Crafting a Cover Letter That Opens Doors
A cover letter is your opportunity to make a compelling first impression beyond your résumé. This personalized document introduces your qualifications, demonstrates your knowledge of the organization, and explains why you’re an excellent fit for the position.
First Paragraph – Introduction & Interest
- Introduce yourself clearly and state the specific position you’re applying for
- If someone referred you to the position, mention their name in the opening sentence
- Briefly explain why you’re interested in this particular role and organization
- Capture the employer’s attention with genuine enthusiasm for the opportunity
- End with a brief overview of your most relevant qualifications
Second/Third Paragraphs – Relevant Experience Showcase
- Share your professional story through specific, relevant examples
- Highlight key accomplishments from your academic, work, volunteer, or extracurricular experiences
- Demonstrate how your skills and knowledge directly relate to the position requirements
- Focus on quality over quantity—select your strongest, most relevant examples
- Avoid simply repeating information from your resume; instead, expand on significant achievements
- Connect your experiences to the organization’s needs, values, or mission
Final Paragraph – Confident Closing & Next Steps
- Summarize your interest and key qualifications for the position
- Express appreciation for the employer’s consideration of your application
- Indicate your plan to follow up (specify when and how you’ll contact them)
- End on a confident, professional note
- Include your contact information if not in the letterhead
General Tips
- Keep your cover letter to one page.
- Use a professional tone while letting your personality show through.
- Tailor each letter to the specific position and organization.
- Proofread carefully for grammar, spelling, and formatting errors.
- Use the same header/formatting as your resume for a cohesive application package.
Need Help Getting Started?
Before writing your cover letter, consider these key questions for each section:
Paragraph 1: What specifically attracts you to this role and organization? Which aspects of the job posting resonated with you most strongly?
Paragraphs 2-3: Which specific experiences from your background demonstrate the skills required? What achievements or projects make you confident you’re qualified for this position?
Paragraph 4: What final impression do you want to leave with the employer? How can you concisely express your enthusiasm and readiness for the role?
What Employers Look for in Students
Employers typically look for several key qualities when hiring recent graduates:
- Relevant academic knowledge and skills. A solid foundation in your field of study that demonstrates your ability to apply theoretical concepts to practical situations.
- Transferable skills. Communication, problem-solving, teamwork, time management, and adaptability are highly valued regardless of industry.
- Digital literacy. Proficiency with relevant software, tools, and technologies used in your field, plus the ability to learn new systems quickly.
- Internship or work experience. Any practical experience that shows you’ve applied your skills in real-world settings, even if through part-time jobs, volunteering, or student projects.
- Cultural fit and soft skills. The ability to work well with others and align with the company’s values and work environment.
- Leadership potential. Evidence that you can take initiative, motivate others, and potentially grow into more responsible roles.
- Involvement beyond academics. Participation in extracurricular activities, clubs, volunteer work, or projects that demonstrate well-roundedness and commitment.
- Enthusiasm for the company and role. Genuine interest in the organization and the position, showing you’ve done your research.
Check out a Harvard Business Review article on qualities of a new hire.