Foundation · Freelancing Journey · Lesson 4
How to Improve a Crappy Cover Letter
The cover letter that gets through the filter. Not the "Dear Sir/Madam I am applying" template.
Length: 40 minutes
For: Anyone who's sent generic cover letters with zero replies
Updated: 2026-05-15 (v2)
"My cover letter says, "Dear Hiring Manager, I am applying for the position posted." My friend said it is weak."
Common Freelancing Journey Lesson 4 question
Friend, your friend is right. "Dear Hiring Manager" + "I am applying" is a death pattern. It does not get read. Today we will walk through an anti-formula cover letter that shows the client you understood what matters within 5 seconds.
The wrong question vs the right question
Wrong question: "What template should I use?"
Better question: "What is 1 specific thing about this client that other applicants have not named yet?"
The 3-paragraph cover letter structure
| Paragraph | Purpose | Length |
|---|
| 1. Specific opening | Name THEM. "I saw your LinkedIn post about scaling Q3" or "I noticed your new Shopify launch." | 2-3 sentences |
| 2. Proof + fit | Cite 1 specific past result. "Increased CSAT from 78% to 91% at [Company]." Then connect to their need. | 3-4 sentences |
| 3. Specific CTA | "Available for 30-min call next Tuesday. Here's my Calendly: [link]." Not "looking forward to hearing from you." | 1-2 sentences |
Anti-formula cover letter sample
Before (weak) vs After (strong)
Weak opening
"Dear Hiring Manager, I am applying for the VA position you posted."
Strong opening
"Hi [First Name], I noticed your IG post last week about needing help with batch content for Q4. I've done exactly that for [other client] last quarter."
Weak proof
"I have 3 years experience as VA."
Strong proof
"In my last role, I batched 60 IG posts/month for a fitness brand. Saved client 8 hours/week. Engagement went from 1.2% to 3.4%."
Weak CTA
"Looking forward to hearing from you."
Strong CTA
"I have a 30-min slot open Tuesday 10am Manila time. Calendly: [link]. Or reply with your preferred time."
The warning about over-customization
Don't write a novel
The 5-paragraph essay is the opposite trap. The hiring manager may have 200 applications. 3 short paragraphs. 150-200 words max. Save the depth for the interview.
Practice. Build template + 1 customized. 40 min.
- Open Google Docs.
- Build 3-paragraph template. Placeholders for client name, specific reference, proof, CTA.
- Find 1 real job advert. From BFF Job List or OnlineJobs.ph.
- Customize template to that 1 client. Specific reference, specific proof, specific CTA.
- Submit via ASSIGNMENT TRACKER FORM (Title: Lesson 4).
Action items, based on your archetype
🌟 Polished
Senior tier. Lead with social proof + retention stats.
Do this week
- "3-year client X retained me 92% of months."
- Add Loom intro link in CTA.
💼 Transitioner
Translate BPO metrics specifically.
Do this week
- Use CSAT %, ticket volume, SLA % as proof.
- Use Paddy prompt 23 framing.
🎨 Creative
Lead with portfolio + 1 specific work example.
Do this week
- Embed portfolio link in paragraph 1.
- Reference 1 specific brand piece in paragraph 2.
🛒 Solo
Cite shop metrics. Revenue, customer count, SKUs.
Do this week
- "Operated ₱X/month business" as proof.
- Show transferable skills.
📋 Generalist
Wedge-anchored proof.
Do this week
- Open with wedge-specific tool name.
- Cite 1 specific deliverable type.
🌱 Fresh Starter
No experience. Lead with enthusiasm + learning evidence.
Do this week
- Cite 1 free course completed (HubSpot, Google Digital).
- "Committed 20 hrs/week to learning [skill]" as proof of activity.
Checkpoint.
Postable artifact
Sa BFF FB group:
- "Lesson 4 done. Cover letter template link: ___. Specific job I customized for: [company]."
Hold steady, BFF Team. We keep going together.
- Lala