How to Perfect your Cover Letter
Are you applying for your first internship? Looking for tips to improve your current cover letters? Though job applicants sometimes dread doing so, crafting a stellar cover letter is one of the major factors that can make or break your chances of scoring an interview. To many hiring managers, cover letters are the most important aspect of your application. Within your cover letters, you have the chance to tell employers more about you than just what is shown on your resume. Specifically, you are given the opportunity to prove why you would be the best candidate for a respective role.
What exactly is a cover letter? A cover letter is a formal note, within the range of one page, that is often submitted alongside your resume and additional application materials. Within the letter, it is recommended to discuss skills you have developed over time and how past experiences align with the role you are applying for. Given that one may be applying to multiple positions in one time period, it is perfectly acceptable to use one general template as a starting point. However, before just switching out the company’s name and submitting it, think about personalizing the cover letter to the specific job. Be sure to refer to specific language that was used in the job description and make it clear that you have done your research on the company. Refer to the group of the company you are applying to, if applicable, and sell yourself as an asset to those hiring managers.
If you know the name of the hiring manager, feel free to address him or her as “Mr.” or “Ms.” However, if you are unsure, addressing your letter by writing “Dear Internship/Job Coordinator” is perfectly acceptable. When crafting your first paragraph, clarify the job you are applying for, as job coordinators may be skimming through cover letters for various positions. Relay your excitement at the possibility of working for this company, and use this space to explain just why you want this position. What is appealing to you about this role and the company as a whole?
Beyond knowing why you want the job, employers most want to know why they must hire you. The next section allows you to give an overview of your relevant experience. Even if you don’t believe an overall experience exactly matches the role of your desired job, look for skills that you have gained throughout them to help mirror the description. You can talk about projects you have been a part of, problem-solving skills you have gained, and academic and work situations.
Before you get ready to sign off on your cover letter, wow your hiring managers with a powerful conclusion. In one or two sentences, summarize what traits make you the best candidate for this job, and express your enthusiasm about the prospect of working at this company. Finally, thank them for their consideration and sign your name. Though it can be daunting to write cover letters at times, think of them as an opportunity rather than as a scary task. The more you portray yourself in a positive light, the more desirable you’ll be to employers.
—- Grace Maline, October 2022
