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How to Write a Cover Letter

Writing a cover letter can be overwhelming and confusing as you decide what and how much information to include about yourself, your interest in, and qualification for the position you are applying to. Writing a successful cover letter is really all about choosing and presenting the information in a way that makes it clear why you are the best choice. Choose qualifications that make you unique as well as experience necessary to the job, and then tell the reader why these things make you desirable. This will not only set you apart from the other bazillion application, but creates another opportunity for you to express your understanding of what the employer is looking for in a successful candidate.

Write an informed cover letter.

Before you sit down to write your cover letter, do some research about the position and workplace to which you are applying. Creating a unique cover letter that showcases your knowledge of the company and what they are looking for in a successful candidate will make your application stand out from the others. Create a list of qualities and experiences the employer is looking for, and compare this to your own experience and skills (which should be included in your resume). Choose a few of the best to highlight in your cover letter

Get your questions answered before writing your cover letter.

If you want more information than the job description or want ad provides, research the company website and don’t be afraid to call the company (unless the job description specifically says not to) an HR representative or the person to whom your application will be sent. Keep your questions to a minimum—just enough to inform yourself and show your enthusiasm. This is a great opportunity to add important information to your cover letter, and create an additional opportunity to connect with your potential employer.

Highlight your best accomplishments and skills.

Use your cover letter to highlight the skills shown in your resume (see How to Write a Resume) and make your experience relevant to the employer. Do not simply list the information contained in your resume. Instead, use the cover letter to explain why this job or that skill makes you an excellent candidate. Think of the cover letter as an opportunity to interpret your resume for the employer.

For example: “I spent three years working as a writing tutor at my university” versus “My work as a writing tutor gave me experience working with creative and professional writing students of all levels individually and in a class-room setting.” The first sentence merely restates information that can be found in a resume. The second phrase shows that the applicant has a diverse understanding of the needs of writing students, and is flexible and comfortable in a variety of settings

Write your cover letter in a confident, professional voice.

Look for ways to reflect this attitude in your language. For example, use “when” instead of “if” when referring to your potential success in the position (“When I am hired I will bring this and that and this to the company.”). Don’t be afraid to come right out and tell they employer exactly why you should be hired (the point of your cover letter is, after all, to sell yourself). Be friendly, but not too casual; avoid slang, obscure references, and too many personal details

Format your letter correctly.

(See How to Write a Business Letter). Proofread your letter more than once before sending it, and ask someone else to proofread your letter also. Follow the basic business letter format and build the necessary information about yourself into the body of 2-3 paragraphs. Use the first paragraph to introduce yourself, the position you for which you are applying, any connection you may have to the company. In the following paragraph(s) highlight your relevant experience and explain why this sets you apart from other candidates

Supplementing your cover letter.

Every application is different, but usually you will need to include a resume with your cover letter. Additional application materials may include samples of previous work (writing, art, etc.). You should only ever include more than a resume if the application specifically calls for this.

Before you write your cover letter, update your resume and, if you’re able, tailor it to the needs of the employer. Only include previous jobs and experience that reflect your ability to succeed in this position (your burger-flipping gig ten years ago probably doesn’t need to be included). Organize your resume to showcase this experience first, followed by the “extras” like education, volunteer experience, etc. If you don’t have enough experience to do this, then put your best foot forward, so to speak. Put your best achievements first, and add a brief description to any seemingly unrelated experience that ties the skills you used in those positions to the one you are applying for now. (For more information, see How to Write a Resume).