writing a cover letter that stands out

3 Examples of Cover Letters That Stand Out (with Tips)

By Status.net Editorial Team on February 15, 2024 — 12 minutes to read

Crafting a Memorable Introduction

When you’re writing a cover letter, you want to grab the hiring manager’s attention immediately. Your introduction is your first chance to show off your personality and give them a reason to keep reading. Start with a greeting that is polite yet shows you’ve done your homework—use the hiring manager’s name if you can find it.

Dive straight into why you’re excited about the company. Maybe you’re inspired by their mission statement or impressed by their rapid growth in the industry. Then, tie this enthusiasm back to your skills. For example:

“Having followed (…) Company’s evolution as a leader in sustainable practices, I am thrilled at the possibility of bringing my decade of experience in green technologies to your dynamic team.”

It’s important to tell a brief story that highlights your relevant achievements. Pick an accomplishment that aligns with the job requirements and show, don’t tell. Use numbers or outcomes to illustrate your impact. It could look something like this:

“After spearheading a successful social media campaign that increased online engagement by 30%, I am eager to apply my digital marketing expertise to elevate (…) Inc.’s brand presence.”

Close your introduction with a sentence that underscores your enthusiasm and readiness to discuss how you can contribute to the company’s success.

Try to personalize your introduction for each job application. Generic intros are easy to spot and often don’t make it past the first read. Taking the time to craft a unique opening will help your cover letter stand out.

Showcasing Relevant Skills

When crafting your cover letter, highlighting your relevant skills is a key way to grab an employer’s attention. Make sure to tailor these skills to the job you are applying for by matching keywords and demonstrating transferable skills.

Matching Job Description Keywords

Review the job posting carefully and identify the keywords related to the skills and qualifications required .

Use these keywords in your cover letter to show that your experience and abilities align with what the employer is seeking.

This approach not only shows that you’ve paid attention to the details of the job description but also helps your application pass through applicant tracking systems that screen for these specific terms.

• “Experienced in social media management and content creation, as specified in the job description.”
• “Proficient in graphic design software including Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator, aligning with your need for a creative professional.”

Highlighting Transferable Skills

Even if you’re changing industries or don’t have direct experience, showcase your transferable skills. These are abilities that can be applied across various jobs and sectors, such as leadership, communication, or problem-solving. Explain how these skills have contributed to your success in past roles and how they can be beneficial in the position you’re applying for.

• “Utilized exceptional organizational abilities to manage multiple projects simultaneously, ensuring all deadlines were met.”
• “Employed problem-solving skills to resolve customer complaints quickly, increasing customer satisfaction by 35%.”

Incorporating Success Stories

When crafting your cover letter, including success stories can make a significant impact. Highlight your past achievements to show how you can bring value to the position you’re applying for.

Using Quantifiable Achievements

By using numbers and data, you make your contributions concrete. This gives hiring managers a clear picture of your potential impact on their company. For example, if you increased sales, specify by how much, such as “Boosted regional sales by 25% within one financial quarter.”

• Increased team productivity by 30% through strategic workflow redesign.
• Cut customer service response times by 50%, enhancing customer satisfaction.

Narrating Career Milestones

Connect the dots in your career by sharing key milestones. Tell the story of how you solved a difficult problem or took on new responsibilities. This paints a dynamic picture of your growth. Example: “Successfully managed a project that resulted in a patented product, becoming a top-seller for my company.”

• Led the development of a new tracking system that decreased shipping errors by 15%.
• Spearheaded a fundraiser event that raised $20,000 for local charities.

Cover letters that stand out contain specific components that highlight your suitability for a position.

Concluding with a Strong Call to Action

The closing of your cover letter is where you need to reel in the hiring manager with a compelling call to action (CTA). This means directly inviting them to contact you for an interview or further discussion. Here’s how you can effectively do this:

• First, express genuine enthusiasm about the position. You want to communicate your eagerness to take the next step. For example, “I am very excited about the prospect of joining your team and am eager to discuss how I can contribute to the success of your organization.”
• Next, clearly state what you want to happen next. It’s important that there’s no ambiguity about your intentions. A straightforward request, like “I would welcome the opportunity to speak with you about how my skills and experience align with your needs,” can convey your confidence and desire for an interview.
• Make it easy for them to reach out. Include your contact information in the closing paragraph and invite them to call or email you. Phrases like “Please feel free to contact me at your earliest convenience,” followed by a phone number or email address, demonstrate your openness and readiness for communication.
• End on a polite note. Thanking the reader for their time and consideration showcases your politeness and respect. A simple “Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the possibility of contributing to your esteemed company,” can leave a positive final impression.
• “Please contact me at [your phone number] to discuss how I can bring value to your team.”
• “I am available for an interview at your earliest convenience and can be reached at [your email address].”
• “I look forward to the opportunity to share how I can make a difference in your company.”
• “I’m keen to discuss my fit for the role in greater detail.”
• “I am hopeful for the chance to further discuss my potential impact on your team.”
• “Eager to explore this opportunity with you, please reach out to me via [contact method].”

Template of a Strong Cover Letter

Dear [Employer’s Name or Hiring Manager’s Name],

I am interested in the [Job Title] job at [Company Name] that I saw [where you found the job posting]. I have experience in [Your Field/Industry] and have achieved [specific achievement or skill]. I am looking forward to helping [Company Name] reach its goals.

At my last job at [Previous Employer], I did [describe a relevant achievement or project] which improved my skills in [mention specific skills or areas of expertise] and showed I am good at [mention a quality or achievement that reflects the job requirements, such as problem-solving, innovation, or collaboration].

I like [Company Name] because [mention something specific about the company or its mission that aligns with your values or career goals]. I respect how your company [describe an aspect of the company’s work, culture, or values], and I want to use my [mention a key skill or experience] to help your company succeed.

I am excited to [mention how you would apply your skills in the role, aligning with the job description]. I believe my [mention a personal trait or professional attribute] and [another skill or experience] make me a good fit to help [Company Name] with [mention a goal or project relevant to the position].

I have attached my resume for more information about my qualifications. I would be happy to talk about how I can contribute to [Company Name]. Thank you for looking at my application. I am ready to discuss this job with you and join your team.

Best wishes,

[Your Name]

Dear (…),

I am interested in the Marketing Coordinator position at (…) Solutions that I saw listed on LinkedIn. With a background in marketing and a proven record of increasing customer engagement, I am looking forward to helping (…) Solutions reach its marketing objectives.

At my last job at (…), I led a campaign that increased social media engagement by 40%. This experience improved my skills in social media strategy and analytics and showed I am good at creative problem-solving and effective communication.

What draws me to (…) Solutions is your commitment to leveraging technology for environmental sustainability. I respect how your company integrates eco-friendly practices into its business model, and I want to use my expertise in digital marketing to help your company expand its reach.

I am excited about the chance to use my skills in this role, particularly aligning with your recent initiative to launch an online eco-conscious marketplace. I believe my proactive approach and experience in project management make me a good fit to help (…) Solutions successfully market this new platform.

Enclosed is my resume, which provides more details about my qualifications. I would be thrilled to discuss how I can contribute to the innovative work at (…) Solutions. Thank you for considering my application. I am eager to discuss this opportunity with you and hope to join your dynamic team.

When using this template, customize each cover letter with specific details about the company and the role you are applying for . Personalization is key to making your application stand out.

Examples of Cover Letters That Stand Out

Cover letters that stand out are tailored to the job and company, showcasing the candidate’s relevant achievements and expressing genuine interest in the specific role and organization.

Cover Letter Example for a Graphic Designer Position

Hello [Employer’s Name],

I’m interested in the Graphic Designer job at [Company Name] that I saw [where you found the job posting]. I have a degree in Graphic Design and over five years of experience. I believe I can create great designs for you.

