Expert tips to maximize your chances of getting noticed by hiring managers.
The Purpose of a Cover Letter
Your cover letter is your chance to show personality and passion that a resume can’t convey. It’s where you explain why you’re interested in this specific role at this specific company.
The Winning Formula
1. Strong Opening (First Paragraph)
Hook the reader immediately:
- Show genuine enthusiasm for the company
- Mention the specific role
- Include a relevant credential or achievement
- Ask a question that demonstrates research
2. Connection Building (Middle Paragraphs)
- Match your skills to their needs
- Use specific examples from your experience
- Show how you’ve solved similar problems
- Demonstrate industry knowledge
3. Strong Close (Final Paragraph)
- Reiterate your genuine interest
- Provide clear next steps
- Include your contact information
- Express gratitude for their consideration
Do’s and Don’ts
Do’s:
- ✓ Address the hiring manager by name
- ✓ Keep it to one page
- ✓ Use the company’s language and values
- ✓ Show you’ve researched the company
- ✓ Quantify your achievements
- ✓ Maintain consistent formatting
- ✓ Proofread multiple times
Don’ts:
- ✗ Use generic openings (“I am writing to apply…”)
- ✗ Repeat your resume verbatim
- ✗ Use an unprofessional email address
- ✗ Make excuses for lacking experience
- ✗ Use overly casual language
- ✗ Include irrelevant personal information
- ✗ Use odd fonts or formatting
Industry-Specific Tips
Tech & Software:
Emphasize specific technologies, problem-solving approach, and contributions to real projects. Show enthusiasm for continuous learning.
Finance & Accounting:
Focus on accuracy, regulatory knowledge, and specific financial achievements with metrics. Professional tone is essential.
Marketing & Creative:
Tell a compelling story, show creativity within professionalism, and provide metrics of past campaigns’ success.
Healthcare & Education:
Emphasize compassion, commitment to the mission, and patient/student success stories. Show understanding of their values.
The 80/20 Rule
80% of your cover letter should be about THEM (the company, role, their needs). Only 20% should be about YOU (your skills, achievements). Remember: companies care about what you can do for them, not just your qualifications.
Quality Over Quantity
It’s better to send 5 personalized, perfectly tailored cover letters than 20 generic ones. Take time with each application and quality will shine through.
Tracking What Works
Keep records of:
- Which writing styles get responses
- What openings work best
- Companies that request interviews
- Your conversion rate for different approaches
Use this data to refine your approach and increase your success rate over time.