Cover Letter Checklist for Experienced Professionals
Writing a cover letter isn’t a formality—it’s your chance to show alignment, insight, and strategic thinking—especially if you're mid-career or making a career pivot. Use this checklist to make sure your letter is doing its job.
Before You Write
☐ I’ve reviewed the job posting carefully and understand what the organization is looking for.
☐ I’ve researched the company’s recent challenges, direction, or strategic goals.
☐ I’ve identified one or two key themes I want to highlight in relation to my experience.
Content That Works
☐ I’ve opened with something more compelling than “I’m writing to apply...”
☐ I’ve connected my experience to a real business need—not just listed responsibilities.
☐ I’ve explained a career shift, employment gap, or nontraditional move (if applicable).
☐ I’ve included a relevant story or strategic example—not just a bullet-point recap.
☐ I’ve demonstrated how I think and communicate—not just what I’ve done.
Tone, Voice, and Framing
☐ The tone reflects how I want to show up professionally—clear, confident, and human.
☐ The letter sounds like me—not like it came from a template or AI tool.
☐ I’ve focused on what I can contribute—not just what I want from the role.
☐ The letter is under one page, ideally 3–5 concise paragraphs.
☐ I’ve closed with a confident, forward-looking statement (not “Thank you for your time…”).
Final Review Before You Send
☐ I’ve customized this letter for the specific role and company.
☐ I’ve proofread out loud to catch awkward phrasing or typos.
☐ I’ve double-checked that I spelled the company name, job title, and contact details correctly.
☐ I’ve saved the file as a PDF with a clear filename (e.g., FirstnameLastname_CoverLetter.pdf).
☐ I feel confident this letter reflects the value I bring to the organization.
Need Help Crafting Cover Letters that Get You Noticed?
Want to turn your next application into an interview? I help mid-to-late career professionals translate their experience into compelling narratives that hiring managers actually want to read. Schedule a complimentary exploratory conversation to discuss your specific situation.