The Purpose of a Cover Letter
A cover letter is your chance to tell your story and show why you're the perfect fit for the position. It complements your resume by providing context and personality.
Research First
Before writing, research the company and position. Understanding their needs helps you tailor your message effectively.
- Review the job description carefully
- Visit the company's website and social media
- Understand their mission and values
- Research industry trends
Structure Your Letter
Opening
Catch their attention with a strong first sentence. Mention where you found the job posting and express genuine interest.
Body
Connect your experience to their needs. Use specific examples and achievements. Address each key requirement from the job posting.
Closing
Express enthusiasm and request an interview. End with a confident call to action.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Generic templates without customization
- Repeating your resume verbatim
- Focusing on what you want instead of what you can offer
- Typos and grammatical errors
- Being too informal or overly formal
- Using clichéd language
Best Practices
Keep it to one page, use professional language, and always proofread carefully. Address it to a specific person when possible.
Final Tips
Customize for each application, use metrics to quantify achievements, and make it easy to read with clear formatting.
