While not every job application requires a cover letter, writing one can demonstrate initiative, strong writing skills, and genuine interest in the company. Some hiring managers skim them, or disregard them completely, but others view them as an essential part of the application—so it is best to include one unless the job posting says not to.
Anatomy of a strong cover letter
- The first paragraph should explain why you are interested in that specific role at that specific company. Mention something that shows you have done your research, like specific company values, cultural aspects, or recent achievements.
- The second paragraph should highlight why you are a great candidate for the role. This means connecting your own experiences, skills, and education directly to the qualifications requested in the job description.
- The final paragraph can be a consistent template: thank the employer for their time, express interest in an interview, and reaffirm your enthusiasm for the opportunity. For example: “Thank you for reviewing my application. I would welcome the opportunity to further discuss the value I can bring to your team during an interview.”
Best practices when writing cover letters:
- Tailor each cover letter to the specific job and employer: Generic letters are easy to spot; customization shows effort and genuine interest.
- Use a professional format: Match your resume header, use standard business letter structure, and aim for ¾ of a page in length.
- Avoid restating your entire resume: Focus on expanding one or two relevant examples that illustrate why you are a strong fit.
- Use confident, active language: Express enthusiasm and clearly articulate your value without sounding passive or unsure.
- Limit personal pronouns and avoid overly casual language: It is okay to use “I” occasionally, but keep the tone polished and professional.
- Proofread multiple times: A cover letter with typos or grammar mistakes can discredit your professionalism—review carefully or use a tool like Grammarly to ensure it comes across as a strong representation of your written communication skills. Cover letters are often evaluated as writing samples!
- Save as a PDF (unless instructed otherwise): This ensures your formatting stays intact and looks professional on any device.
- Label the file clearly when submitting: Use a filename like
Firstname_Lastname_CompanyName_Cover_Letter.pdf.
Applying these best practices to your application documents will increase your chances of securing interview invitations. To learn more, reference the
Checklist for Effective Resumes and Cover Letters, take a look at the Cover Letters that Get Results handout, or make an appointment with your W. P. Carey career coach.
