This is it — if deadlines for summer jobs and internships haven’t already passed, they’re probably getting pretty close. More often than not, a complete application isn’t expected to simply include a resume anymore but must have a cover letter, too. And because the cover letter is usually the first thing the employer sees, it needs to be good. But what makes a good cover letter? How do you appeal to your potential employers in such a way that they’re not going to immediately toss your application in the “No” pile?
Follow a format
“A cover letter should be conversational, give tangible examples of your experience and something that communicates your value to the company,” said Bill Sherman,@@http://directory.uoregon.edu/telecom/directory.jsp?p=findpeople%2Ffind_results&m=staff&d=person&b=name&s=Bill+Sherman@@ assistant director of employer relations at the Lundquist College of Business Career Services.
Generally not exceeding one page, this can be achieved by following a basic format, according to Sherman and Daniel Aguilar, co-director of the University Career Center. The format consists of an introduction paragraph, one or two body paragraphs and a closing paragraph. All paragraphs should show that you have done research into the job position and the organization for which you are applying.
The introduction paragraph includes where you found the job or internship posting and why you think you are a match for the job. The body paragraphs list what you’ve found the organization wants, includes specific examples of experience that you have and why that experience makes you a good fit for the organization you’re applying to. The conclusion paragraph includes information about when you will follow up, a “thank you” for their time and your contact information.
Although cover letters should follow this simple format, every cover letter should be started from scratch, according to Aguilar.
“It’s more fun and way more powerful,” he said.
Be concise and conversational
“Know very clearly what are your strengths and know very clearly what are your passions. That’s what they want to know,” Aguilar said. “Tell a story; it’s a story they’re craving. It’s making that connection.” This connection can be made in large part through not only keeping the writing simple and to the point, but also communicative and a little personal.
“The priority is to make it conversational in tone,” said Sherman, who adds that although this is the goal, the writing should still remain formal and respectful.
For Marli Miller,@@http://directory.uoregon.edu/telecom/directory.jsp?p=findpeople%2Ffind_results&m=staff&d=person&b=name&s=Marli+Miller@@ a senior instructor in geological sciences, making sure that the writing is free of mistakes and communicates plainly why the student would be a good fit for the job is the most important part of the cover letter.
“If it’s straightforward and clear, that’s what would impress me,” she said. “If you start adding too much, you start losing your professionalism.”
Be mindful about design
Depending on the position you’re applying for, small flourishes with the physical design of the cover letter can be a good or bad thing. Sherman and Aguilar both recommend knowing the audience and the kind of creativity required for the job. If it is a listing for advertising, marketing or design, a little creative flourish might set the cover letter apart from others.
“Make sure that you’re appealing to the audience and never move away from the professional,” Aguilar said.
For positions not as focused on creative design, it might be best to keep the format simple.
“I want their writing to speak for them, so it’s got to be neat, and it’s got to be nicely done,” said Miller, who admitted to being skeptical of any design flourish on cover letters.
Though simplicity is generally recommended for design, there are a few things one can do to set their letter apart at first glance.
“One of the biggest mistakes (people) make is they write their name too small. You want your name to stand out,” Sherman said.
He recommends centering your name at the top of the letter and making the typeface two or three times larger than the rest of the letter, placed in a simple typeface such as Times New Roman. A consistent typeface between the cover letter and resume can also create a more professional, cohesive application.