At my current job at [Current Employer], I led a rebranding for a big client that made their online presence grow by 30% in three months. I’m good with Adobe Creative Suite and always keep up with new design trends, so I make modern and attractive designs.

I’m excited about working at [Company Name] because you value creativity and innovation. I really liked your recent campaign for [specific project or client]. It stood out to me as a designer and a shopper.

I’m looking forward to using my skills and creativity at [Company Name]. I’ve attached my resume and a link to my portfolio for you to see. I look forward to the possibility of discussing this exciting opportunity with you. Thank you for considering my application.

Warm regards,

Cover Letter Example for a Marketing Manager Position

I am a marketing professional with over ten years of experience and I’m excited about the Marketing Manager job at [Company Name]. I’ve led campaigns that increased revenue by 20% each year and I’m looking forward to helping [Company Name] grow even more.

At my last job at [Former Employer], I ran a digital marketing campaign that raised online sales by 40% and got more people interacting with us on social media. My hands-on experience with SEO, PPC, and CRM systems, along with my ability to analyze market trends and adjust strategies accordingly, are skills I am eager to bring to your team.

I really admire [Company Name]’s fresh ways of marketing, like your recent [specific campaign or initiative]. I believe my experience with building brands and targeted marketing fits well with what you’re doing.

I’d love to talk about how I can be part of [Company Name]’s success. Please find my resume attached for your consideration. Thank you for your time and I hope to speak with you soon.

Cover Letter Example for an Administrative Assistant

Dear [Employer’s Name],

I am very interested in the Administrative Assistant job at [Company Name] that I found on [where you found the job posting]. I have experience in administrative work and I really enjoy making sure an office runs well. I’m looking forward to the chance to be part of your team.

In my last job at [Previous Employer], I gained skills like managing schedules, preparing documents quickly, and making sure the office works at its best. I work well with different teams and I’m good at using MS Office and CRM software, which has helped make things run more smoothly and helped the business grow.

I once reorganized the filing system at [Previous Employer], which made finding information 30% faster. I would like to do similar work at [Company Name] to help with the quick pace of your work.

I like [Company Name]’s focus on both helping employees grow and working together. I am excited to bring my skills and experience to a place that values hard work and commitment.

I hope we can talk about how I can help with [Company Name]’s administrative tasks. I am available at [Your Phone Number] or [Your Email].

Thank you for considering my application. I am eager to support the team at [Company Name] and help with your success.

Best regards,

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the key elements to include in a standout cover letter.

A standout cover letter includes a personalized greeting, a compelling opening statement, evidence of your achievements, skills relevant to the job, enthusiasm for the role, and a professional closing.

Can you suggest a structure for an effective cover letter?

An effective cover letter typically starts with a header and salutation, followed by an introductory paragraph, 1-2 body paragraphs detailing your qualifications and fit for the role, and concludes with a call to action and formal sign-off. For instance, “I am excited to discuss how my experience as a digital marketer can drive growth for (…) Corp.”

How can I begin my cover letter to immediately grab the employer’s attention?

Begin your cover letter with an intriguing fact about yourself, a question, or a bold statement related to the job. You could start with, “Reducing customer churn by 30% at my last job makes me eager to apply these strategies to the Client Engagement Specialist position at your esteemed company.”

What are some innovative ways to showcase my personality in a cover letter?

You can showcase your personality by sharing a brief story that illustrates your passion for the field, using a conversational tone, or including an interest that aligns with the company’s culture. For example, “My passion for graphic design started when I redesigned a flyer for a local pet shelter and saw the impact it had on adoption rates.”

Could you provide a model of a concise yet impactful cover letter?

For example, “Dear Hiring Manager, your ad for a creative copywriter caught my eye. At (…) Agency, I increased client engagement for major brands through compelling copy—one campaign saw a 50% jump in CTR.”

What strategies can I use to tailor my cover letter for different job applications?

Research the company and position to include specific details in your cover letter. Use keywords from the job description and speak directly to how your skills and experience meet those needs.

• Resume vs. Cover Letter (Thoughtful Tips)
• 3 Inspiring Nonprofit Cover Letter Examples
• Emotional Intelligence (EQ) in Leadership [Examples, Tips]
• 5 Key Parts of an Effective Cover Letter (with Examples)
• Effective Nonverbal Communication in the Workplace (Examples)
• Empathy: Definition, Types, and Tips for Effective Practice

• Share full article

Advertisement

Supported by

How to write a cover letter people will actually read

By Daniel Victor

• Oct. 21, 2016

This article is part of a series aimed at helping you navigate life’s opportunities and challenges. What else should we write about? Contact us: [email protected].

You’re probably not the only one applying for that job.

That might seem obvious, but too many cover letters are written in a robotic style that leave little impression on hiring managers who are sifting through vast piles of applications, according to career counselors. The cover letter is your chance — most likely your only one — to stand out from many other candidates who have similar résumés.

Don’t botch it. Despite the high stakes, a lot of job-seekers treat the cover letter like a formality, putting little thought and few personal flourishes into it.

“A cover letter can make the difference between two equally qualified candidates,” said John O’Neill, the assistant dean of career education for Stanford University.

While every industry and hiring manager is different, here are some tricks to increase your chances of scoring an interview.

Don’t stick to a template

You could easily Google “cover letter template” to get some ideas on how to write it. Don’t.

“You need to think about your audience,” said Kristen Fitzpatrick, the managing director of career and professional development at Harvard Business School. “Who’s reading it? How do you capture their attention enough so they move you from one pile to another?”

This is your time to show your communication skills and your personality. You must make the case that the other 99 percent of applicants don’t have what you have. Following a template, or otherwise putting little effort into making your letter stand out, suggests you’re just another applicant.

Don’t rehash your résumé

Focus on the organization you’re writing to and the job description of the open position. If you nail your cover letter, the hiring manager will end up reading your résumé anyway, so don’t waste precious space duplicating it by going down the list of where you’ve worked.

“It’s to complement your résumé, not repeat it,” Mr. O’Neill said. “Cover letters where you’re just rewriting the content of your résumé aren’t effective.”

Instead, you could list some specific examples of projects you’ve worked on, and explain what you learned from them and how that knowledge would apply to the open position. Or you could offer some new ideas, showing from the start that you understand the company’s goals and would bring creativity.

(Related: Getting past the first cut with a résumé that grabs digital eyes )

Don’t state the obvious

Read your letter again, and zap any clichés or platitudes that don’t say something meaningful about you, the position or the company.

As an example: Don’t say you’re a “hard worker.” Everyone says that, and it would be easy to lie about if you weren’t, making it a meaningless sentiment to include. It merely takes up space that could be better spent on something that actually sets you apart from the other candidates.

“It’s not even worth saying,” Ms. Fitzpatrick said. “You’ll show you’re a hard worker by going above and beyond in writing a letter.”

Do your research

This requires going past the first page of Google results.

You could go to a library to sift through professional databases that might have more information, or get coffee with someone who works at the company you’re applying to. Show a familiarity with recent projects, acquisitions and public statements. It doesn’t have to be a lot, but a few sentences to show you’ve put time into it could go a long way.

If you’re not preparing for something as crucial as a cover letter, why would they trust you would prepare for an important meeting?

Focus on what you can offer them

A lot of applicants spend too much time talking about why they love the company, Ms. Fitzpatrick said.

“How many letters does Apple read that say, ‘I couldn’t live without my iPhone’? Probably a lot,” she said. “So you want to show you are unique and you’ve done your research.”

You do want to make it clear that you respect the company and explain why you’re interested, but the focus should be on what you can do for them.

“You want to avoid too many ‘I’ statements — ‘I know this,’ ‘I did this,’ ‘I can do X, Y or Z’ — because that’s too much about what you’re going to get out of this opportunity,” Mr. O’Neill said.

