How to Write a Cover Letter, in Three Simple Steps:

Cover letters! Do they even matter? Does anyone read them? Can you write an effective cover letter quickly? Why are they such a miserable part of the job application process? In our career coaching work, we hear some version of each of these questions ALL THE TIME.

For starters, we try to refer to “Cover Letters” as “Position Outreach” in our firm. Why? Because the origin story of the cover letter no longer applies to today’s job application process. The idea of the cover letter comes from a time when you’d submit your paper resume (on extra thick paper stock!) in an envelope with your cover letter on top (literally, a letter to cover the resume) in order to formally introduce yourself as a candidate. The delivery systems have changed, and so have hiring manager expectations. So let’s adjust.

Sometimes your position outreach is sent in a Linkedin Inmail, sometimes it’s an email with an attachment, and sometimes it’s delivered in a message box via a job application platform. It’s important to be ready for all of these, and to understand what’s most important to convey and how to convey it quickly, in every medium. So the steps below will work for any version of position outreach you need to compose–your answers will just vary in length depending on how you’re sending this information along.

Regardless of length, if you follow this formula, your position outreach will be quicker and easier to write, more likely to be read by hiring managers, and more impactful in the candidate evaluation process.

1) Start with THEM, not you.

What about the company impresses you? What makes you want to work there? What have they done recently? Any events? Product updates? What can you comment on? Any interviews with the CEO? Press Releases? Tip: Don’t just say “I've read you have an amazing company culture and I want to be a part of it.” Make it highly specific, clear you’ve done your homework.

2) Mention specific examples or projects or parts of your role that relate to the job posting.

Pick 1 or 2 max to comment on. Be specific NOT all-encompassing. The hiring manager can read your resume to get an exhaustive list of all you’ve done; this part is to call out something in particular you’ve done that you know will resonate with this role. Tell a story; don’t just list responsibilities or achievements.

3) Share ideas, questions, and/or any characteristics you want them to know about you.

What ideas come to mind as you think about what you, in particular, would bring to the role? What specific questions have arisen as you dove into the job application? What is it about you that really stands out–choose one or two (MAX) characteristics to share that make you particularly well qualified for this position.

That’s it! A key to success in this process is to AVOID overthinking it. In fact, we advise setting a timer for 30 minutes as you write your first draft. Then you can go back and edit yourself as needed.

Need a career coach as a guide through your job search process? Contact our team to learn how we can help. Click here to schedule a consult call with one of our coaches.