Writing a Cover Letter
What is the purpose of a cover letter?
Believe it or not, Cover letters are still a key piece of the job application process. Resumes often lack space to elaborate on relevant education, crucial skills, and experiences to land a job. The goal of a resume is to highlight keywords and technical requirements, so they don't apply to convey the same information that you can in a cover letter.
You may be relieved when a job application says the cover letter is optional, but it is good practice to take the time to write one for each position.
Writing a cover letter allows you to showcase your skills, education, and experiences that set you apart from other candidates. You can also emphasize what value you can add to the company, who you are, your personality traits, and how you would fit into the company culture. Cover letters are great ways to differentiate yourself from other applications and explain any gaps in your resume. For example, cover letters can explain why you changed career paths or why you have two degrees.
Are cover letters reviewed by ATS?
There are two important aspects to consider when it comes to cover letters and applicant tracking systems (ATS): the technology standpoint and why they are important.
Keep in mind that ATS do most of their work while reviewing resumes, but they also review cover letters and specifically search for keywords and contact information. If your documents clear an ATS, a hiring manager will likely review your resume and cover letter. While you still may not be sold on writing a cover letter, consider this. Let’s just say the hiring manager compares your resume to another applicant. Your application includes a cover letter, but theirs does not. You stand out to the hiring manager from this alone, ultimately increasing your chance to land the job!
Want to learn more about ATS? Click here!
What is necessary to include in a cover letter?
Cover letters are often used to explain the gap on your resume and showcase your unique personality. All cover letters should include a proper salutation and closing, relevant keywords and experiences, qualifications for the job, and contact information.
So, what do we mean by explaining the gap on your resume? You can use your cover letter to explain gaps in your resume (like a gap year) or elaborate on the skills you have that could not fit on your resume. More than anything, make sure you touch on how you would fit into the company culture. You can allow your personality to shine through the cover letter through humor, prestige, or facts. Each cover letter should be tailored to different companies and positions.
Use your resume as an outline for your cover letter. Fill in blank areas with qualifications, skills, and descriptions, and then take out what doesn’t make sense.
What are the different types of cover letters?
To be honest, there are too many types of cover letters to count. Different types include impact, traditional, referral, and non-cover letter, just to name a few. The type you write is dependent on the message you want to send to the employer. Let's dive into the four most common types of cover letters:
Impact cover letter
Impact cover letters are best for job applications to non-traditional, trendy, or off-the-beaten-path companies (e.g., tech companies, consulting firms, non-profit organizations). These cover letters can include more pizazz and showcase your personality. You want to start with a catchy or casual hook to grab their attention like You know what? or One time when I was…
They also provide you with many different opportunities to showcase your skills and successes from past experiences. You should use these opportunities to highlight what makes you unique, why you would excel in the position, and how you would fit into the company culture.
Traditional cover letter
You have probably read a traditional cover letter before. They usually open with something like I’m writing to apply for the position of X for Y… These cover letters are typically best for more traditional companies like healthcare companies, government agencies, and law firms. You should not wrap too much personality into this cover letter; these companies usually look more at your experience and skills rather than your personality. You want to be professional and straight to the point.
The introduction should include the position you are applying for, who you are, and a quick sentence explaining why you are excited about this opportunity. The next 2 to 3 paragraphs should discuss specific experiences from your resume that are relevant to the job you are applying for. You can also use this space to describe how your skills and experiences directly relate to the position. Lastly, the closing paragraph should wrap up what you previously discussed. Make sure to also thank them for their time and say you are looking forward to hearing from them.
Referral cover letter
Referral cover letters should only be used if you know someone at the company or someone with a strong connection to the company. It is not necessary to write a referral cover letter if you do know someone at the company, but name-dropping can be helpful in the interview process. An internal referral can set you apart from other applicants Hiring managers and recruiters will likely take a closer look at candidates who share a mutual contact because hiring through employee referrals can result in faster, cheaper, and more effective hiring processes.
When writing this type of cover letter, make sure you mention the referral upfront. Provide the name of the person who referred you, how you know them, and why they recommend you for the position. Do not provide this information if you have not discussed the referral with them directly. After mentioning the referral, expand on your strengths, accomplishments, skills, and what sets you apart from other candidates.
Feel free to add some personality to this cover letter after providing all of the referral information.
“Non-Cover Letter” cover letter
A "Non-Cover Letter" cover letter should be professional and short. Generally, you will follow this style when sending your resume via email directly to a hiring manager.
It’s quite simple and does not follow a specific format, but it should include a greeting, details about your experience, and why you are interested in the company. Make sure you explain which documents you attached to the email and provide your contact information.
Using Resume as Cover Letter Outline Example
Let’s say you want to apply for a Data Analyst position at a consulting firm. Part of the job description reads: Research and analyze competitive compensation practices in a defined labor market. You already have previous research experience from a past internship or college course related to economics, marketing, sales, etc.
