{ “@context”: “https://schema.org”, “@type”: “FAQPage”, “mainEntity”: [ { “@type”: “Question”, “name”: “Do I really need a cover letter in 2026?”, “acceptedAnswer”: { “@type”: “Answer”, “text”: “Yes! While some job postings say ‘optional,’ 77% of recruiters prefer candidates who include cover letters. A strong cover letter differentiates you from other applicants and shows genuine interest. Unless explicitly told not to, always submit a cover letter.” } }, { “@type”: “Question”, “name”: “How long should a cover letter be?”, “acceptedAnswer”: { “@type”: “Answer”, “text”: “Keep your cover letter to one page, ideally 250-400 words. Hiring managers spend only 7-10 seconds on initial review. Be concise, focus on 2-3 key achievements, and make every sentence count.” } }, { “@type”: “Question”, “name”: “What should I include in a cover letter?”, “acceptedAnswer”: { “@type”: “Answer”, “text”: “Include: your contact information, a professional greeting (use the hiring manager’s name), an attention-grabbing opening, 1-2 paragraphs highlighting relevant achievements with specific numbers, a closing with call to action, and professional sign-off.” } }, { “@type”: “Question”, “name”: “How do I address a cover letter if I don’t know the hiring manager’s name?”, “acceptedAnswer”: { “@type”: “Answer”, “text”: “First, try to find the name through LinkedIn, the company website, or by calling the company. If truly impossible, use ‘Dear Hiring Manager,’ or ‘Dear [Department] Team,’. Avoid ‘To Whom It May Concern’ which sounds outdated.” } }, { “@type”: “Question”, “name”: “Should I submit a cover letter if it’s optional?”, “acceptedAnswer”: { “@type”: “Answer”, “text”: “Absolutely yes. When a cover letter is ‘optional,’ it’s actually a test. Candidates who take the extra effort stand out. It shows genuine interest, attention to detail, and strong communication skills.” } }, { “@type”: “Question”, “name”: “Can I use the same cover letter for multiple jobs?”, “acceptedAnswer”: { “@type”: “Answer”, “text”: “No – this is one of the biggest mistakes job seekers make. Generic cover letters are obvious and get rejected. You should customize each cover letter for the specific job, company, and hiring manager.” } }, { “@type”: “Question”, “name”: “What font should I use for my cover letter?”, “acceptedAnswer”: { “@type”: “Answer”, “text”: “Use professional, readable fonts like Calibri, Arial, Georgia, Times New Roman, or Helvetica. Size should be 11-12pt. Match your resume’s font for a cohesive look.” } }, { “@type”: “Question”, “name”: “How do I make my cover letter stand out?”, “acceptedAnswer”: { “@type”: “Answer”, “text”: “Start with a compelling hook instead of a generic opening. Include specific, quantified achievements. Show you’ve researched the company. Let your personality shine through while staying professional. Focus on how you’ll solve their problems.” } } ] }

👉 expert resume guides

💡 Pro Tip: StylingCV is not just a resume builder — it’s a smart AI builder that thinks. StylingCV smart AI builder in less than 2 minutes.