How to write a killer cover letter
Every job I apply for wants me to include a cover letter, but I just don't know what to write. Are they really that important? Are there any best practices to follow for what to include and what to leave on your resume?
The key to a cover letter is to convey why you are the perfect candidate for the role you are applying for. Additionally, try to include a personal example which conveys your personality and gives a glimpse to the reader on who you are. Use specific examples for each letter that are tailored to the job you're applying for.
The goal of a cover letter is to make a case for getting selected for a job interview. It shouldn't be a duplicate of your resume—your resume lists your skills, and your cover letter highlights how you put those skills to use. So, answer any questions that your resume can't answer, whether that's gaps in your employment or how passionate you are about the position or the industry or the role. Begin your cover letter with an appropriate greeting, such as "Dear [hiring manager's name]" so it feels professional and formal.
In the body of the letter, include a paragraph where you explain why you're interested and qualified for the job. Make sure you get right to the point. You want to say something like, "I'm applying for x, y, and z positions, and I believe I'd be an excellent candidate for this position because of x, y, and z."
Dedicate a couple of paragraphs or at least a couple of sentences about how you're qualified, and be specific by referring to the employer's job requirements. That's what they're looking for; the more of a fit you are for those job requirements, the more chance you have to get the interview.
Be sure to include keywords from the relevant job description or position you're applying for in your letter. Many hiring managers, recruiters, and automated hiring software use keywords in their searches to find relevant candidates.
In terms of the format, include the date on top, as well as the hiring manager's name to make it more personal, if possible, and their title, their company, address, city, state, zip code, etc. Also, put your own contact information up top to make it more of a formal letter.
In the body of the letter, include a paragraph where you explain why you're interested and qualified for the job. Make sure you get right to the point. You want to say something like, "I'm applying for x, y, and z positions, and I believe I'd be an excellent candidate for this position because of x, y, and z."
Dedicate a couple of paragraphs or at least a couple of sentences about how you're qualified, and be specific by referring to the employer's job requirements. That's what they're looking for; the more of a fit you are for those job requirements, the more chance you have to get the interview.
Be sure to include keywords from the relevant job description or position you're applying for in your letter. Many hiring managers, recruiters, and automated hiring software use keywords in their searches to find relevant candidates.
In terms of the format, include the date on top, as well as the hiring manager's name to make it more personal, if possible, and their title, their company, address, city, state, zip code, etc. Also, put your own contact information up top to make it more of a formal letter.
I have a basic template that I use for almost every job I apply to. I just fill it out to fit the specific position and company (I'm in academia so you may need to tweak it if you're in another field, but the broad strokes are probably the same):
To whom it may concern [only to be used as a last resort - try to find out who exactly you're writing to to personalize it]:
[State who you are and the point of your letter:] I am a literature instructor with eight years of teaching experience at the college level. I am looking for an opportunity to grow professionally while making a difference at an institution I'm proud of, and I think [X University] could be the one. I am therefore writing to express my sincere interest in the position of Assistant Professor of English Literature and Composition.
[Briefly go over your experience and qualifications and achievements:] I graduated with my BA in English Literature from [X] University and went on to attend [X] University for my MA and my PhD in that same field, with a specialization in [X]. I taught for a total of six years at [X] University in the capacity of graduate TA and adjunct instructor. My pedagogical experience goes beyond teaching, however: I have acted as a research assistant for [X], presented papers at [X conferences], and seen my work published by [X] journals.
[Why you want the role/why you'd be a good fit:] My current research focuses on [succinctly explain both your work and how it may be of interest to the institution/help you fit in/stand out]. For this reason, I am eager to apply to [X] University, a powerhouse in the field of [X] research. While I am passionate about my scholarship, nothing brings me more joy than teaching: interacting with young people, exchanging ideas, and seeing my students grow has been one of the highlights of my life.
I have enclosed my CV, my teaching philosophy, and three letters of recommendation with this application. Please don't hesitate to contact me with any questions you may have. I look forward to hearing from you.
Thank you for your consideration.
Regards,
[Your name]
To whom it may concern [only to be used as a last resort - try to find out who exactly you're writing to to personalize it]:
[State who you are and the point of your letter:] I am a literature instructor with eight years of teaching experience at the college level. I am looking for an opportunity to grow professionally while making a difference at an institution I'm proud of, and I think [X University] could be the one. I am therefore writing to express my sincere interest in the position of Assistant Professor of English Literature and Composition.
[Briefly go over your experience and qualifications and achievements:] I graduated with my BA in English Literature from [X] University and went on to attend [X] University for my MA and my PhD in that same field, with a specialization in [X]. I taught for a total of six years at [X] University in the capacity of graduate TA and adjunct instructor. My pedagogical experience goes beyond teaching, however: I have acted as a research assistant for [X], presented papers at [X conferences], and seen my work published by [X] journals.