The company isn’t posting a job for charity, or to improve your life; they’re trying to fill a position they consider essential. Convince them that you’re the one who would most help them, not that you’d benefit most from it.

Want more? You might also like:

• Why it’s fine to job-hop for a few years after college

• The incalculable value of finding a job you love

• Looking for a new job? These free apps can help

Explore Our Business Coverage

Dive deeper into the people, issues and trends shaping the world of business..

Phoenix  Housing Crunch:  A swelling population coupled with development restrictions have contributed to  a dire shortage of affordable housing in the biggest city in Arizona , one of the six states likely to determine the U.S. presidential election.

A Billionaire Online Warrior:  Bill Ackman, an obstinate hedge-funder who loves a public crusade, has used X to push himself into a new realm of celebrity .

Cancel Smartphones: The N.Y.U. professor Jonathan Haidt became a favorite in Silicon Valley for his work on what he called the “coddling” of young people. Now, he has an idea for fixing Gen Z .

Landline Pride: Traditional phones may seem like relics in the iPhone era, but a recent AT&T cellular service outage  had some landline lovers extolling their virtues.

C.E.O. Dreams: Fresh business school graduates are raising “search funds”  from willing investors to buy companies they can lead.

Nelson Peltz Wants Respect: The longtime corporate agitator feels misunderstood . Maybe his fight with Disney could change that.

• Internships
• Career Advice

3 Keys to Writing Cover Letters That Stand Out

Published: Jan 05, 2021

It’s a myth that high quality job openings are few and far between thanks to Covid. The truth is, despite the economic uncertainty created by the pandemic, there are many great openings out there. And to get them—or, at least, have a chance at getting them—you first need to capture the attention of hiring managers. And the best way to do that is to write compelling cover letters. So here are the three keys to writing cover letters that stand out.

1. Convey your personality, quirks and all.

Showcasing your uniqueness and allowing your personality to shine through in your cover letters can magnetize hiring managers, sending instant messages that you might be the candidate they’re looking for. The secret to achieving this is to use specific details, rather than vague ones.

For example, the following was recently used by an applicant when applying for a Head of Marketing position (shortly after sending this, the candidate was interviewed and then hired):

“I have a passion for data and analytics. I enjoy spending (a little too much time) geeking out in Google analytics, advertising platforms, and BI tools (Tableau and Looker), digging deep into data to identify opportunities that can be leveraged to drive growth and inform testing strategies for campaigns, websites, and products.”

Now compare the above to the below (which has less personality and fewer details, and thus would likely not stand out):

“I am well versed in data analytics, and I am experienced with Google analytics, BI Tools, and other advertising platforms. I have a proven ability to inform testing strategies for campaigns for websites and products.”

Here’s another example of cover letter phrasing that captures the attention of hiring managers:

“I’m rather obsessed with personal organization. I read three organizational blogs on my own time, and I’ve organized my desktop folders into color-coded sub-categories. My friends laugh at me for saying things like, ‘An organized space equals an organized mind,’ but I don’t like wasting time looking for things.” 

Now compare that to this less specific phrasing:

“I have a proven track record of being organized, and I have a passion for it. I have a proven knack for keeping files organized on an ongoing basis, and I have put organizational processes and procedures in place for my department. The bottom line is organization is always my highest priority.” 

2. Prove your level of dedication to your profession.

Another way to stand out is to illustrate specific things about your dedication to your field. In the following example, a candidate showcases her dedication to her profession, proves that she spends a lot of time thinking about driving results in her field, and shows that she takes concrete steps in order to be a high quality contributor in her field. All of which goes a long way when it comes time for hiring managers to decide which candidates to interview. 

“I believe that a good marketing strategy requires seeking out the latest trends and staying one step ahead of the competition. I’ve attended the Traction conference two years in a row and completed the 2018 Reforge Growth Series, a highly credible and exclusive course that only accepts 10 percent of applicants and is built by leaders from Hubspot, Uber, and other firms. Through these professional developments, I’ve opened my mind to uncommon marketing methods, and I pride myself on thinking outside the box to develop strategies that create sustainable, low-cost customer acquisition loops that lead to long-term positive ROI.” 

Now compare the above to the below, which is less detailed and includes less specific phrasing:

“I have the skills and requirements for this position, and I believe I would complete every task asked of me to the highest standard expected. My background and experience make me an excellent fit for this position for many reasons. I am very interested in marketing, and I think I would be a great asset to the team.”

3. Include concrete, quantitative results that show your value.

In any written application, you’ll need to showcase some form of quantitative results to stand out. Note that even if you don’t have a lot of shiny results in your career yet (or even any relevant experience—which is okay!), you can still use words to capture someone’s attention with what you have done. And if you do have a record of achieving quantifiable results, then by all means include them, like in the below:

“I developed several Google ad campaigns that were worth more than $500,000 and that resulted in high-level customers. Also, through testing and optimization, I increased newsletter sign-ups by more than 200 percent.”

Now compare that to this bland sentence:

“I have experience in Google ad campaigns, as well as experience in testing and optimization.”

A final note

When trying to convey your personality, get across your dedication, or communicate your value, there’s a big difference between saying you’re a good fit for the job and actually showing it.

So, when writing your cover letters, try to hold these words in mind: I know you (the hiring managers) don’t know me, so let me show you exactly why I’m completely invested, committed, and passionate about doing this specific type of work. And let me show you the specific reasons why hiring me, over all other candidates, would be beneficial to you.

If you hold all this in mind, the right details and words will flow right out of you—and into your cover letters.

Natalie Fisher is best known for helping professionals land their ideal roles and achieve explosive salary growth (even with little experience). If you want to dive deeper on the topic of your career mindset and become a person who knows exactly how to land their dream job offer, listen to her on the podcast Get a Six Figure Job You Love .

Your Small Business Resource

• Your Career

7 Tips for Writing a Cover Letter that Stands Out

When you’re applying for jobs, you have a lot to do – updating your resume, filling out applications, and writing a killer cover letter. While your resume outlines your experience, a cover letter can communicate your enthusiasm for the position and explain how your previous experience has prepared you for this job. When you’re writing your next cover letter, keep these seven tips in mind.

1. Address the hiring manager

Nobody likes to read a letter that starts with, “To Whom It May Concern.” It’s a huge sign that you don’t know who you’re talking to, you don’t care who you’re writing to, and you didn’t put much effort into finding out who would be reading your letter.

Try as hard as you can to find out the name of the hiring manager or the person in HR who will be reviewing resumes and job applications. Look on the company’s website, call the receptionist, check the company’s LinkedIn page, or ask someone who already works at the company. That way, you can start your letter on a more personal note.

2. Communicate your enthusiasm

There are plenty of reasons you might need a new job – maybe you need a steady paycheck because or wallet is getting too thin or you’re miserable in your current position and need a change. You don’t have to get into all that in your cover letter.

Instead, discuss why you want this job in particular. Share how excited you are about the opportunity and provide any pertinent details that could show your level of enthusiasm. For example, if you’re applying for a purchasing coordinator position, talk about how your favorite class in college was Supply Chain Management, and you’ve been looking for a chance to use the skills you learned in that class.

3. Connect with the company

Make a personal connection with the company. If you know someone who works at the company already, considering mentioning. Name dropping isn’t always a bad thing.

If you don’t know anyone at the company, explain why you connect with their mission statement. When the hiring manager reads what the company’s mission means to you, they’ll feel like you’re already part of their company culture.

