While your resume shows your skills and experience, your cover letter gives you a chance to introduce yourself to an employer and share your interest in the position. It is your opportunity to explain your enthusiasm for the role and show an employer why you could be a great fit.
1. Where to start
Format: Start with a simple, professional format. Keep it to one page, usually 250 to 400 words, with three short parts: an opening, a middle paragraph, and a closing.
Header: Include your contact information, the date, and the job title you are applying for if you have it.
Greeting: Address the hiring manager by name. If you are unable to find the name, a simple greeting such as “Dear Hiring Manager” or something similar will work.
Introduction paragraph: Begin your letter with a strong opening sentence that explains the position you are applying for and why you are excited about the opportunity. Try to make these first few sentences clear and engaging to grab the hiring manager’s attention.
A strong start and opening can help to set your voice for the rest of your cover letter.
2. Highlight your skills and experience
Start with what you have: Everyone has some skills or experience they bring to the table, even if it does not come from a formal job. Babysitting, lawn care, or jobs in other industries can show your work ethic and skills apply to the position.
Share transferrable examples: It is important to show how your skills, experiences, and accomplishments connect to the position you are applying for. Focus on what you will bring to the job. Do not just restate your resume. The cover letter is your chance to let employers know why you want the job, how it fits with your experience and goals, and what you will add to their team. Emphasize what you learned, how you contributed, and other employability skills such as teamwork, motivation, professionalism, etc.
This is your section to brag about yourself and show how your strengths match what the job is looking for. Don’t just list your experiences, really tell a story of how they were meaningful in your career.
3. End with a clear closing
While wrapping up your letter, thank the employer for their time and consideration. Restate your interest in the position and let them know that you would appreciate the opportunity to speak further with them.
4. Tips for tying it all together
Set the tone: Throughout your letter use an engaging but professional tone. Make sure your writing is personal and clear so the employer gets a sense of who you are and why you are interested in the opportunity.
Tailor it to each job: Avoid a letter that could apply to any opening. Mention something about the role or the company, like a specific program, value, or detail pulled from the posting itself, and connect it to why you’re a fit.
Proofread: Before sending it, proofread carefully for clarity, grammar, and spelling. A strong cover letter should be professional, personal, and easy to read. Artificial intelligence is a helpful tool to check and refine your writing, but your story, experiences, and personality should always shine through.
5. Can’t I just use AI?
This article isn’t intended as a lecture about the ethics of artificial intelligence or about how to use AI responsibly. If you choose to use AI for help beyond brainstorming or proofreading, make certain of the following:
● Own every word. Assume an employer will ask about what you submit. If you don’t remember what you wrote or have to explain something that AI misrepresented about you, you could be in trouble.
● Sound like a serious person. AI has a strong accent. If an employer suspects that the words aren’t your own, you might not even be contacted regardless of how qualified you are.
● Be original. In a world where everyone can and is using AI for help, you still need to stand out from the crowd. So make it your own.
Your first cover letter doesn’t need to be fancy. It just needs to sound like you and show why you’re a good fit. Some applications mark a cover letter optional, but sending one anyway is often what sets you apart.