How to Write an Effective Cover Letter

A cover letter is your first chance to make a good first impression and show hiring managers why you stand out above other candidates. While this is an opportunity to show your personality and character, keep it concise. Cover letters should be short, formal, and thoughtful, and make sure your structure, grammar, and spelling are perfect. Above all, maintain focus and remember your intent; what you write will vary depending on the position, industry, or even company for which you are applying.  

Showcasing Your Strengths  

Hiring managers receive an influx of cover letters, so how can you make yours stand out? Draw them in fast. Start your cover letter off with a great hook and connect yourself with the reader. Next, focus on keywords. What words were used in the job description and how can you apply them to your experiences? Be intentional to not simply restate your résumé; rather, showcase your strengths, provide examples, and briefly speak to why your previous experience makes you the best candidate for the job. Most importantly, be honest and genuine – after all, this is your chance to make a good first impression before ever speaking face-to-face with the hiring manager or team. 

The Process of Writing an Effective Cover Letter

A good rule of thumb is to think of cover letters in the rule of thirds – spend 1/3 of your time planning, 1/3 of your time writing, and 1/3 of your time editing. Before planning, though, a promising first step is to look at samples. Seeing how others approach their cover letters can be eye-opening and inspiring, but remember, your cover letter should be your own, reflecting your strengths, personality, skills, and experience.  

Planning 

The first step is to plan. Establish your audience and reason for writing. What message are you trying to convey? What skills and experiences do you want to highlight? You will want to grab the reader’s attention in the first line. In planning, you also want to analyze yourself. What are your strengths, weaknesses, and opportunities for growth? This will show the hiring manager that you are self-aware. 

Writing 

Next, use what you laid out in the planning stage to further develop your ideas. The strengths, weaknesses, and opportunities for growth that you found will help you identify key points you want to make. In doing so, refer to specific positions in which these skills were used. Include any special projects and accomplishments that you are most proud of that may relate to the position for which you are applying. Hammer in your main point – why you are the right fit for the position and why you want to work for them. Sum up your strengths and how you are well-suited for the role. And, of course, be sure to thank the hiring manager for their time and consideration. 

Editing 

Finally, edit. Check for spelling, grammar, and typos. Then, read it aloud. The best way to decipher how your cover letter comes off is by reading it aloud. Does it sound funky or disingenuous? Am I missing something? Is my main point clear? Take a step back or have a friend look before making any drastic changes. Once you feel it is ready, compare your letter to the job description (and its keywords) before sending out the final version.  

Final Takeaways 

When writing an effective cover letter, be positive and natural, specific and persuasive, honest and polite, and, most importantly, confident. Divide your time evenly between the planning, writing, and editing stages. Make a good first impression and draw the reader in quickly. Be personable, show character, remember your intent, and be thoughtful in your execution. A well-thought-out and well-written cover letter will help you stand out among fellow candidates and make a strong first impression on the hiring team.