Cover Letter Content

Sections of a Cover Letter

The content a cover letter (i.e., the area below the address information) contains three parts.

Introduction

• Identify who you are (e.g. a junior majoring in anthropology at Franklin & Marshall College).

• Indicate the position for which you’re applying.

• Explain how you found out about it (for instance, was the position posted in F&MConnect?).

If a networking contact referred you for this position, name the person to ensure that the connection is known and make that sentence the first one in your letter (e.g. “Theresa Sanchez recommended that I contact you regarding your open XYZ position.”).

Body

• Select the three to five accomplishments, skills or other factors that you believe best qualify you for the position.

• Use the following formula to describe your contributions:

Adjective + Skill / Accomplishment + Results

• Consider including a pitch about why you’re interested in this particular opportunity and organization, but be sure that the reasons you provide are unique to this opportunity (i.e., so that you couldn’t send the same cover letter to their largest competitor).

Closing

• Thank the reader for their time and consideration.

• Refer to your enclosed resume.

• Express your interest in an interview (e.g. “I would appreciate the opportunity to meet with you and further discuss your needs…”).

• Indicate how you will follow-up with them (see the follow-up section below for details).

Content Strategy

Because a cover letter is designed to persuade a recruiter to consider you for a position, you have to strategically develop the content to accomplish this task. Even though you may want to tell the recruiter about all of the great things you’ve done in your life, a disciplined approach is much more effective. Do research  to understand the recruiter’s (and organization’s) needs and discerningly select your skills and experience that best match them.

As you develop your content, keep the following points in mind:

• Be honest and accurate.

• Spell-check and proofread your cover letter to ensure that there are no mistakes (and have friends proofread it).

• Don’t start all of your sentences with “I.” Not only does this suggest a lack of creativity, but a recruiter may interpret this as an indication that you’re focused only on what you’ll get out of the position, not on the organization’s needs.

• You don’t need to tell an employer that you’re “looking for an opportunity to grow” or “learn new skills.” It’s already understood that you’ll have new experiences in a new position. Focus instead on the hiring organization’s needs and how you will make contributions to their success.

• Match the style of your cover letter to the style of the organization and your position.

For example, if you’re applying for an operations position in an organization that’s known for its reliability rather than its pizzazz, take a conservative approach to writing your letter by following the instructions laid out in this section.

By contrast, if you’re applying for a role that requires creativity in a sales, marketing or advertising organization, you may choose to show your own creativity in your cover letter (e.g. by starting your cover letter with a question: “Are you looking for an enthusiastic intern with a passion for satisfying customers’ needs?”)

Career Services recommends that you do research and speak with the experts to uncover the appropriate approach for your field of interest.