4. Provide examples

Too often, people just regurgitate their resume in their cover letter. Instead, provide examples. If you listed a particular skill in your resume, share how you’ve used that skill or how you will use it in this position. Read also: Take Control of Your Own Career Development

5. Address any problems

Your cover letter is also a great place to address any potential red flags on your resume. If there’s something in your work history that might cause the hiring manager to think twice about scheduling an interview with you, address the problem head-on and explain why it’s not really a problem. For example, if you had a large gap between jobs, explain why.

If you haven’t updated your resume lately, make sure to do so before applying for your dream job. Learn more about how to easily update your resume .

6. Adjust your tone

The tone of your cover letter will depend on the company. You can get clues about how traditional the business is in their job ad. For example, if the posting was casual, feel free to be a little more laidback in your cover letter. If the ad mentioned that the company participates in a sports league, say that you’d be a great addition to their kickball team.

7. Keep it short

The person reading your cover letter, resume, and application has a lot to do, so try to make their job easier. Don’t write a four-page essay explaining why you’re the right person for the job. Instead, keep your cover letter as short as possible. Stick to two or three paragraphs and try never to write more than one page.

You may also like...

Is It Time to Do a Personal SWOT Analysis?

April 2, 2018

21 Smart & Fun(ish) Things to Do with Your Tax Refund

February 14, 2018

5 Reasons You Need a Work Best Friend

January 3, 2018

• Next story  Want to Write Better Business Emails? Try These 10 Tips
• Previous story  5 Black Friday Tips for Small Businesses

Learn About Workful Payroll

Talk to us: 1.888.200.7038

• Accounting & Finance
• Company Culture
• HR Management
• Start & Grow Your Business

How to Write a Cover Letter That Stands Out

When writing cover letters, it’s natural to draw inspiration from your resumé. The two should sound similar in that they highlight your accomplishments and position you as the right candidate for the job—but they shouldn’t sound identical.

If your cover letter sounds like a copy-and-pasted version of your resumé, you need to revise your approach. Here are tips on how to write a cover letter that stands out in the applicant pool.

Expand on Key Professional Points

Your resumé shouldn’t extend beyond a single page, if you’ve formatted the content properly . That said, you’re not left with a lot of room to dive into deep detail on your past experience and accomplishments—which is where your cover letter comes in.

While you don’t want to simply reiterate the bullet points on your resumé, you do want to highlight what matters most. What makes you uniquely qualified for the role, and how does your skill set align with the job’s key requirements? Address those questions in your cover letter—and get specific. Better yet, tell a story.

Tell a Story

Corporate job openings receive an average 250 resumés . Meaning, if you want to stand out, you need to get creative. Your cover letter is a great place to experiment with storytelling. Ask yourself, “Why do I want this role?”

Is the industry one you’ve fantasized about since you were a starry-eyed teenager? Perhaps you grew up pouring over the magazine you’re now applying to. Or is there something about the organization’s brand that resonates with you? Maybe, over the years, you’ve drawn inspiration from the company’s slogan, such as Nike’s “Just Do It” or Apple’s “Think Different” campaigns.

By starting with an anecdote, you avoid sending what sounds like a canned cover letter, while also spotlighting your personality. Whatever your connection to the company or role, express your passion in a way that’s strategic and shows your familiarity with the company—not eager to the point of sounding disingenuous. Just beware of rambling; stick to the specifics.

Get Specific

Speaking of specifics, cover letters enable you to create a narrative the bullet points of your resumé don’t allow.

Detail your past experience in strong action verbs, such as “negotiated,” “launched,” “managed,” or “trained,” and avoid phrases you also don’t want on your resumé , including “hard worker” or “team player.” Both terms are meaningless unless backed by results. What business goals have you achieved? What role do you play on a team? Get specific.

Also, quantify your achievements when you can. Whether it’s the number of dollars you’ve saved an organization, size of team you’ve managed, or scale of a major project you’ve completed, dive into details to prove you’re results-oriented without needing to explicitly state it.

Cover Core Requirements

Again, you want to pull the key requirements out of the job description and match your experience to the qualifications. What can you bring to the company? How does your experience align? Make it readily apparent why you’re the right fit for the job. Perform additional research to better understand the company’s challenges, culture, and needs, and incorporate any ideas or solutions into your cover letter.

If your experience doesn’t perfectly align, don’t undersell yourself. Focus on your transferable skills instead, such as problem-solving, active listening, conflict resolution, time management, or leadership. It’s likely the projects you worked on or responsibilities you tackled in your last role can be translated to the position you’re applying for.

Other Tips to Consider

When writing your cover letter, there are other final touches you want to consider.

• Your cover letter and resumé should complement each other, so use similar visual elements on each document, including identical fonts and matching layouts. Check out Venngage’s cover letter maker that allows you to customize your design based on your industry.
• Address your cover letter to the specific hiring manager, rather than “To Whom It May Concern.” This will help personalize the letter, but also prove you can do your research. If the hiring manager’s name is not clear, consider contacting the company’s human resources department to find the appropriate employee.
• Recruiters spend only six seconds reviewing an individual resumé , so keep your resumé and cover letter to one page each. Every word counts.
• Triple check for any spelling or grammatical errors.

Are you looking for more careers-related content? Read more from our  career advice archives ,  including how to properly reach out to a hiring manager and how to ace your next phone interview .  

Subscribe below to receive future content from the Graduate Programs Blog.

About shayna joubert, related articles.

Why Earn a Professional Doctoral Degree?

5 Tips to Get the Most out of Grad School

Is Earning a Graduate Certificate Worth It?

Did you know.

Advanced degree holders earn a salary an average 25% higher than bachelor's degree holders. (Economic Policy Institute, 2021)

Northeastern University Graduate Programs

Explore our 200+ industry-aligned graduate degree and certificate programs.

Most Popular:

Tips for taking online classes: 8 strategies for success, public health careers: what can you do with an mph, 7 international business careers that are in high demand, edd vs. phd in education: what’s the difference, 7 must-have skills for data analysts, in-demand biotechnology careers shaping our future, the benefits of online learning: 8 advantages of online degrees, how to write a statement of purpose for graduate school, the best of our graduate blog—right to your inbox.

Stay up to date on our latest posts and university events. Plus receive relevant career tips and grad school advice.

By providing us with your email, you agree to the terms of our Privacy Policy and Terms of Service.

Keep Reading:

The 8 Highest-Paying Master’s Degrees in 2024

Graduate School Application Tips & Advice

How To Get a Job in Emergency Management

Join Us at Northeastern’s Virtual Graduate Open House | March 5–7, 2024

• Skip to main menu
• Skip to user menu

How to write a stand-out cover letter

• Career insight

(Image: FotografiaBasica )

When applying for a job, standing out from the crowd is necessary, but not easy.

One important way to differentiate yourself is with your cover letter or cover email. A strong cover letter can actually make things easier for a recruiter to view your credentials against the specific requirements for the job.

Use the “T-format” (also referred to as the “Q letter”), and you’ll literally take the reader's eyes straight from each of their requirements to your relevant experience – making it easy for them to assess and say “yes.”

The 3-part T-format cover letter

Most recruiters like this type of cover letter because it is so to the point.

This should consist of a one-page letter with plenty of white space – white space makes the content stand out – focusing on what you think is most important to the employer.

The three parts are:

1. Short opening paragraph: Begin your cover letter with a strong opening paragraph that specifies the job you are applying for and provides a good reason to continue reading. For example:

Your very interesting Senior Development Manager opportunity caught my eye this morning. As a senior fundraising officer with 10 years of experience in the discipline, my experience matches your requirements. For three years I have been leading the Organization XYZ fundraising team, with over $2.5 million in revenue generated for each of the last 2 years, well above our goals.

2. Requirements/qualifications matches: Review the job description and make a list of the key requirements. This shouldn't be an exhaustive list: Identify the top three or four things the job requires. Against each one of those requirements, identify specific experience you possess that’s relevant to the requirement. 

