Spencer Lanoue
Writing a cover letter can feel intimidating—especially when you're staring at a blank page with no idea how to start. In this post, I'll break down a simple structure you can follow to get your ideas flowing fast.
Why Cover Letters Matter
It's easy to think that a resume does all the heavy lifting in a job application, but cover letters have their own kind of magic. They serve as your first impression and give you a chance to show off your personality and enthusiasm for the role. Think of them as a personal introduction—they offer insights into who you are beyond the bullet points of your resume. A well-crafted cover letter can highlight your unique qualifications and make you stand out in a sea of applicants.
What Employers Look For
Employers aren't just scanning your cover letter for spelling mistakes or grammar errors. They're looking for evidence of passion, understanding of the company, and how well your experiences align with the job requirements. They want to see that you've done your homework and are genuinely excited about the prospect of joining their team.
The Role of Creativity
While creativity isn't about using fancy fonts or colorful paper, it does involve thinking outside the box. A creative cover letter doesn't necessarily mean writing in iambic pentameter, but it does mean finding a way to express your individuality while remaining professional. It's about showing a glimmer of who you are as a person, while still keeping it relevant to the job.
Getting Started: The Basics
Before you start writing, there are a few basics you should have in place. First, make sure you know the company and the role you're applying for. Spend some time researching the company culture, mission, and any recent news. This knowledge will not only help you tailor your cover letter but also show that you're truly interested in the company.
Structuring Your Cover Letter
A cover letter generally consists of three main parts: the introduction, the body, and the conclusion. Each section has its own purpose and importance.
- Introduction: Grab the reader's attention and introduce yourself.
- Body: Highlight relevant experiences and explain why you're a strong fit for the job.
- Conclusion: Reiterate your interest and provide a call to action.
Length and Tone
Keep your cover letter concise—typically one page is ideal. The tone should be professional but approachable. Use active voice and keep your sentences clear and direct. Avoid jargon or overly complex language. Your goal is to convey your enthusiasm and qualifications in a straightforward manner.
Crafting a Strong Introduction
Your introduction sets the stage for the rest of your cover letter. It needs to be engaging and direct, capturing the reader's attention right away. You can start by mentioning how you learned about the position or expressing your excitement about the opportunity.
Addressing the Hiring Manager
Whenever possible, address your cover letter to a specific person rather than using generic salutations like "To Whom It May Concern." Finding the right name can sometimes be a challenge, but it's worth the effort. If it's not listed in the job posting, a quick LinkedIn search or call to the company's HR department can often do the trick.
Example Introduction
Here's a simple yet effective introduction:
Dear [Hiring Manager's Name],
When I came across the job posting for [Position Title] at [Company Name], I was thrilled. With a background in [Your Field/Industry] and a passion for [Related Interest], I am excited about the opportunity to contribute to your team and help achieve [Company's Goal/Objective].
Making the Body Work For You
The body of your cover letter is where you connect your skills and experiences to the job you're applying for. This is your chance to shine a spotlight on your most relevant achievements and explain how they'll benefit the company.
Highlighting Key Skills
Focus on the skills and experiences that are most relevant to the job description. Use specific examples to illustrate your abilities and achievements. This isn't the time to list every job you've ever had, but rather to pick a few standout moments that demonstrate your value.
Telling a Story
Humans are wired to respond to stories, so if you can, weave a narrative about your career journey. Perhaps there's a specific project you led that aligns perfectly with the role, or a challenge you overcame that taught you valuable lessons. A well-told story can make your cover letter memorable.
Example Body Paragraph
Here's a sample body paragraph:
In my previous role at [Previous Company Name], I successfully led a team of [Number] in a project that resulted in a [Percentage]% increase in [Specific Metric]. By implementing [Strategy/Tool], we were able to [Achievement/Result], which directly aligns with your goal of [Company Goal/Objective] at [Company Name].
