How to write a cover letter

The purpose of a cover letter is to give the hiring manager additional context beyond your resume about why you’re interested in a specific role and why you’d be a good fit. It’ll only come across as authentic if you take the time to write a new letter for each job application. But that doesn’t mean you have to reinvent the wheel each time! You can follow a simple structure to clearly explain your intentionality to the hiring manager.

The first paragraph of your cover letter should indicate what role you’re applying for, where you saw the posting, what you’re currently doing or have been doing most recently, and why you’ve applied for this open role. It shouldn’t be longer than a few sentences.

In the main paragraph, highlight the skills and experiences you have that qualify you for the role. Look at the job posting for clues as to what’s most important to the hiring manager, and elaborate on how you developed the relevant skills beyond what’s on your resume. Avoid claiming soft skills without context; instead, share how you developed those soft skills by showcasing achievements where you utilized them. This is also a short paragraph, typically 3-4 sentences. 

In the final paragraph, reiterate why your unique background makes you a fit for the role. Then, indicate that you’ve attached your resume or any other relevant materials (like a portfolio), respectfully request an interview, and thank the hiring manager for their time. This is also the paragraph where you’d include any random information the posting calls for, like if they ask for your top three favorite movies or your favorite utensil, which are questions designed to see if you’re following instructions.

That’s it! Follow this flow each time, and you’ll get into a rhythm where writing a strong, custom cover letter for each application is easy!