Present them on the page in a way that is clear and stands out. Remember to be brief but accurate: It may be necessary to reduce the company's requirements and your experience to a few words in order to fit this layout, as in the example below:

3. Positive closing paragraph: Continue to express your interest, enthusiasm, and fit. Add a strong, positive closing paragraph or two emphasizing what you know about yourself and your ability to contribute. For example:

I know that this opportunity will leverage my experience in fundraising, my MBA from [ABC University], and my passion for helping excellent causes secure the resources they need. I look forward to hearing from you and discussing this opportunity in detail.

Add an appropriate business closing and your signature, with your LinkedIn profile URL and personal phone number.

The Bottom Line

In any job application, your objective is to capture the recruiters' attention and make it easy to say “yes.” What could make it easier than a short list of their needs and how your specific experience matches each one?

These letters get attention largely because they don't require much eye time. With lots of white space, they are very much like reading newspaper headlines; the eyes quickly grasp what is being presented, leading to fast assessments. Presumably, that attention moves your resume to the "Contact" pile while others are moved to the "No thanks" pile.

Sandra A. MacKay is an independent recruiter and outplacement counselor in Massachusetts, and a contributor at Job-Hunt.org .

This article was fact-checked and updated in February 2024, and originally appeared in a slightly different form on Job-Hunt.org.  

Feeling informed, inspired, and empowered? Now's the perfect time to search for your next job ! Or set up a job alert , and bring the search to you.

Share this article

Related articles

Jobseeker resources: Guides, services, and pros we trust

Jobs of the week

Cooking up a hot resume: Quality ingredients and an AI taste test

Latest articles, employer resources: guides, tools, and sources we trust.

How to write a cover letter that stands out

How should you write a cover letter in 2024? Does anybody even read them? Have recruiters heard about ChatGPT? We discuss all these questions and show best practices, examples, and step-by-step techniques to write cover letters that will be relevant as long as humans read them.

Table of Content

Understanding the dislike for cover letters, how do recruiters and hiring managers handle cover letters.

• Write a cover letter that is short and sweet

Cover letter examples: The impact of brevity

Aligning your aspirations with the company’s goals, standing out, not just fitting in, cover letter tip: begin with a bang, the future of cover letters in light of chatgpt.

Job seekers never had a lot of love for cover letters, but it seems that in 2024, cover letters have fallen out of favor among job seekers and recruiters alike. Many job seekers view them as outdated, while recruiters receive repetitive cover letter templates that are simply uninformative. The situation has only worsened with AI cover letter builder that produces generic cover letters in large quantities, further damaging their reputation.

So, who needs cover letters in 2024?

When is a cover letter actually necessary?

Some jobs require that you submit a cover letter along with your resume. For some job postings, it is optional. In almost all cases (except the ones below), if a cover letter is not required and you have a strong fit for the job, you can probably skip the cover letter. 

So when should you still write your cover letter? In these cases:

• It’s a job application requirement
• Your resume might be misinterpreted: A cover letter can help explain potential concerns about your fit for the position. You might be the perfect candidate, but you have a large unexplained gap in your work history, or you recently changed your career path, or it looks like you’re jumping between jobs where, in reality, it was bad luck. Resumes might not be the best place to explain these concerns, but cover letters are.
• Your fit for the job is much greater than your skills and experience: It might be that the company is solving a problem you’ve been dealing with for years, or it is a lifelong hobby or part of your volunteering. You can mention it in your resume, but you can make it shine in your cover letter. 

 In these last two scenarios, a well-crafted cover letter can significantly sway the recruiter’s decision.

A cover letter is your chance to explain the unexplainable in your resume.

Recruiters are always on a tight schedule, making it a challenge to thoroughly review every application that lands on their desks. Data shows that, on average, a recruiter spends mere seconds on each application during the first pass.

Given the time constraints, cover letters often take a backseat in the initial application review process. They are typically glanced at, if at all, only after the resume has made a positive impression. If your resume passes the initial screening, your cover letter might be read by the hiring manager or recruiter, especially if there are concerns about your fit (such as the examples above). 

A hiring manager or recruiter who reads your cover letter wants to learn about you as a person and whether your interest in the position is genuine, trying to gauge how well you align with the company’s culture and goals.

Hence, if you include a cover letter, make sure it’s well-crafted and complements your resume instead of merely repeating what’s already stated.

Write a cover letter that is short and sweet 

Amidst the swarm of applications, a short, well-crafted cover letter can convince the recruiter or hiring manager to invest the time to read it. Here’s how you can trim the fat and get to the crux.

Avoiding repetition

Your resume lists your achievements, and your cover letter should narrate your story. Don’t regurgitate your resume facts. Instead, offer a glimpse into your aspirations and what excites you about the potential role and company. Highlight a project, experience, or achievement briefly if it sheds light on how your personality aligns well with the job role.

Past vs future

A resume focuses on your past, while your cover letter should lay out the future. After tailoring your resume skills , summary and past experiences to the specific position, use the cover letter to express what you aim to achieve and how it resonates with the company’s ethos.

Keeping it concise

A cover letter is not an autobiography. Aim for a half-page business letter, not more. In 4-5 paragraphs, connect the dots between who you are in the present, the job role and company, and your future aspirations. Every sentence should add value and propel your narrative forward. We provide a step-by-step guide in the next sections.

Personalization

Address the hiring manager by name and tailor your cover letter to the specific job and company. Show that you have done your homework by mentioning something unique about the company that draws you to it.

Consider two examples: The first candidate’s cover letter is a one-page rehash of his resume. The second candidate wrote a crisp half-page letter expressing genuine enthusiasm for the role and aligning her career aspirations with the company’s goals. Who do you think made a lasting impression? Who got the hiring manager’s attention? 

In the next section, we’ll delve into aligning your career aspirations with the company’s goals, a crucial aspect that can significantly elevate your cover letter from the mundane to the memorable.

Aligning your aspirations with the potential employer’s goals is crucial in crafting a meaningful cover letter. Start by thoroughly reading the job description to understand what the company seeks in a candidate.

Hints in the job description

The job description is a treasure trove of information that many people skip. For the purpose of writing the cover letter, focus on the sections that elaborate on the company’s and team’s purpose, current objectives, and values. These are the least examined sections in the job description:

• About the company / Our mission
• About the team
• Job responsibilities  

Connecting your goals

While reading through these sections, reflect on how your professional goals intertwine with the company’s mission. Does the company’s product solve a problem you’re passionate about? Do they serve an audience or cause for which you have a special connection? Or perhaps, the sector it operates in excites you? The deepest connection that showcases an interest beyond just the role should be the anchor of your cover letter.

If you can’t find any connection

Our honest opinion: If you don’t really connect to the company’s goals, values, sector, or customer market segment, seriously reevaluate whether you want to apply for the job, even if the compensation is reasonable. According to Gallop , only 15% of worldwide full-time employees are engaged at their workplace. It is significantly better in the U.S. at around 30%. Steer your career to opportunities with which you’d have a deeper connection, where you will be able to stand out as a candidate. More importantly, you’d be able to excel in doing your job, get promoted faster, and accelerate your career path.

“Your work is going to fill a large part of your life, and the only way to be truly satisfied is to do what you believe is great work. And the only way to do great work is to love what you do.” Steve Jobs

The generic cover letter trap

Many cover letters fall into the trap of blandness, often regurgitating what’s already on the resume. They lack a personal touch, making them seem robotic and disengaging. The generic phrases like “I found your job listing on…” only add to the monotony.

