Cover Letter Final Checklist: Everything to Review Before You Send

You have written your cover letter. Before you submit, run it through this checklist. Many of these items are easy to miss when you are close to the content.

Content Checks

• The opening line is specific to this employer — not a generic statement of application
• You have referenced at least one thing specific to this company (not just the sector)
• Your core paragraph includes at least one quantified achievement
• You have used the employer's vocabulary where appropriate (mirroring key terms from the job description)
• The letter adds something the CV does not — context, argument, motivation — rather than summarising it
• Any employment gaps, career changes, or unusual circumstances are addressed briefly if needed
• Your closing paragraph includes a specific expression of interest in next steps (not just "I hope to hear from you")

Factual Checks

• Company name is spelled correctly (this one is embarrassing when wrong)
• Job title is spelled correctly and matches the posted job title
• Hiring manager's name (if used) is spelled correctly
• All numbers and dates mentioned are accurate and consistent with your CV
• Contact details are current and correct

Format Checks

• Length is three to four paragraphs and fits on one page
• Font matches your CV (or is at least the same professional family)
• Salutation is appropriate ("Dear [Name]," or "Dear Hiring Manager,")
• Sign-off is professional ("Kind regards," followed by your name)
• File is saved as PDF unless DOCX was specifically requested
• Filename is professional (e.g., YourName_CoverLetter.pdf)

The Last Read

• Read it out loud once — if any sentence sounds wrong, revise it
• Ask: does every sentence earn its place? If not, cut it
• Ask: would a recruiter who reads this be more or less inclined to open my CV? If not clearly more, revise

Build your CV free at CVCircuit and generate a cover letter as your starting point — then run this checklist before every submission.