Nailing the Conclusion
Your conclusion should wrap things up succinctly while leaving a positive impression. Reiterate your enthusiasm for the position and the company, and include a call to action—such as expressing your desire for an interview or offering to provide further information.
Polite and Professional
End on a polite and professional note. Thank the hiring manager for their time and consideration. You want to leave them with a positive feeling about your application.
Example Conclusion
Here's a concise and effective conclusion:
Thank you for considering my application. I am eager to bring my skills in [Your Skill/Field] to [Company Name] and contribute to your team's success. I look forward to the opportunity to discuss how my background, skills, and enthusiasms align with the goals of [Company Name]. Please feel free to contact me at your earliest convenience to schedule an interview.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Common Pitfalls to Avoid
Even the best intentions can go awry if you fall into common cover letter traps. Here are a few things to watch out for:
Being Too Generic
Avoid generic statements that could apply to any job. Tailor each cover letter to the specific position and company. Taking this extra step shows that you're genuinely interested in the role and not just sending out mass applications.
Overusing Buzzwords
While certain keywords can be important, overloading your cover letter with buzzwords can make it feel insincere. Focus on meaningful content rather than trying to impress with trendy phrases.
Forgetting to Proofread
Spelling and grammar mistakes can quickly undermine your credibility. Always proofread your cover letter, and consider asking a friend or family member to review it as well. Fresh eyes can catch errors you might have missed.
The Role of AI in Cover Letter Writing
In today's tech-driven world, AI can be a powerful ally in crafting a cover letter. Tools like create your docs with AI can help generate personalized content and refine your wording to sound polished and professional. By leveraging AI, you can quickly draft a cover letter that highlights your strengths and fits the job description perfectly.
How AI Can Help
AI tools can assist in various aspects of writing a cover letter, from brainstorming ideas to structuring your content. They can provide suggestions for improving clarity and coherence, helping you to present your best self on paper.
Balancing AI and Personal Touch
While AI can be incredibly helpful, it's important to maintain your personal touch. Use AI to enhance your writing, but ensure your cover letter still reflects your personality and authentic voice.
The Power of Customization
Customization is key to making your cover letter stand out. Each job application is unique, and your cover letter should reflect that. Tailor your letter to the specific role and company, demonstrating your understanding of their needs and how you can fulfill them.
Research and Personalization
Do your research on the company and role. Mention specific projects, values, or initiatives that resonate with you. This level of detail shows that you've done your homework and are sincerely interested in the position.
Example of Customization
Here's how you might customize a cover letter for a specific company:
I am particularly drawn to [Company Name]'s commitment to [Company Value/Initiative]. As someone who values [Related Value/Initiative], I am excited about the prospect of contributing to your team and supporting your mission of [Company Mission/Goal].
When and How to Follow Up
Following up after submitting your cover letter can demonstrate your enthusiasm and persistence, but timing and tact are crucial. You don't want to appear pushy, but a well-timed follow-up can reinforce your interest in the position.
Timing Your Follow-Up
A good rule of thumb is to wait about a week after submitting your application before following up. This gives the hiring team time to review your materials without feeling rushed.
Crafting a Follow-Up Email
Keep your follow-up email brief and polite. Reiterate your interest in the position and inquire about the timeline for the hiring process. Here's a simple example:
Subject: Follow-Up on Application for [Position Title]
Dear [Hiring Manager's Name],
I hope this message finds you well. I recently submitted my application for the [Position Title] role and wanted to express my continued interest in the opportunity to join [Company Name]. I am eager to bring my skills and experience in [Your Field/Industry] to your team. Could you please provide any updates on the hiring timeline at your convenience?
Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the possibility of discussing how I can contribute to [Company Name]'s success.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
Final Thoughts
Writing a cover letter doesn't have to be a daunting task. With the right structure, a personal touch, and a bit of customization, you can create a compelling introduction to your professional story. If you find yourself stuck, consider using Spell's AI-powered tools to help you craft a polished and personalized cover letter. They can help you draft and refine your writing so you can focus on what really matters: telling your story and landing your dream job.