Unfortunately, most of the cover letter tips, examples, and templates out there lead you in the wrong direction: They focus on who to address your letter to, the cover letter format, how to start your cover letter, how to end your cover letter, whether to send the letter as a pdf… These minutiae will not help you craft a great cover letter that grabs attention. It will lead you to these generic undifferentiated letters that are unbearable to read. Seriously, try to read 10 of them, and you’ll get to understand why so many recruiters shun cover letters. 

If you already spend time writing a cover letter, make it worth your time and the reader’s time.

Highlight your unique connection

Using the connection you’ve discovered above, focus the body of the letter on the anchor that deeply connects you to the job. (see the example above). Describe how this anchor is important for you and then connect it to other elements about the job, team, and company. Be specific about what you connect to. Weave in one or two key experiences or achievements that explain how your career path aligns with that anchor and subtly imply that this is an extraordinary match. Highlighting these connections not only shows your keen interest but also your understanding of the job and company culture.

Crafting a compelling start

A strong start is your first (and often also the last) chance to grab the recruiter’s attention. In a sea of generic cover letters, an engaging opening can set you apart. It’s not just about stating your name and the job you’re applying for, but igniting interest.

Tip: A strong cover letter should start with a fact or a brief story that describes the anchor that connects you to the company or the role.

Linking a few past experiences to job requirements

Your cover letter should not only express your enthusiasm but also subtly demonstrate that you are ready to hit the ground running. Immediately after establishing the anchor , tie your past accomplishments to the job’s requirements, showing a clear line between what you’ve done and what you’re poised to do.

• Use specific examples that connect well with your anchor to show how your past experiences make you a suitable candidate (see the cover letter opening example above).
• One or two examples are enough.
• Use a STAR method structure to write about previous work experience in order to make them engaging and informative.

This section nudges you to initiate a professional conversation with a bang, making the recruiter eager to meet you. Through a powerful start and a bridge between your past successes and the job at hand, you set a promising premise for what could be a fruitful collaboration.

As technology advances, so do methods of recruitment and job seeking. A notable player in this evolution is AI, with tools like ChatGPT reshaping how we approach cover letters. Let’s explore this further.

Impact of AI tools

AI tools have become a double-edged sword. On one hand, they offer quick, standardized cover letters, saving time for the job seeker. With a single prompt, they can churn out well-written content, even with some tailoring to the job description. These are great news for people who feel that their writing limits their ability to come across as strong candidates (e.g., Immigrants).

Yet as we discussed above, writing a traditional cover letter doesn’t help you stand out. Moreover, it won’t take long before recruiters and hiring managers learn to ignore these types of cover letters completely.

What makes a good cover letter in the AI Age?

With virtually free access to AI writing tools, cover letters will not be evaluated anymore by the quality of their writing. They won’t be evaluated by the quality of skills, experience, and achievements because the resume, particularly its summary , is more than enough for that purpose. The role of the cover letter is to shed light on a narrative about the outstanding connection of a particular candidate to a company. These kinds of stories will be even more appreciated by recruiters and hiring managers as they decide who to shortlist for an interview. As AI tools become commonplace, the value of a unique human story shines brighter than ever in helping you stand out in the crowd.

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

• Czech Republic
• Hong Kong SAR
• Netherlands
• New Zealand
• Switzerland
• United States

How to write a cover letter that stands out

10 min read | Jane McNeill | Article | Job searching CV & Cover letters

What should a job application cover letter include? Learn what to include – and what to leave out – with our cover letter basics guide.

Writing a cover letter to accompany your job application can really help you stand out in the mind of a hiring manager or recruiter. Taking the time and effort to write one positions you as a proactive candidate who is genuinely interested in the role you’ve applied for.

Before we begin – let’s go back to basics; what is a cover letter? This is a document that candidates sometimes submit alongside their CVs when applying for a job. It serves as a personal introduction to you as a professional and enables you to briefly summarise why you are the right person for the job. The reader can then find out more about you in your CV.

But not all candidates make the effort to write a tailored and personalised cover letter. So, if you do, it’s more likely that you will catch the attention of the reader. As Jodi Glickman, a communications expert and author of "Great on the Job", has observed: “Not sending a cover letter is a sign of laziness. It’s akin to making spelling and grammar mistakes in your resume. You just don’t do it.”

How to write a cover letter at a glance

Your cover letter needs to communicate that you are genuinely interested in the opportunity – and why. This means the letter needs to be tailored, and not just a standard letter that you’ve edited. 

Here, then, are some of the things you should and shouldn’t do when writing yours.

What should a job application cover letter include?

• Do your research before you start writing. This will help to give you a clue about the appropriate tone to use in the cover letter and the points you should include. Look at such factors as the organisation’s industry, culture and values. Explore sources like the organisation’s official website and social media profiles, its executives’ social media profiles and any online employee reviews.
• Personalise it. This information is easier to find than it has ever been before. There’s no excuse for getting any names wrong or not addressing the cover letter personally to the hiring manager. And certainly, don’t just copy and paste your cover letter for every position you apply for – make it personal and targeted every time. It’ll be obvious to an employer if you’ve just edited a few words of the same cover letter that you send to everyone else, which may suggest you have little real interest in the vacancy.
• Start with a strong intro to hook the reader in . The first sentence of the cover letter will either grab the hiring manager’s attention or lose it. It needs to powerfully demonstrate that you understand what they are looking for and need. Instantly communicate your unique selling points that will help to solve the hiring manager’s problems, such as relevant industry know-how, skills, experience and achievements, instead of the generic “I’m applying for the role of XXX.”
• If you’ve come across this opportunity via a friend or have a previous connection with the organisation, mention it. Maybe you were previously introduced to the hiring manager by this person because they thought you were a good fit for the role. Or perhaps you crossed paths as an intern or an employee at one of the company’s suppliers or competitors?
• Optimise the subject line if you can . Also, check the job description again – the employer might ask applicants to include something specific in the subject line, for example.
• Use keywords mentioned in the job description , but don’t keyword-stuff in the hope that your application will get picked up in any applicant tracking software (ATS) – it is possible to overdo your use of keywords!
• Include your contact information including your name, phone number, email address and LinkedIn URL.
• Sign off professionally . Conclude the main body of the cover letter with a power phrase such as, “I would like to discuss in greater detail the value I could bring to your organisation,” and close with the formal and widely accepted “Best regards” or “Sincerely”.
• Spell check and ensure the formatting is correct . If you’re submitting your cover letter as an attachment online, write it in a Word document so that the program can flag up obvious issues like misspellings. Also, check that any formatting in Word translates properly into the email or online form. In terms of formatting, break any intimidating blocks of text into more readable paragraphs and bullet points.
• If possible, put your cover letter and CV in the same document , which will help to avoid your cover letter being misplaced if the employer uses an automated online applicant tracking system.  

What not to do when writing your cover letter

• Don’t drone on – keep it succinct . The reader is interested in concrete facts rather than quirkiness or clichés.
• Don’t overlook the finer points . Have you taken the time to find out the name of the recipient so that you can address the cover letter to them personally? What about confirming your availability towards the end of the letter, and signing off appropriately? It’s small touches like these that could really help you to stand out from other candidates.
• Don’t just repeat what you’ve said on your CV or LinkedIn profile – a cover letter should be complementary to these other means of marketing yourself professionally, and should therefore support and enhance your story. What is it about your hobbies, interests and background that made you especially interested in this position?
• Don’t go overboard with the flattery , as this could risk you coming across as insecure, insincere or sycophantic. Professionalism, maturity and authenticity are vital qualities to communicate from the beginning of your relationship with the employer.
• Don’t write in the third person . A cover letter is, after all, a letter, addressed directly to the employer. You are using this document to sell yourself. While a cover letter’s tone of voice should be professional, it should also be sufficiently conversational to engage the reader and communicate your personality, values and interest in the role.
• Don’t use WordArt or unusual fonts. Use a standard professional font like Arial, which is readable and clean. This isn’t just about making the right impression on hiring managers and lessening their eye strain, as the automated scanning systems used by applicant tracking systems can also sometimes struggle with more unusual fonts.  

