:

“One aspect of my role as an Executive Assistant that I’m particularly proud of is my ability to create processes that improve both efficiency and morale. When I worked at [Previous Company], I led a project that restructured our team’s communication channels, making it easier for everyone to stay informed and prioritize tasks. This increased our team’s productivity and collaboration, something I would love to replicate in your fast-paced environment.”

You can also mention any certifications, software proficiencies, or languages spoken—skills that might not be fully captured in your resume.

5. Address Potential Concerns or Gaps in Your Resume

If your resume includes gaps, short job stints, or a significant career shift, briefly explain it. This is especially important in support roles where employers may want stability, but everyone’s journey is different. Be honest, but don’t dwell on it.

For example:

“While I’ve had a couple of short-term positions, each one allowed me to develop specific skills—like project management and event coordination—that make me well-suited for this role. I’m ready to commit long-term to a team that values efficiency, and I’m eager to settle into a stable, fulfilling role that aligns with my career goals.”

It’s all about framing your experience positively and demonstrating how it adds value.

6. End with Impact—Highlight Your Desire to Contribute

The last part of your cover letter is where you can set yourself apart. As a support professional, you are more than just a person who can do the job. You are someone who can make a real difference. End with a statement that conveys your eagerness to support the company’s goals and contribute to its success.

For example:

“I’m truly excited about the chance to support your executive team and contribute to the continued success of [Company Name]. I’m confident that my proactive approach and organizational skills will help streamline operations, allowing the leadership team to focus on what they do best.”

This shows that you are not just looking to “fill a position” but to make a real, positive impact.

7. Let a Little Personality Shine Through

One of the easiest ways to ensure your cover letter stands out is by allowing your personality to come through. Yes, professionalism matters, but so does showing that you are a human being with a unique approach to problem-solving and creativity.

Support roles require emotional intelligence, communication, and the ability to manage not just tasks but relationships. Your cover letter should reflect this. Write as though you are speaking directly to someone on the team—show your excitement, your confidence, and your ability to add value.

For example:

“I’m someone who thrives on helping others succeed. Whether that’s keeping things organized, anticipating needs, or just offering support when it’s needed most, I’m excited by the idea of bringing my energy to a team that values collaboration and excellence.”

You don’t have to be overly formal, and you certainly don’t have to be robotic. Let your warmth, enthusiasm, and personality shine through your words. A well-written cover letter should make the reader feel like they already know you—and that you are the person they’ve been looking for.

Proper Formatting—the Details Also Matter in Your Cover Letter

No matter how well you write your cover letter, if the formatting isn’t right, the errors will overshadow your carefully crafted message. Think of your cover letter as a first impression—it needs to look polished, professional, and easy to read. A cluttered or disorganized letter can give the wrong impression, making it harder for the reader to focus on your qualifications.

Here’s why:

• Clarity: A clean, well-organized letter makes it easy for the reader to quickly find key information about you.
• Professionalism: Proper formatting reflects your attention to detail and shows you understand the importance of presenting yourself in the best light.
• Readability: Employers skim cover letters, so ensuring your letter is easy to read will make it more likely that they’ll get through the whole thing.

Formatting Tips for a Standout Cover Letter

Stick to One Page
A cover letter should never be longer than a single page. If it’s too long, it’s easy to lose the reader’s attention. Aim for around 3–4 short paragraphs—clear and to the point.

Use a Professional Font
Choose a clean, legible font like Arial, Calibri, or Times New Roman in size 10-12. Avoid fancy or overly casual fonts like Comic Sans. Consistency is key, so make sure the same font is used throughout.

Make It Visually Appealing
Give your cover letter enough white space to breathe. Use margins around 1 inch on all sides and avoid cramming the text into every available space. Consider breaking your letter into short paragraphs to make it easier to scan.

Use a Strong Opening Line
The first few lines should grab attention. Skip the generic “I’m writing to express my interest” and go for something more specific and enthusiastic about the role you’re applying for.

Alignment and Structure
Align everything to the left (standard for cover letters). Keep consistent line spacing (single or 1.15) between paragraphs, and don’t double-space. This keeps your letter neat and readable without feeling too dense.

Don’t Forget the Salutation and Signature
Always address the cover letter to the hiring manager, if possible, by name. If you can’t find a specific name, “Dear Hiring Manager” is perfectly acceptable. End the letter with a professional closing such as “Sincerely” or “Best regards” followed by your name.

Check for Consistency
Ensure that your formatting is consistent with your resume. If you use bold or italics in one, use them similarly in the other. Consistency shows attention to detail and helps maintain a cohesive personal brand.

Proofread for Errors
Spelling and grammatical errors can ruin an otherwise stellar cover letter. A well-formatted letter with mistakes still conveys carelessness. Make sure to proofread carefully—or have someone else look it over for you.

Avoid These Common Formatting Pitfalls

• Too much text: Avoid long paragraphs that overwhelm the reader. Keep sentences concise.
• Inconsistent font or size: This makes your letter look unprofessional and harder to read.
• Poor paragraph structure: Large blocks of text can discourage the reader from continuing. Break them up into short, digestible chunks.

Proper formatting isn’t just about looking neat—it shows that you respect the reader’s time and take pride in your work. It’s a small but crucial step in ensuring your cover letter gets the attention it deserves. If formatting feels overwhelming, don’t hesitate to use resources like Canva, which offers easy-to-use templates that ensure your cover letter looks polished and professional.

So Yeah… We Think Cover Letters Are Still Relevant in 2025—and Always Will Be.

A cover letter may seem like an old-fashioned part of the application process, but when written effectively, it’s a powerful tool that can elevate your application. Especially for support roles like executive assistants or office managers, a great cover letter shows you understand the nuances of the role and demonstrates how your skills align with the company’s needs.

By opening with enthusiasm, making the match, referencing personal connections, adding relevant extras, addressing concerns, and ending with impact, you can craft a cover letter that makes a memorable impression. And most importantly, let your personality shine through.

When applying for support roles, it’s not just about proving you can do the job—it’s about showing you’re the right person who understands the importance of creating time and space for those you support to focus on what truly matters. So, take the time to write a cover letter that’s genuine, engaging, and full of personality. It’s still worth the effort.