The Career Fair has passed and now it’s time to start applying to jobs! One of the keys to succeeding in a job application is to write a standout cover letter. Cover letters are formal business letters meant to get across who you are as a person, your job qualifications, and how you can add to whatever company or organization you want to work for.
Here are some quick tips for writing a standout cover letter:
Structure your cover letter like a letter. You should include your permanent address, the date, the name of the hiring manager, their job title, the company name, and the company address.
Match your resume. There shouldn’t be anything written in your cover letter that isn’t reflected in your resume. Additionally, you shouldn’t just walk the reader through your resume; the cover letter is where you give more details and really connect your skills to the job position.
Focus on your strengths. Display confidence and positivity. The cover letter is where you can really show off your strengths, so try not to focus on what you lack.
Minimize the use of “I” Be sure to vary your sentence structure to make reading your cover letter more interesting. Try not to use the word “I” too much, use “you” and “your” more frequently. It’s best to talk about what you can add to the company rather than what you can get out of working there.
Keep it short. The most effective cover letters are concise and clear.
Proofread. Spell-check isn’t enough! Be sure to proofread your resume and double-check that you are using the correct words for the correct context.
Cover letters may seem confusing and intimidating, but they don’t have to be. Be sure to utilize the Career Center resources available to you! We review cover letters during drop-in appointments Mondays through Thursdays from 2 pm to 4 pm and on Fridays from 12 pm to 4 pm. Of course, you can always make a longer 30- or 60-minute appointment with a Career Specialist through UMBCworks as well.