How to write a cover letter

While the purpose of the cover letter has never changed, the way it is presented and submitted has evolved. For example, cover letters can now take the form of a personalised note to add to your LinkedIn application or an email attaching your CV.

Your cover letter needs to communicate that you are genuinely interested in the opportunity that the given role represents and why. This means the letter needs to be tailored, and not just a standard letter that you’ve edited. Here below is an example of how your cover letter should look.  

Example job application cover letter

                                                                                                            45 King Edward Street                                                                                                             Name                                                                                                             Phone Number                                                                                                             Email                                                                                                             LinkedIn URL Organisation Name Address Date

Dear Mr Carl Smith, Subject line : Experienced senior manager for X position

I was previously introduced to your company by your colleague, Susan Bainbridge, at the recent X trade fair, and became particularly intrigued by the work you do and the culture of the business. Subsequently, I was especially excited to see the role of X recently advertised on your website.

I believe my 15 years as a senior manager for one of the biggest names in the X sector, overseeing a 25 per cent rise in revenues over the last half-decade, uniquely equips me to build upon the experience I already have, apply my knowledge and skills to the role of X, and dedicate myself wholeheartedly to your business.  

From reviewing the job description, I believe that I am a great match for this role and could become a key team player in helping your business to attain its ambitions. Pinsent Media is at a similar stage of its development to my present employer when I began my role with them, and I would love nothing more than to be able to help drive similarly incredible growth and success for your business.  

I would like to draw your attention to the following skills and achievements that I would appreciate the opportunity to build on as your brand’s next X:

• Exceptional people, resource and process skills that have helped to drive consistent and measurable improvements in the company’s productivity, performance and sales in my present role – all skills that are well-matched to Pinsent Media’s search for an X with a “proven track record” in these areas
• An influential player in the transformation of my present company from a small business generating £2.2 million in annual revenue with an 18-member staff team, into one of the most thriving and respected firms in its industry, employing 48 staff and recording revenue of £26.2 million last year. I would be delighted to draw upon my skills and contacts to further Pinsent Media’s own ambitious growth objectives
• The conceptualisation and establishment of such strategic initiatives as X, X and X, as reported by Forbes and HuffPost and driving the company to new heights of operational success. These achievements are highly relevant to Pinsent Media’s intention for its next X to assist in significantly expanding its international media profile and reputation for innovation.

Thank you for your consideration. I have attached my CV and look forward to speaking to you further about this opportunity.

Yours sincerely, Simon M. Taylor  

What you need to remember about cover letters

The principle of a successful cover letter is simple: it needs to be sufficiently interesting to an employer to leave them feeling compelled to find out more by reading your CV. Hopefully, they’ll then decide to call you in. By following the above advice, you can help to make yourself a more attractive candidate so that you have a greater likelihood of being shortlisted for an interview.

Updating your CV? Our CV writing tips and advice will help you get started. You can also contact your local Hays recruitment consultant to discuss your career options.

About this author

Jane McNeill, Director, Hays Australia

Jane McNeill joined Hays in 1987 as a graduate trainee in their London head office after graduating with an MA (Hons) in Psychology from Edinburgh University. She began her career recruiting accountancy & finance professionals, before spending 11 years recruiting senior permanent professionals for London’s banking & finance sector. During this time, she quickly progressed through management roles and in 1992 she was appointed Director after leading the London city business to a phenomenal post-recession recovery.

Jane transferred to Perth, Western Australia, in 2001. Over the next decade, she grew Hays’ business in that state from a team of 15 to nearly 250 staff. She also established and managed Hays’ banking & financial services business.

She was appointed to the Hays Australia & New Zealand management board in 2007. Now based in Sydney, Jane oversees Hays’ operations in both NSW and WA. She is responsible for 400 staff located in two states that are separated by a five-hour flight and a three-hour time difference. At the same time, she retains her keen interest and passion in banking & financial services recruitment by adding national responsibility for Hays Banking and Hays Insurance to her remit.

How To Write a Cover Letter With Examples

Cover letters can help differentiate you from other job applicants and be the determining factor of landing your dream job. By taking the time to craft a custom cover letter, a single sheet of paper can help communicate all the human elements that a resume may fall short of capturing about yourself. 

But what do employers and recruiters have to say about how to write a cover letter? What are the best tips they have to offer for graduate students who are writing a cover letter?

We asked 11 employers for their best cover letter tips. Here is what they had to share.

Let it Set the Stage

In many ways, cover letters should provide background information and context to your resume, while simultaneously addressing how that resume addresses the specific requirements of the job opportunity. The cover letter is your opportunity to "set the stage" and to convince the hiring manager why your specific set of skills, experiences and interests will provide value to their team and its objectives.

Andrew Horrigan '11 BSBA (Management Information Systems), Product Manager at Cisco

Research the Hiring Manager

If possible, find out who the hiring manager is and look them up on LinkedIn. Do your research on the company you're applying for. What's their mission statement and how do they portray their company culture? Hopefully what you're looking for in a job is reflected by those things. Make sure the hiring manager knows that and understands who you are and what drives you. A resume is often about as robotic as things can be. Make sure your cover letter is the opposite—personalize it and let yourself shine through.

Joshua Schlag ’05 BS (Computer Science) ’11 MBA, Digital Marketing Manager at Pyramid Analytics

Utilize Career Development Resources

The University of Arizona and Eller College of Management go to great lengths to make sure students are prepared for their impending career journey. Because cover letters are so important to getting your foot in the door, there are several career development resources online and on campus to take advantage of. The university’s cover letter builder serves as a nice template to get started. And of course, it never hurts to make an appointment with an Eller Career Coach through eSMS to have a professional review your letter before submission. 

Brett Farmiloe, ’06 BSBA (Accounting), Founder, Featured

Discover Past Samples of the Position

Do your research on the company and personalize your cover letter to the role for which you are applying. Don't be afraid to Google, "How to write a good cover letter for X position." Seriously, it helps! There is so much information out there from various perspectives—applicants, hiring managers, etc. Most importantly be yourself and let your personality come through. And don't forget to spell check!

Mariam Nikola '17 MS MIS, Consultant at Point B

Highlight Your Soft Skills

When writing a professional cover letter, there are a couple things you can do to set yourself apart from the pack. First, make sure you tailor your letter to the specific position you are applying for. This should not be a general, "one size fits all" letter—be sure to discuss specific details surrounding the role or the company itself. Secondly, this is an opportunity for you to show a little bit of your personality. Obviously, you want to remain professional, but this is a great time to highlight some of your soft skills that might not be fully conveyed through your resume.  

Brian Ellis ’17 BSBA (Management), Staffing Manager at Randstad Office and Administrative Professionals

Fill in the “Why” Gaps

As a talent advisor, I review a lot of applicants and agree that a cover letter can be a great way to stand apart, if it is done correctly. A great cover letter for me covers the ‘why’ that I cannot understand from just a resume alone. It should clearly state why you are interested in the role, what your goals are for utilizing your graduate degree (if recently graduated) and explain any career pivots reflected on your resume. If you answer those questions in a direct, concise manner it will add value to your application.

Monica Larson , ’11 BSBA (Marketing) ‘20 MBA, Talent Advisor

Tell Your Story

A cover letter is your opportunity to tell your story—tying your experience and personal interests into why you want a position and why you are the best candidate for it. Paint the picture of your journey and what about the position excites you personally and professionally. Similar to your resume, keep it short and sweet. No need to repeat what’s already on your resume. Recruiters and hiring managers don’t have time to comb through a novel, so you need to engage them with as few words as possible while also grabbing their attention.

