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How to Write an ATS Friendly Cover Letter

How to Write an ATS Friendly Cover Letter (Step-by-Step Guide)

How to Write an ATS Friendly Cover Letter

In today’s competitive job market, most employers use an Applicant Tracking System (ATS) to screen applications before a human ever sees them. If your cover letter isn’t ATS friendly, it may never reach the recruiter — no matter how qualified you are.

In this guide, you’ll learn exactly how to write an ATS friendly cover letter that passes automated screening and still sounds professional and human.

What Is an ATS and Why It Matters?

An Applicant Tracking System (ATS) is software used by employers to collect, scan, and rank job applications. It looks for specific keywords, skills, and formatting to determine whether a candidate is a good match.

According to Indeed, over 75% of resumes and cover letters are filtered out before reaching a recruiter.

Key Elements of an ATS Friendly Cover Letter

1. Use a Simple and Clean Format

ATS software struggles with complex layouts. Avoid tables, columns, text boxes, graphics, and unusual fonts.

  • Use standard fonts like Arial, Calibri, or Times New Roman
  • Stick to left-aligned text
  • Save your file as .DOCX or PDF (if specified)

2. Include Relevant Keywords from the Job Description

Keywords are the most important factor for ATS screening. Carefully read the job description and include relevant:

  • Skills
  • Job titles
  • Tools and technologies
  • Certifications

Make sure the keywords are used naturally and honestly — keyword stuffing can hurt your chances.

3. Use a Standard Cover Letter Structure

A traditional structure works best for ATS and recruiters alike:

  1. Header with contact information
  2. Professional greeting (e.g., “Dear Hiring Manager”)
  3. Opening paragraph
  4. Body paragraphs highlighting skills and experience
  5. Closing paragraph and call to action

4. Avoid Images, Icons, and Special Characters

ATS software cannot read images or icons. Even decorative bullet points or symbols may cause parsing errors.

Stick to plain text and standard punctuation for best results.

How Long Should an ATS Friendly Cover Letter Be?

An ideal ATS friendly cover letter should be:

  • 250–400 words
  • One page maximum
  • Focused on the most relevant qualifications

ATS Friendly Cover Letter Example

Instead of using fancy layouts, keep it professional and straightforward: 

Dear Hiring Manager,

I am writing to apply for the Marketing Coordinator position. With over three years of experience in digital marketing, SEO, and content creation, I believe I am a strong fit for this role.

In my previous role, I managed SEO campaigns, analyzed performance metrics, and collaborated with cross-functional teams to increase website traffic by 40%.

Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the opportunity to discuss how my skills can support your team.

Sincerely,
Your Name

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Using generic cover letters for every job
  • Ignoring keywords from the job description
  • Over-designing the layout
  • Submitting scanned or image-based files

Use Free Tools to Create ATS Friendly Documents

If you want to save time and avoid formatting mistakes, use an online tool designed specifically for ATS optimization.

👉 Try our Free CV Maker to create ATS friendly resumes and cover letters in minutes.

You can also learn more about ATS best practices from LinkedIn Talent Solutions.

Final Thoughts

Writing an ATS friendly cover letter doesn’t mean sacrificing personality — it means presenting your skills in a format both software and recruiters can understand.

Focus on clarity, relevance, and simplicity, and you’ll significantly improve your chances of landing interviews.

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