A cover letter allows you the opportunity to demonstrate to an employer your fit and enthusiasm for the role. Simply by taking the time to write a tailored cover letter, you are showing the employer that you are an eager applicant. Further, a well-written cover letter gives you space to show the employer how your experience and skills connect with the job description. If you help them see that you have the skills and qualities they are seeking, you will be far more likely to be offered an interview.
How to Write a Cover Letter
Believe it or not, a cover letter can be much easier to put together than you might assume. Why? Every cover letter contains the same components:
- Heading
- Introductory paragraph
- 1-2 body paragraphs
- Closing paragraph and signature/enclosure statement
In your cover letter, you will introduce yourself to the employer and show your interest in the company or a specific job opening, all while drawing attention to your skills and abilities to motivate the reader to interview you. Your cover letter is a prospective employer's first impression of you. Because of this, every cover letter you write should be unique to that employer. You may be able to reuse examples. However, most of the time, you want to start fresh to ensure that your reader feels that they are the focus of the letter.
Sections of a Cover Letter
As this is a professional letter, the header should include your contact information, the date you are sending or submitted your letter, and the recipient’s address block. You may cut and paste the header from your resume to make it look like personalized letterhead.
Ideally, you would get the name of the hiring manager and address the letter to that individual, but if you are unable to get a specific name, you may address the letter to “Dear Hiring Manager”.
The introductory paragraph sets the tone for the letter and should cover the following things:
- Explain why you are writing and how you heard about the opening (if applicable). Mention the job title by name. If you have a personal connection to the organization, mention that person’s name.
- Demonstrate your knowledge of the company/organization and why you want to work there. Based on your research, what is something unique about this organization that appeals to you?
- Convey your excitement and genuine interest in the organization and the opportunity to work for them.
- Briefly explain why you are a good match—the skills/experiences you bring. Possibly share an accomplishment that relates to the job.
Sample introductory paragraph:
I am writing to apply for the position of Assistant Manager that is posted on your website. I admire how Clothes For You has reinvented itself in the last two years as a hipper, more underground retail outlet; your viral marketing campaign was the talk of our campus. My two years of experience in customer service and my coursework in management would allow me to contribute to your company’s new growth.
The 1–2 body paragraph(s) of your cover letter is where you will spend the most time creating content. Before you jump in and start writing about your relevant experiences, you need to first consider the following:
- What skills and qualifications are required for the position?
- Are there key phrases in the job description, organizational mission, or other materials from the company that seem to show up over and over?
Once you have the answers to these questions, you can use this information to tailor your letter. Select 2–3 skills or qualifications the employer is seeking and, using examples from your resume (without repeating your resume verbatim), tell a brief story about the experiences that best qualify you for the role. Through this content and by using keywords from the job description, the reader will be able to imagine what your working style, skill set, and characteristics might look like in their workplace.
The closing paragraph is the most simple to write and consists of "call to action" language. To begin the paragraph, restate in one sentence how you can add value to their organization. Then write out your calls to action:
- Share how they can contact you (email, phone, etc.)
- Politely request an interview
- Thank the employer for their time
- Let them know to refer to your attached resume
Following the last paragraph is the closing salutation, often using phrases such as “Sincerely” or “Regards”. Sign the letter with your full name.
Sample closing paragraph:
Thank you for considering my application. I have attached a copy of my resume for your review. I look forward to a future meeting in order to demonstrate my strong interest in learning about project management at Shaw Inc. Please feel free to reach me at (617)-000-0001 or tayka@bc.edu if you have any questions.
Sincerely,
Katie Taylor
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Resources
Formatting Your Cover Letter
Your Street Address
City, State, Zip Code
Date
Name of Person, Title
Company/Organization
Street Address
City, State, Zip Code
Dear Mr./Ms./Dr. :
Introduction: State your reason for writing. Name the specific position or type of work for which you are applying. (Mention how you heard about the opening, if appropriate.)
Body: Explain why you are interested in working for that employer, or in that field of work, and what your qualifications are. Highlight two to three achievements that relate to the position and field. Refer the reader to the enclosed resume, application, and/or portfolio.
Closing: Thank the reader for his or her time and consideration. Indicate your desire for an interview and provide your contact information. If the employer is willing to accept phone calls, state that you will call to discuss the possibility of scheduling an interview.
Sincerely,
Your Name
Enclosure / Attachment