Provide additional information to fill in the blanks on your resume and relate your experience to the aforementioned job responsibility. For example, I conducted research on X in my Management Consulting Course in the spring of 2020. I learned Y because Z. From this experience, I am confident I can collaborate with A and conduct superb analytics for B.
Impact Cover Letter Outline
Name
(XXX) XXX-XXXX
Month XX, Year
Hiring Manager Name
Consulting XYZ
123 Company Address
City, State, Zip Code
Hi [Hiring Manager’s Name],
What a crazy year it has been? I graduated from Quinncia University with honors, received my Business Consultant Certification, and interned with a local organization as a Data Analyst...all from the comfort of my own home!
Like most people, I learned a lot about myself and developed new skills. I learned how to be a self-starter, stay organized, and most importantly, how to be resilient. I couldn’t have been more thrilled to see the Junior Analyst opening at Consulting XYZ as I'm en route to receiving my first full-time job! Here’s why:
I currently volunteer for [company name], where I work closely with [add in skills and experiences relevant to the position}.
Previously, as an intern for [company name], I received praise for [add skills and experience].
I also have spent a large amount of time researching [explain the research topic and why it’s important].
Thank you very much for your time and consideration. I look forward to hearing from you.
Name
(XXX) XXX-XXXX
Traditional Cover Letter Outline
Name
(XXX) XXX-XXXX
Month XX, Year
Hiring Manager Name
Consulting XYZ
123 Company Address
City, State, Zip Code
Dear [Hiring Manager’s Name],
During my time in college, I have sharpened my research and analytical skills by dedicating time as an intern at X, volunteering at Y, and researching Z. The organizations I worked with have complimented me on my attention to detail and willingness to support other team members. Consulting XYZ’s 10 years of success proves the company has a strong team and work ethic to help partners, which is why I want to be part of the team as the Junior Analyst.
I currently volunteer for [company name], where I work closely with [add in skills and experiences relevant to the position}.
Previously, as an intern for [company name], I received praise for [add skills and experience].
My further qualification includes a Bachelor’s Degree from Quinncia University, a Business Consultant Certification, and training in Hubspot, Microsoft Suite, and Datavail.
I would love the opportunity to discuss how I can contribute to your consulting team. Thank you in advance for your consideration, I look forward to hearing from you.
Sincerely,
Name
(XXX) XXX-XXXX
Referral Cover Letter Outline
Name
(XXX) XXX-XXX
Month XX, Year
Hiring Manager Name
Consulting XYZ
123 Company Address
City, State, Zip Code
Hi [Hiring Manager’s Name],
Jon Doe, an Associate Consultant at Consulting XYZ, recently told me about an opening for the Junior Analyst role. While interning for [company name], Jon was my manager. He always complimented me on my attention to detail and willingness to support team members in any way possible.
My time interning for [company name] strengthened my skills that I learned as a Data Analyst at [company name], such as X, Y, and Z.
I currently volunteer for [company name], where I work closely with [add in skills and experiences relevant to the position}.
I also have spent a large amount of time researching [explain the research topic and why it’s important], and Jon witnessed my development in this area as his intern.
My further qualification includes a Bachelor’s Degree from Quinncia University, a Business Consultant Certification, and training in Hubspot, Microsoft Suite, and Datavail.
Thank you in advance for your consideration, I look forward to hearing from you.
Sincerely,
Name
(XXX) XXX-XXXX
“Non-Cover Letter” Cover Letter Outline
Subject: [Position Title] Cover Letter & Resume
Month XX, Year
Hiring Manager Name
Consulting XYZ
123 Company Address
City, State, Zip Code
Hi [Hiring Manager’s Name],
I hope you are well!
My name is Jane Doe, a recent graduate of Quinncia University. I came across the job posting for the Junior Analyst position at Consulting XYZ. Through my experiences and reviewing this job description, I think I would be a great fit for this position and the Consulting XYZ team!
For the last four years, I have sharpened my research and analyst skills by dedicating my time interning as X, volunteering at Y, and researching Z. I also recently received my Business Consultant Certification and interned with a local organization as a Data Analyst.
It would be great to discuss this opportunity in more detail and share how I can be an asset to the team.
Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to hearing from you!
Warm regards,
Name
(XXX) XXX-XXXX
Anything else?
We get it! Cover letters can be overwhelming and take some extra brain power. Try to have some fun with it! While in the application process, be sure to research the companies and organizations you may apply to. Make sure it’s a place you want to work (e.g., culture, location, industry, etc.). Consider if the position is going to set you up for success in your career.
If you are applying for an opportunity that means a lot to you, writing a cover letter is worth the extra time. It could be the very step that turns your dream into your reality!