About 50 percent of the respondents to a recent Student Health 101 survey think cover letters are essential for making a good impression on prospective employers, but about 20 percent have never written one. What about you? Eduardo M., a student at Allan Hancock College in Santa Maria, California, says, “Starting a cover letter can be so intimidating, especially if you don’t know how to word things.”
Amber Kreger, the assistant director of career services at Central Penn College in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, points out that your cover letter is an introduction to your résumé and can elaborate on your experiences in a more personal manner. It’s the first thing a potential employer sees about you, and may be your one opportunity to make a great impression and be invited for the next step in the hiring process.
Here are the five questions to answer in a powerful cover letter:
Ken Heinzel, author of Private Notes of a Headhunter, spent years as a recruiter for high-level employees before becoming an instructor at Sonoma State University in Rohnert Park, California. He says, “You should be able to write a short paper” about any company to which you’re applying.
Do your research and demonstrate that your letter is about a particular position.
Forget “To Whom It May Concern.” Find out the name of the hiring manager. If it’s not listed, call human resources (HR). Also ask if the person goes by Mr., Mrs., or another prefix. This demonstrates initiative and that you’re genuinely interested—not just applying blindly.
Heinzel says many people get jobs via networking: “You might know someone at the company,” he notes. If so, mention your connection in the cover letter. If you spoke with an HR representative, include that person’s name. This demonstrates attention to detail, and the person may put in a good word for you.
Put your purpose in your opening paragraph. Reference the job title that was posted and your objective. Explain why you want the job, and why you want to work at this company in particular. For example, Heinzel suggests mentioning a recent piece of news about the company and how that relates to your goals.
This is the real meat of the letter. Explain why you’re right for the position that’s available (or for the company as a whole). It’s important to talk about your skills, talents, and achievements—particularly as they relate to the job’s responsibilities.
Use specific examples whenever possible. They’re more convincing and you’re less likely to sound conceited.
For example, saying you’re a hard worker is vague. Instead, provide an example that demonstrates your commitment to an organization you worked at previously, such as devoting additional time to a project or volunteering to take on extra responsibilities.
Be specific about successes you’ve had. Heinzel says companies want to hear about results.
Just remember to keep it succinct. Jill W., a student at Rowan-Cabarrus Community College’s North Campus in Salisbury, North Carolina, says, “Look at the job description and note the skills the employer has listed. Focus on addressing the main ones.”
Kreger says your cover letter can highlight transferable skills you’ve acquired from other experiences, including volunteering or past opportunities in unrelated fields.
Gabriel Razo, the director of career planning and placement at Harold Washington College in Chicago, Illinois, agrees. “Think big picture. That work you did in your internship or part-time job is worth bragging about in your cover letter,” he says.
Always use spell-check and confirm that names of people and the company are correct. Reading the letter aloud can be a good way to detect awkward sentences. Find a second pair of eyes, too. Your school’s career services can help.
Finally, make sure you have all the headers in the right place and your paragraphs aligned properly. The font and formatting should match your résumé. If it’s a paper copy, sign it. If it’s electronic, make sure it’s saved in such a way that the formatting and information won’t change when transmitted and it will print well in black and white.
Over half of the respondents to the Student Health 101 survey said they revise their cover letters slightly for each job application. That’s a start, but for most jobs it’s best to really individualize the contents. This will help you explain why you want this job at this company. You may also want to tweak your résumé to highlight skills and experiences that are more relevant for the position. Jill says, “I have several résumés, depending on the types of jobs I’m applying for.”
With a little practice, you can discover a winning formula for crafting cover letters.
Theresa is a freelance writer and recent graduate of the University of King’s College in Halifax, Nova Scotia.
Here’s a general outline of a cover letter:
Paragraph 1:
Explain why you’re writing. For what position are you applying, where did you see it posted, and why are you interested?
Paragraphs 2 & 3:
Without repeating what’s on your résumé, explain why you’re right for the job. Use specific examples that relate to the position’s responsibilities.
Paragraph 4:
Close your letter by thanking the reader and explain how you’ll follow up. For example, “I will call next week to connect with you,” or “I look forward to discussing the position with you.”
Use a simple sign-off, such as the classic “Sincerely.” Even if you’ll be signing the document, type your first and last names as well.
Tip:
Keep it short! Cover letters should be no longer than one page.
