The Ultimate Guide to Writing a Standout Cover Letter
When it comes to job applications, your cover letter is your chance to stand out. But what exactly is a cover letter, and how can you make yours shine?
What is a Cover Letter?
A cover letter is a formal introduction to a potential employer that accompanies your resume. While your resume lists your work experience and skills, your cover letter provides context and insight into who you are and why you're a great fit for the job.
The Purpose of a Cover Letter
The purpose of a cover letter is to showcase your personality, qualifications, and enthusiasm for the role. Unlike your resume, which is a straightforward outline of your career, the cover letter lets you explain why you’re the best person for the job and how your previous experiences have prepared you for it. This is your moment to elaborate and highlight your most relevant accomplishments—something your resume can’t always do.
Is a Cover Letter Optional?
While some job applications say a cover letter is optional, you should always write one if given the choice. Think of it as a golden opportunity to show why you’re the perfect candidate. When employers ask for a cover letter, they want to know more about you than what’s on your resume. Submitting a thoughtful cover letter demonstrates your commitment and sets you apart from candidates who skip this step.
What Makes a Great Cover Letter?
A great cover letter is not just a regurgitation of your resume. Remember, they already have that document! This is your chance to offer something new. You want the hiring committee to walk away knowing more about you, your qualifications, and how they align with the company’s needs.
Here are the key questions your cover letter should answer:
Why am I the best person for this position? What qualities make me stand out?
How have my previous experiences prepared me for this role? How does my past work relate to the job I’m applying for?
What details can I provide that aren’t obvious from my resume? This could include personal anecdotes, passion for the industry, or specific skills you’ve gained.
How do my values align with the organization’s? What makes this company special to me, and why do I want to work there over other places?
By answering these questions, you’ll be well on your way to writing a compelling cover letter that captures the reader’s attention.
The Writing Process
Writing a cover letter doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Start by answering the key questions in bullet points. Once you’ve laid out the essentials, flesh them out into paragraphs with a few additional sentences.
Introduce yourself at the beginning, stating who you are and what excites you about the role. For example, I like to start with something like:
"My name is Johana Dauphin, a recent graduate of Florida State University with a Bachelor of Science in International Affairs, and I’m eager to contribute my passion and experiences to the important work of Democracy International."
Proofread and Tailor
Once you’ve written your cover letter, proofread, proofread, proofread! You don’t want to claim you’re detail-oriented only to have typos littered throughout your letter. Asking one or two people to review it, especially if they work in your desired field, can provide valuable feedback. They might also offer insight into the qualities the workplace values most, helping you refine your letter further.
Just as you tailor your resume for each job, you should do the same with your cover letter. You don’t have to write a completely new one each time, but tweak it to reflect the role you’re applying for. For example, if the job involves administrative tasks like calendar management and meeting notes, emphasize your administrative experience. If the job focuses on research, highlight your research skills and relevant experience. If it’s a community organizing position, emphasize your organizing experience.
Be Intentional
The key is to be intentional about what you emphasize. Sure, you’ve done lots of impressive things, but if your experiences don’t align with the job you’re applying for, they might not carry as much weight. Showcase your variety of skills, but be strategic in connecting them to the role you want. For instance, if you're applying for a research role, prioritize your research-related tasks over unrelated experiences.
Example Quotes for Your Cover Letter
These example quotes can serve as templates for how to effectively communicate your skills and experiences in your cover letter. Feel free to adapt them to fit your unique voice and circumstances!
Translating Leadership Skills: “Through my role as a campus organization president, I honed my leadership abilities by successfully coordinating events and managing diverse teams, skills I believe will directly contribute to the collaborative environment at [Company Name].”
Highlighting Communication Skills: “As a peer mentor, I developed strong communication skills by facilitating discussions and presenting information clearly to students, which will be invaluable in fostering open dialogue within your team.”
Describing Hard Skills: “My proficiency in data analysis software, such as Excel and R, was demonstrated during my internship, where I utilized these tools to generate reports that informed our strategic planning and improved decision-making processes.”
Showcasing Project Management Experience: “Leading a successful fundraising campaign for our student organization taught me essential project management skills, including budgeting and timeline development, which I am excited to bring to the project initiatives at [Company Name].”
Expressing Passion for the Role: “I am particularly drawn to this role because of my passion for [specific field or mission], which has driven my academic pursuits and extracurricular involvement throughout my college career.”
Connecting Academic Knowledge to Job Requirements: “My coursework in [relevant subject] provided me with a solid foundation in [specific skill or concept], allowing me to apply theoretical knowledge to practical situations, a necessity for success in this position.”
Translating Customer Service Skills: “My experience in customer service at [Restaurant or Company Name] taught me how to effectively manage client expectations and resolve conflicts, skills that are essential for maintaining strong relationships with stakeholders in an office environment.”
Demonstrating Adaptability: “Working in a fast-paced food service setting has equipped me with the ability to think on my feet and adapt to rapidly changing circumstances, qualities that I believe will be invaluable in the dynamic environment at [Company Name].”
Final Thoughts
In the end, your cover letter is your moment to shine—so make it count! Don’t just repeat your resume; use this space to show off your personality, your qualifications, and why you’re the perfect fit for the job. With careful attention and a bit of strategy, you can craft a cover letter that leaves a lasting impression.
Remember, the more thoughtful and tailored your cover letter, the better your chances of landing that dream role!