Kelly Castoro, ’06 BA (Spanish, Portuguese), Project Manager at Squarespace

Tailor Each Cover Letter to the Position You Are Applying

Be sure to research the role and customize your cover letter for each position, relating your experience to the particular role you are applying for. Personalization is key—research who you are sending the cover letter to and address the letter to them directly. End your letter with a call to action, stating you will follow up by phone or email if you haven’t heard from anyone. Follow ups are very important! 

Jessica Rosenzweig, ’15 BSBA (Business Management), Account Manager at PeopleWare Staffing

Communicate Bankability and Personality 

Your cover letter answers two crucial questions; are you bankable and are you someone the company will enjoy working with? Communicate bankability with your knowledge of the company, industry and why your skills, capabilities and interests are a great fit. Share your passion for their mission, culture, brand—whatever excites you about becoming a member of their team.  

When conveyed through a concise, well-formulated, well-worded cover letter, you demonstrate the ability to write an effective business case—communicating that you are a ready professional and worthy teammate who will hit the ground running.

Theresa L Garcia, ’83 BSBA (Human Resources), Senior Change Management and Organization Capability Consultant at Boeing

Keep it Concise but Compelling

A cover letter is your chance to speak directly to the hiring team and tell them why you are not only the best match for the position for which you are applying but also give them additional insight into yourself as an individual that is less visible from your experience.

A great cover letter should be attention grabbing and touch upon the qualities that make you stand out from others in the applicant pool, highlight both your recent and most distinguished accomplishments and drive home why you are the right person for the job. Professionalism is always important, but don’t be hesitant to put your voice into the letter to let your personality shine through. Research the company, understand where they currently are, where they are going and show why you are the right person to get them from point A to point B. Recruiters spend a lot of time reviewing applicants and making yourself stand apart from the crowd is key. Keep it concise but compelling!

Matt Reineberg, ’14 BSBA (Marketing), Senior Talent Acquisition Sourcer at Cox Enterprises

Highlight the “Why”

Why are you applying to this company? Why do you want this position? Your cover letter should aim to answer the why behind applying for the job. Conveying an interest and excitement for working specifically for this job at this company, rather than a desire to get any job anywhere that will give you money, can go a long way. Show the company that they should hire you and your passion over someone that might have the skills needed for the job, but doesn’t care about the work as much as you do. 

Ryan Nouis, Trupath 

Ready to Learn More?

How to Write a Cover Letter When You Have No Experience

A s a job seeker, a cover letter is your chance to make a great first impression. It can help you stand out and show your potential as a valuable addition to the team.

Writing a persuasive cover letter without prior work experience can be challenging. But with the right approach, you can make a compelling case for why you're the perfect fit for the job. In this article, we'll help you write an effective cover letter that leaves a lasting impression on your potential employer.

1. Begin With a Strong Opening Statement

Your opening statement should be attention-grabbing and highlight your interest in the position. Start with a brief introduction about yourself and why you're applying for the job. Avoid generic or cliché openings, such as "I am writing to apply for the job opening at your company."

Instead, try to show your personality and interest in the position. If you know someone at the company or have a connection, mention it in the opening statement. For example, "I'm excited to hear about this opportunity from a friend in your marketing department."

Your opening statement should be no more than two to three sentences long. Remember, the goal is to get your potential employer to keep reading and learn more about you.

2. Highlight Your Education and Relevant Coursework

When writing a cover letter, you may want to highlight your education and relevant coursework. Your education provides a strong foundation of knowledge and skills that can be applied to a job. While doing so, mention your degree and any relevant coursework you have completed.

For instance, if you're applying for a marketing role, showcase any relevant marketing coursework or projects. You can also highlight relevant accomplishments. It's important to note that not all achievements will be relevant to every job application.

If your academic achievements are relevant to the position, mention them in your cover letter. Provide specific examples of how they showcase your strengths and potential as a candidate.

3. Focus on Your Strengths and Transferable Skills

Transferable skills are skills that can be applied across different jobs and industries. While demonstrating transferable skills on your CV helps, including them in your cover letter can further enhance your job application.

Common transferable skills include teamwork, leadership, problem-solving, time management, and more. Instead of listing your transferable skills, give specific examples. Share experiences from any team activities where you tackled challenges and found solutions.

4. Mention the Company Values That Align With You

Organizations often emphasize cultural fit during the hiring process. By highlighting your alignment with the company values, you provide evidence of your potential cultural fit for the work environment and team dynamics.

Research the company and identify its important values that resonate with you. Start by visiting the company's official website. Look for sections like "About Us," "Mission and Values," or "Our Culture." You can also check the social media profiles, employee testimonials, or any press releases that highlight the company’s values.

Once you've identified the company values you want to highlight, provide specific examples to support them. Share anecdotes or experiences that showcase how you have lived out these values. For instance, if one of the company values is "collaboration," mention a successful team project where you collaborated.

5. Use Keywords From the Job Description

Many companies use Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to screen and filter resumes and cover letters. These systems often scan for specific keywords to identify qualified candidates. By adding the right keywords, you can increase the chances of your cover letter aligning with the employer's requirements.

Pay attention to the specific words and phrases in the job description and mirror them in your cover letter. For instance, if the description mentions "attention to detail" as a required skill, use similar wording to describe your attention to detail in previous projects or assignments.

While it's essential to add relevant keywords, avoid excessive repetition or keyword stuffing. Aim for a natural flow in your writing. Focus on showcasing your skills and experiences rather than forcefully inserting keywords without proper context.

6. Express Your Enthusiasm

Next, as you end your cover letter, show your enthusiasm for the role and the company. It will show your potential employer that you are passionate about the opportunity. Highlight specific aspects of the company or the position that excites you. Refer to the company’s recent projects, initiatives, or achievements that have caught your attention.

While it's important to express enthusiasm, remember to maintain a professional tone in your cover letter. Strike a balance between enthusiasm and professionalism to show your interest and suitability for the role. Use a positive tone throughout your cover letter. Avoid generic phrases and opt for more specific and vivid descriptions that showcase your interests.

7. Proofread Your Cover Letter

After completing your cover letter, take a break before proofreading. This break helps you approach the proofreading process with fresh eyes, making it easier to spot areas that need improvement. Consider using the best spelling and grammar-checking tools or seeking help from a trusted friend or colleague.

Here's an Example of a Cover Letter

Dear [Employer's Name],

I am writing to express my strong interest in the [Position] role at [Company Name]. I was thrilled to learn about this opportunity from my friend, [Friend's Name], who works in your marketing department. From my research and conversations, I have come to admire [Company Name]'s commitment to innovation and its positive impact on the industry.

As a recent graduate with a Bachelor's degree in [Your Field of Study] from [University Name], I have developed a solid foundation in [relevant coursework or major subjects]. Through my coursework, I have gained a deep understanding of [specific concepts or skills relevant to the position], which I believe will contribute to my success in the [Position] role at [Company Name].

At [University Name], I had the privilege of working on various projects that required strong teamwork, problem-solving, and effective communication skills. In my marketing research course, I led a team project where we conducted extensive market analysis. We developed a comprehensive marketing strategy that resulted in a 30% increase in customer engagement for a local business.

Thank you for considering my application. I have attached my resume for your review. I would welcome the opportunity to further discuss how my qualifications align with the goals and vision of [Company Name].

Once again, I appreciate your time and consideration. I look forward to the possibility of joining the exceptional team at [Company Name] and contributing to its continued success.

[Your Name]

Stand Out With a Compelling Cover Letter

With a well-crafted cover letter, you can convey your potential and convince employers to consider you for the position. Remember to tailor each cover letter to the specific job and company, highlighting the most relevant aspects of your background and showcasing your interest in the opportunity.