• Finding the Position – Did you find the position on a job posting website? Were you looking for jobs specifically at this company? Did a friend or colleague share the opening with you? Hiring managers like to understand how their posting made its way to you.
• Decision to Apply – What made you apply? This information gives the hiring manager insight into your job search journey.
• Most Relevant Experience – This paragraph is your first opportunity to showcase how your experience corresponds with the requirements of the job.

• Specific Qualifications and Examples – You can now dive in and provide specific examples of your experience that are comparable to the position’s requirements. The majority of this paragraph should focus on key experiences that showcase your ability to perform the job’s most important responsibilities. Share the successes you’ve had in current or past roles, assignments and volunteer activities. Cover letters are not a place to shy away from touting your accomplishments.

• Culture and Atmosphere Similarities – Is the company you are applying to similar in size or culture to any of your previous organizations? Does it have a rich history to which you relate? Hiring managers want the applicant they choose to not only be a professional fit but a culture fit, as well. Share any pertinent facts about your work, school and volunteer history and how they relate to the organization. Details you provide should ultimately reinforce that you will make a seamless transition into the team and hit the ground running when you start!

• Iteration of Being Ideal – Sum up why all the information you have provided makes you the ideal candidate. All other candidates will be trying to convey the same, but your well-crafted cover letter will prove why this is the case.
• Contact Information – While the top of your cover letter will outline your contact information, you can close by sharing your preferred method of communication.
• Appreciation for Consideration – In closing, thank the reader for the time spent reviewing your cover letter and convey your eagerness to be contacted regarding the next step in the review process.

If possible, make sure to submit your cover letter at the same time you submit your application. A perfectly crafted cover letter will add credibility to the rest of your application credentials (resume, portfolio, letters of recommendation, etc.) One last takeaway is to make sure you have a standard template at the ready that follows these guidelines and can be quickly edited should you be in a time crunch to apply.

As with most aspects during the hiring process, preparation is key, and having a stellar cover letter adds one more tool in your arsenal to help you secure the job!