What to Cover in the Cover Letter

So you’re looking for that special internship or job, eh? As if putting a writing portfolio together and perfecting your résumé wasn’t enough, most of the time potential employers are going to be expecting a cover letter as well. Most people may moan in agony at the very thought of having to write and edit yet another paper, but a cover letter can give you the edge to get the job…if done properly, that is. So what all should you cover in an effective cover letter?

Know how to address the reader. You can usually find out who to address the letter to on the website where you found the position description. Also, be sure to thank him or her toward the end of the letter…he or she is reading a bunch of cover letters at once, and the letters are most likely all starting to sound the same. Understand his or her position and thank him or her for their time, consideration and the opportunity presented to you.

1. This may not have anything to do with what to put in the cover letter, but keep in mind that the proper length for a good cover letter is about a page; no more, but possibly a little less. This will be a challenge for most people because it is very easy to go over the limit. To put it bluntly, too long of a cover letter says that you’re wordy and/or boring; writing too little says you don’t care if you get the position or not.

Do your research, people…please. Know the company that you’re applying for. Know the position and the qualifications. Go through their website thoroughly. This will help immensely in the cover letter and in the interview that you will get once you blow the employer away with your cover letter. You’ll most likely come across buzzwords that they use to describe the nature of the company and the position that you are applying for. Include these words in the cover letter to catch their eye and explain how you fit that description. For example, if you’re applying for a graphic design position and their website says they’re seeking a graphic designer with great attention to detail, experience with InDesign and Photoshop and someone that works well under pressure, you best be putting all of that in your cover letter.

Wise words from a wise meme

Give them proof. In other words, give them the juicy info. This is the time stand above the rest. Don’t say that you did design work for your local coffee shop’s social media, tell them that the social media accounts had increased views of 20% over a 60 day period. It is admirable to hold a high position, but it is what you accomplish in the position that make employers raise their ‘brows.

Be a good storyteller. Employers love a good story, but who doesn’t? Break up the monotony of other people’s cover letters with a good story. Like that one time your friend planned an event to raise money for the humane society and asked you to design a graphic a few hours before she needed it. Lucky for her, with your great attention to detail and skill of being able to work under pressure (DING, DING, DING! Buzzwords.), you were able to give her a graphic that gained attention from 1,100 colleagues.

Remember to be you. If you are a shyer person, you don’t want to come off as a really outgoing, in-your-face kind of person. Stay true to your brand in the way you present yourself in your cover letter. The whole point of the cover is to let the employer get a taste for you and your skills to see if you fit the description and are worthy enough for an interview.

Don’t stress over the cover letter. You may not get the job of the first application, or even the second. Don’t get discouraged! The more involved you get in organizations, the more you’ll have to put in the cover. The more you feel comfortable with your brand, the better you get at presenting yourself on paper. As with everything else, practice makes perfect!