When you are applying for a new job, internship, or graduate program, don’t underestimate the power of a cover letter. You may have the best education and your skills may be the perfect fit for the job, but without a good cover letter, your application may be overlooked. To give yourself the best chance of securing that interview, here are 11 tips for writing a standout cover letter.
What Is a Cover Letter?
Your cover letter is your first impression to a company when applying for a job and should highlight the reasons you are a great fit for the position. Even with perfect qualifications, a weak cover letter can cause your application to go unnoticed. The goal is to help you catch the hiring manager’s attention and secure an interview. Your cover letter accompany (not replace) your resume when you apply for jobs and internships.
So if you’ve ever thought to yourself ” is a cover letter is even important?” The answer is absolutely! This short letter holds a lot of weight as it is your introduction to the company.
Basic Cover Letter Format
You only get one first impression, so take the time to get your cover letter right. As a rule of thumb, the structure of your cover letter should be one page that includes:
An Introduction
- Your contact information
- Date
- Addressing the hiring manager by name if possible
Body Paragraphs
- An opening paragraph that mentions the role and expresses your enthusiasm.
- Two or three Body paragraphs that highlight your most important qualifications that relate specifically to the job.
A Conclusion
- A strong closing that reminds them why you’re the best fit for the job and thanks them for their time and consideration
- A call to action, such as mentioning your availability for an interview or leaving your phone number to set up a time to discuss the role further.
- Your signature
11 Tips for Crafting a Cover Letter
Avoid writing a cover letter that ends up in the rejection pile by following these 11 tips:
1. Research the Company Before Writing
Sometimes people are so focused on the cover letter that they are not paying any attention to the company’s information. This can be perceived as a lack of interest or preparation on your part. Take the time to customize your resume to the company you are applying for by specifically mentioning their mission, values, or goals so that your cover letter doesn’t appear generic.
2. Focus on Your Value
Instead of using excessive “I” statements throughout your letter, describe how your skills, achievements, and experiences will benefit the company. Highlighting your value will show how you contribute to the success of the company rather than making it all about you. If you don’t already have a strong personal statement, now is the time to develop one! It can be a center piece in each of your cover letters and resume.
3. Start with a Strong Opening
Grabbing the hiring manager’s attention in the very first line is crucial. Express your genuine enthusiasm, mention the specific position, and why you’re the best fit. If your intro is too weak or generic, the employer may not continue to read any further. Here’s an example you can work with to create your own introduction:
Dear [Hiring Manager’s Name],
I am excited to apply for the [Position Title] at [Company Name], where my passion for [specific aspect of the industry or role] and my [relevant experience or skills] align perfectly with your team’s goals.
4. Use the Correct Formatting
Your cover letter should be formatted in a way that is easy to read and visually appealing. To ensure this, always use professional fonts, like Arial or Times New Roman, maintain one-inch margins on all sides, and keep it to one page for conciseness. If a company has specific formatting instructions, such as uploading the letter as a PDF, make sure that you follow them carefully. This shows your ability to follow directions and adhere to company standards.
5. Only Highlight Relevant Information
The purpose of your cover letter is not to tell your employer everything you have accomplished in life. While it’s impressive that you organized a charity event, it might not be directly relevant to something like an accounting position. Simply listing all your skills and achievements only makes your cover letter long-winded. Instead, focus on providing two to three examples that describe a situation or specific skill that relates to the position.
6. Expand Upon Your Resume
A cover letter should compliment your resume, not repeat it. Expand upon some of the bullet points from your resume by providing more details and context to show how your specific skills meet the specific requirements of the position. Here’s an example of how to compliment your resume in your cover letter:
Resume Bullet Point: Designed and executed visual branding materials for a new product launch, resulting in a 15% increase in brand recognition and customer engagement.
Cover Letter: In my role as Graphic Designer at [Company Name], I had the opportunity to lead the visual branding efforts for our latest product launch. I conceptualized and designed a suite of marketing materials, including logos, packaging designs, and digital assets, all aligned with our brand identity and target audience. Through meticulous attention to detail and creative problem-solving, I ensured that our visuals not only captured the essence of our new product but also resonated deeply with our customers.
7. Maintain a Professional Tone
While your cover letter is an opportunity to showcase your personality, you should still focus on maintaining a professional tone. Being overly enthusiastic or casual, (i.e. “Hey there!” or “I’m SO excited about this opportunity!”) can come across as unprofessional. When writing, try to strike a balance by being friendly, enthusiastic, and professional:
Do Say: “The opportunity to work in a fast-paced environment like yours is highly motivating. My experience in [relevant area] has prepared me to thrive under pressure and deliver results.”
Don’t Say: “This position totally seems like a good fit for me, and I’m a real GO-GETTER!”
8. Address Potential Red Flags Positively
Maybe you’ve gone an extended period without employment, have frequent job changes, or you lack relevant experience. Don’t let that deter you from applying. Your cover letter can briefly touch on it in a positive light. Start with honestly acknowledging any gaps or concerns and then highlight what you’ve learned, whether it’s an experience, new skills, or personal development. Focus on how they are relevant to the position.
9. Proofreading
As small as they may seem, typos and grammatical errors can create a negative impression. This is why it is highly important that you look through every cover letter before sending it to a future employer. When it comes to proofreading, use tools like Grammarly or ask a trusted mentor or friend to read over it. This way, they can offer suggestions or catch mistakes you might not have seen.
10. Use Keywords
When reading the job description, make sure to jot down important keywords, phrases, or skills that are mentioned multiple times. Many companies today use application tracking systems (ATS) that screen resumes and cover letters before the employer even takes a look at them. It scans for specific keywords related to the posted job description, and if your letter doesn’t use them, then it might never make it into the hands of your potential employer.
11. Customize Each Cover Letter
You want your cover letter to stand out – not end up in the “nope” pile. You might be applying to four positions with the same job title, but this does not mean you should copy and paste the same cover letter into each application. Companies want to hear your distinct voice, not a generic online template. While it can be time-consuming to write a new letter for each job position, the reward of getting an interview is always worth it.
Finding a job can require patience and dedication, so you must take the time to craft the perfect application, resume, and cover letter when applying for one. Remember, a strong resume and cover letter is the first impression you’ll make. By following these 11 tips, you can set yourself apart and land that interview. Happy job hunting!
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