The only cover letter structure you need
Written by Kalijah Rahming
Okay, let’s be honest for a second. We all kind of hate writing cover letters. But nonetheless, they are an important part of the job application process. Writing a good cover letter allows employers to see who you really are and to distinguish you from all the other job applicants. However, it can be really difficult to figure out how to properly structure one, especially if you’ve never done it before.
So, here is a basic outline that you can use to make sure that you cover all of your bases:
1. Start by sharing your interest in the role
Although figuring out how to start off a cover letter can bring about a lot of stress, it’s actually the easiest part of the process. Your first paragraph should contain the name of the company and position that you are applying for.
Also, make sure to briefly introduce your own interest in the role. Your future employers want to choose the best applicant, so they need to know why you specifically want to work with them.
One easy way to do this is to share a personal anecdote portraying your passion or connection with the company.
2. Always Reference the company’s mission
After this introduction, you should make it a point to talk about how the overall mission of the company relates to your own goals.
What do they stand for? What types of goals are they working on achieving? Relate those goals to your own personal experiences or goals. Discussing the relevant projects that you have been a part of can show how you would be a useful asset to the company.
It might also be beneficial to talk about the current issues that are present within the industry that you want to be a part of. This shows them that you have done your research and are already thinking about how you can help improve the company.
3. Show your strengths
Always make sure to focus on your strengths in the body of the cover letter. What makes you unique in the workforce? How can you use those skills to better the company and your own career? Again, talking about past projects can be a good way to show your strengths. If you have numbers to back up your skills and work, make sure to include them.
You should conclude your cover letter with a holistic review of these top strengths. It would be beneficial to let the organization know exactly how you can further their impact.
4. Don’t be afraid to be creative
Lastly, make sure that your cover letter is not generic and boring. This is one of the last opportunities that you have to make a name for yourself, so be bold. However, make sure that you are still professional.
Your potential future employers want to know you, so allow your personality to shine through the page. You can do this by incorporating humor into your letter or by sharing personal details about your passions. If you know that your efforts will be appreciated by the recruiters, you will be all set.
Like everything else in this world, properly structuring a cover letter takes time and effort. However, once you have mastered it, you will be able to show the world what you are really made of.
