Classic three-paragraph
When to use: mid-market roles where you don't have an inside referral. The safe default.
Structure: Hook (why this role) · Fit (3 strongest items mapped to JD) · Close (interest + concrete next step).
Referral-led
When to use: someone inside the company referred you. Let the relationship do the legwork.
Structure: Name the referrer in line 1 · 2 sharp fit points with a metric · Short close. Aim for <200 words.
Career change
When to use: role-shifts — consultant → operator, engineer → PM, IC → manager. Address the pivot BEFORE they wonder.
Structure: Why this pivot makes sense · Reframe 3 transferable strengths · Acknowledge the gap and what you're doing about it.
Executive brief
When to use: VP-and-above roles. Lead with a quantified outcome you delivered that mirrors their public-facing challenge.
Structure: P&L hook with a specific number · Scope signal (team / budget / board exposure) · Confident short close. Skip the modesty.
Internal transfer / promotion
When to use: applying within your current company. Acknowledge what your manager already knows, then show the stretch.
Structure: Reference tenure + current scope · The stretch this role represents + proof you've prepared · Commit to transition continuity.
Consulting / advisory pivot
When to use: consulting, strategy, or advisory roles. Lead with structured thinking, not personality.
Structure: Consulting-grade framing of why the role matters · 3 situation-action-outcome evidence points · Hypothesis on their near-term challenge.
New graduate / first job
When to use: entry-level roles with no full-time work history yet. Lean into coursework, internships, and projects without apologizing for the lack of years.
Structure: Hook from a course/project that maps to the JD · 3 evidence pieces (internship, project, leadership) with concrete outputs · Energy-forward close.
Returner / re-entry after a gap
When to use: returning to work after caregiving, sabbatical, recovery, or further study. Name the gap briefly, then move on to current readiness.
Structure: Strong opening anchored in pre-gap track record · Brief, confident framing of the gap + what you did during it · Current-state evidence of readiness · Forward-looking close.
Speculative / open application
When to use: no role posted; you want to work for this company. Higher bar — earn the meeting in the first 4 sentences.
Structure: POV on the company's strategy that goes beyond their website · Specific contribution you would make · Evidence proof you can deliver it · Low-friction next step.