How do I write a meaningful cover letter?
I'm having problems drafting cover letters for potential employers. I don't know how to start the letter in order to grab their attention, and I don't know how to talk about myself without sounding like I'm tooting my own horn a little too much.
Any advice would be appreciated! #college #career #cover-letters
6 answers
Danuta Detyna
Danuta’s Answer
Writing a meaningful cover letter can indeed be challenging, especially when trying to balance promoting your strengths without sounding boastful. Here’s a step-by-step approach to help you craft a compelling and professional cover letter:
1. Start With a Strong Opening
Your opening line is crucial. It should grab the employer's attention and make them want to read more. Avoid the generic "I am writing to apply for" if possible. Instead, try to start with something more engaging or personalized:
- "I was thrilled to see your posting for [Job Title] at [Company Name], as it seems a perfect match for my skills and interests."
- "Having followed [Company Name]’s success in [specific achievement or project], I am excited about the opportunity to contribute my expertise in [your key skill]."
2. Express Your Enthusiasm for the Role
Employers want to hire people who are passionate about the job. Explain why you are interested in the role and the company. Mention any specific projects, values, or parts of the company mission that resonate with you:
- "I am particularly drawn to this position because it combines my passion for [relevant interest] with my professional skills in [relevant skill]."
3. Highlight Relevant Experience and Skills
Here's where you discuss your qualifications, but the key is to link your skills directly to the job requirements listed in the job posting. Use specific examples from your past experiences to demonstrate how you've effectively used these skills:
- "In my previous role at [Previous Company], I [describe what you did, any accolade or key achievement]. This experience has equipped me with [mention skills or knowledge] that will directly benefit your team by [how it applies to the new job]."
4. Show How You Can Contribute
Talk about how you can help the company achieve its goals. Research the company’s current challenges and discuss how your background makes you a great fit to solve them:
- "I am excited about the opportunity to bring my unique expertise in [your skill or field] to [Company Name], where I hope to contribute to [specific company project or goal]."
5. Add a Personal Touch
If you can, add a sentence or two about something personal but relevant, like a hobby or a brief mention of an anecdote if it’s highly relevant to the role or company culture. This can make your letter memorable.
6. Conclude Strongly
End your letter by reiterating your enthusiasm for the role and the value you’d bring to the company. Include a call to action, such as looking forward to discussing your application in more detail:
- "I am eager to bring my background in [your area of expertise] to [Company Name] and am looking forward to the opportunity to discuss how I can contribute to your team. Please find my resume attached."
7. Professional Closing
Use a professional closing statement such as "Sincerely," followed by your name.
8. Proofread
Always proofread your cover letter for grammar and spelling errors. Consider having someone else review it as well to catch anything you might have missed.
Remember, your cover letter is a supplement to your resume, not a repeat of it. It's your chance to show a bit of your personality and demonstrate to the employer why you are a great fit for their team.
For more detailed tips on writing an effective cover letter, including examples and more personalized advice, consider reading this useful article: How to Write an Effective Cover Letter .
Robin’s Answer
I have a similar hard time talking about myself so I tend to focus on the company. What is it about the company that draws me to this job. What skills do I have that I see are a good fit. If you talk about them, they know you've done your homework and really care about your fit within the company.
Lashay’s Answer
To begin have your name, address including city and state along with contact info at the top sort of in a listed format to the left of the page. Then include the date that you are writing the letter. After that put the address of the company, using the same format as your address, you can address it to Human Resources. Then include a salutation "Dear Hiring Committee:" or "Dear Hiring Manager:"
In the first paragraph, explain your purpose for writing the letter..."to express my interest in the position of......" Then include the job title and position number. After that sentence, inform of where you found the job. Finally, discuss, in one sentence, what attracted you to it and what you can offer...."I can use my skills, education, and experience in this position."
In the second paragraph, detail your skills, experiences and education that you can use in the position based on the job description (heavily use the job description to help in writing the letter). Assure them that you understand what they're asking for then be honest and clear with what you've done that's similar.
To end the letter, third paragraph, thank them for their time and consideration. Then welcome the opportunity to further discuss your qualifications and interest. Close with offer for them to contact you with any questions. (You can switch order of sentences in last paragraph.
Sincerely,
Sign here
Your first and last name typed
Good luck!
Amanda’s Answer
Kristen, you have a wonderful opportunity to do some story telling on your cover letter.
To start the letter you can express your interest in the position, connect the organization's mission to your professional goals, and affirm that your background and skills closely fit the qualifications outlined in the job description.
After you provide that brief introduction which explains your interest for the position and the organization, you can base the second paragraph on your current role, internship, volunteer or school/club assignment. Explain what your role is, your major responsibilities and/or your favorite responsibilities, the goals of your organization/program/club, and what you have accomplished for the organization.
Lastly, the closing section of the letter should touch on your next steps. Explain that you are excited to speak in greater detail about your experiences. Tell them you would like to learn more about the role. Thank them for their time and consideration. Leave them with your contact information if they require any additional information.
Using this format will help keep your cover letter focused on the facts (your research and the tasks you have completed,) instead of feeling like you are tooting your own horn.
Simeon’s Answer
Andria’s Answer
I think knowing what you are applying for is key to writing a cover letter. you need to have balance of what you can bring to the table with your skills that will work within the company and you need to toot your own horn a little. Not to much as that can be condisending however if you dont toot your horn at all you wont stand out. I think a cover letter is all about balance. do your homework on the company and why you feel you are the right person for the job.
it will help you when you get interviewed as well.
good luck