Short answer: Quick answer: write one body paragraph per hiring signal. Use the sequence JD requirement, verifiable proof point, business outcome, then audit the paragraph for repeated resume lines or unsupported claims.

Best for

Applicants who know the role but need the middle paragraph to connect one JD requirement with one verifiable proof point and one business outcome.

Avoid if

Avoid using it to summarize the whole resume, hide missing proof, invent metrics, or praise the company without evidence.

What to do next

Choose one hiring signal, map it to one proof note, write the outcome sentence, then audit unsupported claims before sending.

Use the requirement-proof-outcome sequence

Pick one JD requirement, then pair it with one proof point and one business outcome. For example: requirement = customer onboarding; proof = built a checklist used in 30 calls; outcome = faster handoff and fewer repeated questions. Do not make one paragraph carry every strength you have.

Show proof before interpretation

Write the project, metric, workflow, audience, or decision first. Then explain why that proof fits the role. This order keeps AI from turning evidence into flattering claims.

Run a weak-to-strong audit

A weak body paragraph says I am a strong communicator. A stronger one names the audience, constraint, action, and result, then connects that pattern to the new team. Before sending, remove resume repetition, unsupported metrics, and praise that could fit any company.

Prompt

Rewrite my cover letter body paragraph for [role]. Use one JD requirement, one verifiable proof point from my notes, and one sentence naming the business outcome. Do not repeat my resume, invent metrics, or add company praise I did not provide. Then list any unsupported claims to remove.

FAQ

How many body paragraphs should a cover letter have?

One or two is enough for most applications. Use two only when the role has two distinct signals you can prove well.

What should a body paragraph include?

Include one role requirement, one verifiable proof point, and one outcome or risk reduction. If you do not have numbers, use scale, frequency, audience, turnaround time, quality bar, or project constraints.