Writing a Stellar Cover Letter

Unlike your resume, you shouldn’t use the same cover letter for every job application you submit. Your cover letter is an extension of your personality and should be unique to each job. This one page of information should demonstrate you have all of the skills the recruiter or hiring manager is looking for. 

Starting with a memorable introduction, the body of your cover letter should include why you are the best candidate for the position. Provide what skills you have learned from a previous job or project and why you are a master at this skill. The example you use should relate to the company or industry you are applying for. Use the job description as a roadmap, detailing how you can solve a specific problem.

The closing paragraph should be a call to action. Why are you perfect for the role and invite them to contact them back? 

Final Tips:

• Try to avoid using common descriptive terms like detail-oriented and self-starter. 
• Proofread everything! If you can get a friend or family member to review your letter, 2 sets of eyes can be better than 1. 
• Be organized with not only the content of your letter but also the format. Make your cover letter and resume are presented in a similar format. For example, if you have a sidebar on the left of your cover letter like the CSS example document, then try a similar format on your resume. 

For more help on formatting your cover letter, use our Cover Letter Guide.