My father always told me (and it's worked for me): - The cover letter gets you an interview. From a huge pile of applications, it makes you somehow memorable t

My father always told me (and it's worked for me): - The cover letter gets you an interview. From a huge pile of applications, it makes you somehow memorable to a hiring manager who would just like to make the right decision quickly. So don't bother with flowery nonsense and don't worry about being off-putting (unless you're only applying to one job...), just say something bold. - Some people have a hard time selling themselves. Other people have a hard time not lying and overselling themselves. Be honest but explain the value proposition of how hiring you will make a difference to the company. - Because you have to stand out, and because the hiring manager has a lot of context for what the position is which the applicants lack, researching the company, the opening, the culture, etc. will let you write a letter that stands out as a good fit for what they want. - One page only, one font only, print it out on nice paper, don't misspell anything.