What to Include in a Cover Letter

Next to your resume, cover letters also contribute to your potential employer’s first impression of you. With that being said, a polished put-together cover letter will hopefully land you an interview with your dream company. A cover letter can either raise your chances of getting that interview or completely crush those chances. Here are a few tips on what to include in a perfect cover letter.

A Short Introduction

Tell the employer a little about yourself. Whether you’re a new college student looking for that first job or a stellar employee with years of experience, it is important to give the employer some context before explaining your experience.

The Job

This may seem obvious, but you need to mention the job that you are applying for. Even more importantly, explain why you are applying and what you hope to gain out of the position. It is also a good idea to be specific when mentioning the job title. Lastly, make sure to state the location and the company’s name.

Experience

Now it’s time to “humble-brag” about your professional experience in the field you are applying for. Try matching your past skills and experience to the position’s job description. A great idea is to pull key words from the job description. For example, let’s say one of the job requirements is being an extremely organized person. Include buzzwords like “organized” and “detailed” in your cover letter to make you stand out. This will also prove that you did your research and truly want this job.

Unique & Specific

Don’t use the same cover letter for every position you apply for unless the positions are nearly identical and remember to be specific about the job you are applying for. Otherwise, an employer might know that you have used your cover letter multiple times. This could put you at risk of not getting a follow-up or even an interview.

It is important for you to remember that your cover letter is just as important as your resume. Your cover letter gives your resume life and shows that there is a hardworking person behind that piece of paper!