03.22.2023

Posted in Article

For many, trying to write the perfect cover letter can feel daunting, or like a nuisance. However, a good cover letter can help your application stand out and give you a chance to present the experiences and qualities that you believe make you a great fit for the job. Below we’ll discuss some of the ways you can put your best self forward and impress hiring managers in your cover letter.

Write a Tailored Cover Letter
When you’re in the middle of the job hunt, it can be tempting to write one cover letter and include it in every job application you complete. However, writing a vague enough cover letter to fit every single job you apply for is not going to help a hiring manager understand why you are the best fit for a specific job.

One of the biggest things a hiring manager will want to see in your cover letter is that you understand the job description and requirements and have the experience or skills that match the description. Read the job listing carefully and draw from your past career or personal experiences to talk about why you are equipped to handle the job responsibilities. You should tailor each cover letter you write to the specific job you are applying to.

How to Structure a Cover Letter
As with any letter, a cover letter should have an introduction, body, and conclusion. Each of these provides opportunities to explain why you are the best candidate for the position. A cover letter should never be longer than a single page, so keep this in mind as you structure your letter.
  • Introduction: In the first part of your cover letter, mention how you found the job listing and briefly explain why you are interested in the position and what made you want to apply.
  • Body: This is the section of your cover letter where you can go more into depth about your experience and how it aligns with the job description and responsibilities. Use specific examples and keywords from the job description.
  • Conclusion: In the final part of your cover letter, very briefly reaffirm your interest in the position and the company specifically, thank the hiring manager for taking the time to review your application, and include information about how they can contact you.
Helpful Tips
There are a few things you can do to make your cover letter stand out among the rest:
  • Use a professional tone and make sure your letter is free of grammar and spelling errors
  • Use keywords from the job description
  • Address the hiring manager by name whenever possible
  • Show your enthusiasm
The next time you find yourself with the task of writing a cover letter, look at it less as a nuisance, and more as an extra little opportunity to show the hiring manager how great you are and why you would make a strong employee. A few intelligent writing and structuring choices can go a long way toward creating the perfect cover letter and landing you your dream job!