[Why you want the role/why you'd be a good fit:] My current research focuses on [succinctly explain both your work and how it may be of interest to the institution/help you fit in/stand out]. For this reason, I am eager to apply to [X] University, a powerhouse in the field of [X] research. While I am passionate about my scholarship, nothing brings me more joy than teaching: interacting with young people, exchanging ideas, and seeing my students grow has been one of the highlights of my life.
I have enclosed my CV, my teaching philosophy, and three letters of recommendation with this application. Please don't hesitate to contact me with any questions you may have. I look forward to hearing from you.
Thank you for your consideration.
Regards,
[Your name]
DO's:
- Do tailor your letter to the job and company you're applying to. Try to find the name of the hiring manager if possible. It'll show you're serious about the position, you're a good fit, you know about the company/their mission, and you're willing to put in the work to do a good job.
- Do start strong and talk about what makes you unique. "I'm applying to this company because I saw it advertised in the paper..." That's boring. They've seen it before. Who are you, and why are YOU excited about this position? "I'm a senior level graphic designer with 10+ years of experience..." or what have you. Make them want YOU.
- Do show your enthusiasm for the job. Yes, you want a good job with high pay and benefits. Yes, you're qualified for the position. But are you EXCITED about the position? Show that! Even if you're the most qualified candidate, if you don't seem like you want to work there, the hiring manager will probably skip over you.
- Do keep it succinct. Aim for only a couple paragraphs. Don't drag it out needlessly.
- Do submit a cover letter even if it's "optional" (hint: it's never really optional).
- Do put your letter aside after you draft it, and then come back to it again the next day with fresh eyes to review it.
- Do have someone review your letter before you send it. (At least have a buddy read through your basic cover letter, and then tweak it as needed for specific jobs.)
DON'T'S:
- Don't send the same letter to every job you apply for. They can tell if you're just shooting the same cover letter out there to everyone. Make them feel special. Show them you mean it.
- Don't seem too desperate. Show you're passionate about the work and excited to join the team, but don't try TOO hard.
- Don't try to be funny. Just don't. Even if all your friends say you're the funniest guy they know, humor often falls flat in a cover letter. Think about it, this person is probably reading stacks on stacks on stacks of letters, they don't have time for humor (even if it really IS funny). You want to stand out, cracking a joke isn't the way to do it.
- Don't take it personally when a company doesn't respond. It's the most frustrating thing in the world, especially after you put in all that energy into making your cover letter as thorough and professional as possible, but it almost never has anything to do with you.
- Do tailor your letter to the job and company you're applying to. Try to find the name of the hiring manager if possible. It'll show you're serious about the position, you're a good fit, you know about the company/their mission, and you're willing to put in the work to do a good job.
- Do start strong and talk about what makes you unique. "I'm applying to this company because I saw it advertised in the paper..." That's boring. They've seen it before. Who are you, and why are YOU excited about this position? "I'm a senior level graphic designer with 10+ years of experience..." or what have you. Make them want YOU.
- Do show your enthusiasm for the job. Yes, you want a good job with high pay and benefits. Yes, you're qualified for the position. But are you EXCITED about the position? Show that! Even if you're the most qualified candidate, if you don't seem like you want to work there, the hiring manager will probably skip over you.
- Do keep it succinct. Aim for only a couple paragraphs. Don't drag it out needlessly.
- Do submit a cover letter even if it's "optional" (hint: it's never really optional).
- Do put your letter aside after you draft it, and then come back to it again the next day with fresh eyes to review it.
- Do have someone review your letter before you send it. (At least have a buddy read through your basic cover letter, and then tweak it as needed for specific jobs.)
DON'T'S:
- Don't send the same letter to every job you apply for. They can tell if you're just shooting the same cover letter out there to everyone. Make them feel special. Show them you mean it.
- Don't seem too desperate. Show you're passionate about the work and excited to join the team, but don't try TOO hard.
- Don't try to be funny. Just don't. Even if all your friends say you're the funniest guy they know, humor often falls flat in a cover letter. Think about it, this person is probably reading stacks on stacks on stacks of letters, they don't have time for humor (even if it really IS funny). You want to stand out, cracking a joke isn't the way to do it.
- Don't take it personally when a company doesn't respond. It's the most frustrating thing in the world, especially after you put in all that energy into making your cover letter as thorough and professional as possible, but it almost never has anything to do with you.
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Reader Tips from How to Write a Cover Letter
Do not overdo the style elements. Choose a font that is simple but elegant. Avoid uncommon decorative fonts unless you are applying for a job where being quirky is of greater value than being businesslike and the people who are doing the hiring are on board with this philosophy.
Be concise. This person doesn't have all the time in the world and likely has a lot of cover letters to get through. Never use two words when one will do. Always strike the word "very" and eliminate the word "that" as much as you can.
Reader Tips from How to Write a Job Application Letter (with Examples)
If you don't the manager's name that you are going to write a letter to then put dear or madam. Make sure that you include some information about yourself. Also, tell the manager why you would be good at the job and why you want it.
Put the letter away for a day or two and give it another look before sending it out. It's easier to catch mistakes and know what needs revised when you've taken a break from it.
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