Toolkit: Cover Letter Writing
Writing a compelling cover letter is crucial for landing that internship or job opportunity you hope for! This toolkit provides a guide to crafting a standout cover letter, tips, and frequently asked questions. Whether you’re applying for internships or full-time positions, this resource will help you create a cover letter that catches the eye of hiring managers and sets you apart from the competition.
Preparation & Key Considerations
- Contact Information Formatting Options
- Option A: Current Trend – Use the same Header as Resume (Preferred for online & ATS applications) – Your contact information, full name, phone number, and email address.
- Option B: Traditional Format – Your contact information in block format at the top left corner.
- Research Company and Study Job Description
- Make sure to identify keywords and learn about the culture/goals of the company and how your values, experience, skills and interests align with the position.
- Keep It Short and Sweet
- Don’t exceed one page. A concise cover letter is more likely to hold the reader’s attention.
- Use Numbers
- Quantify your impact with stats. For example, highlight percentages, savings, or any measurable improvements you contributed to.
- Include Results and Accomplishments
- Results and accomplishments show evidence of goals achieved, skills, applications, follow-up of assessments, and experience, which lends to a stronger cover letter.
- Do not copy exact words/phrases from sample cover letters
- Use Correct Name and Contact Information
- Confirm that you’ve included the correct company name and contact information.
- Avoid starting multiple sentences with “I”
- Proofread your letter
- Have someone read over your cover letter. Visit the writing center or your career consultant in the career center.
The Structure
Paragraph 1 and Greeting – An Engaging Opener (Introduce Yourself)
- Do NOT
- Begin with “To Whom It May Concern” or “Dear Sir/Madam”
- Start your first paragraph with “My name is …“
- Use clichés or generic language that could apply to any company
- Do
- Start with addressing a person directly: Dear Jane Doe (or Dear Hiring Manager if you can’t find the hiring manager’s name on LinkedIn or the company’s website)
- Be creative but remain professional in your opening paragraph
- Show enthusiasm/passion and be personable
- Highlight what you bring to the company/why you are a good fit
- Include with accomplishments relevant to the position
- Reinforce qualifications relevant to the position
- Answer the questions: Why is this position right for me? Why do I want to work for this specific organization?
Paragraph 2 & 3 – A Clear Pitch (Sell Yourself)
- Emphasize the skills and experiences most relevant to the job description.
- Balance Soft and Hard Skills
- Communicate your values, what you stand for relating to the position and company culture.
- Highlight your significant accomplishments, strengths, and how they align with the job requirements.
- Demonstrate that you understand the company’s needs and how you can contribute.
- Answer the question: Why am I right for this position?
Paragraph 4 and Closing – Finish Strong
- Keep this paragraph short and sweet.
- Reinforce your enthusiasm and fit for the position. Your closing paragraph is your last chance to leave a strong impression, so make sure it’s compelling.
- Be sure to thank them with a final line: “Thank you for your consideration and I look forward to hearing from you“
- Answer the questions: Does the recruiter know how to contact me, and the type of position I am seeking?
- Close your letter with “Sincerely”, followed by your full name
Differences Between Job and Internship Cover Letters
- Experience Level
- Job cover letters focus on professional experience and how you can immediately contribute.
- Internship cover letters highlight educational background and potential.
- Tone
- Job cover letters should be confident and assertive.
- Internship cover letters should be enthusiastic and eager.
- Skills and Achievements
- Job cover letters emphasize specialized skills and professional accomplishments.
- Internship cover letters focus on transferable skills and academic achievements.
- Alignment
- Job cover letters should show how your experience aligns with the company’s needs.
- Internship cover letters should express a desire to learn and grow within the company and the value of the internship to your career goals and aspirations.
Utilizing Generative AI to Write a Cover Letter
In today’s job market, leveraging AI tools like ChatGPT can streamline the process of writing a personalized cover letter. Below are steps and tips from Austin Belcak’s The Dream Job System Podcast, which explains how to effectively use AI to craft a compelling cover letter.
(Time Stamped Show Notes from The Dream Job System Podcast)
- [0:30] – Don’t just copy/paste!
- Avoid the temptation to copy and paste a generic cover letter. Instead, use AI as a tool to personalize and refine your cover letter to fit the specific job you’re applying for.
- [1:40] – ChatGPT
- Introduction to ChatGPT and its capabilities. ChatGPT can help you write a cover letter by generating content based on the information you provide.
- [2:48] – How to use ChatGPT to write your cover letter
- Step 1: Open your target job description and a copy of your resume.
- Step 2: Head over to ChatGPT (you’ll need to create a free account).
- Step 3: Copy and paste the following into the chat box: “Write me a personalized cover letter explaining why I’m a great candidate for this job. The job title is [Job Title], the company is [Company Name], and here is the job description: [Paste Job Description].”
- Step 4: Once ChatGPT generates a draft, copy and paste the following to refine it further: “Revise and personalize this cover letter using my resume: [Paste Resume Content].”
- [5:09] – Making some tweaks
- After ChatGPT generates your cover letter, review and tweak it to ensure it accurately reflects your voice, experience, and enthusiasm for the position. Make sure the letter aligns with the job description and emphasizes your most relevant qualifications.
This approach not only saves time but also ensures that your cover letter is tailored to the specific job, increasing your chances of standing out to hiring managers.
References and Resources
- Podcast: The Dream Job System Podcast
Austin Belcak explains how to use generative AI to write a cover letter that will help you land your dream job. - How to Write a Cover Letter Using AI
Detailed steps on how to use ChatGPT to craft a personalized cover letter, including how to refine it using your resume content. - NCDA Cover Letter Guide
Comprehensive guide on writing cover letters, including examples and templates for various job applications. - How To Start a Cover Letter
Tips and strategies for starting a cover letter that immediately grabs the reader’s attention.
These resources provide additional guidance and examples to help you craft a cover letter that stands out. Feel free to explore them for more tips and inspiration. Good luck with your applications!
Your Career Center Team!