A cover letter shows an employer how your experience qualifies you for a particular position. Find tips on writing a great cover letter that can add clarity to your experiences with more granular details and context.Relate your qualifications to the needs of the current job opening. Specific examples can demonstrate your skills and experiences. Indicate the job for which you are applying. I'm deeply interested in a diverse group of topics including design, health, and advertising. On average, plan to spend 3-4 hours developing an initial cover letter and 1-2 hours tailoring it to future roles you apply to. Your cover letter is your chance to 1) tell your story, and 2) show the company how your personal values align with theirs. Create a new cover letter for EACH position you are applying for. To apply for a job: 1.