Cover letters are often your first impression to hiring managers, used to complement the information on your applicant’s resume. A cover letter highlights major qualifications and skills, and expresses your unique interest in the company in a more personal way.
Not sure where to start? Here is a template and some tips on creating an outstanding cover letter:
Cover Letter Header
Your Full Name
City, State, Area Code
Phone Number, Email Address
Today’s Date
Hiring Manager or Interviewer’s Name
Their Job Title
Company or Office Address
Tips: The header includes your contact information: generally your full name, city, state, and zip code, your phone number, and email address. Listing your LinkedIn profile URL is optional but recommended. After your info, list the recruiter’s name, their job title and department, and the company name.
Cover Letter Greeting
Dear [Hiring Manager’s Name,]
Tips: Politely greet the hiring manager or recruiter. If you don’t know the recruiter’s name, you might try researching on LinkedIn or the company’s website. If you have no luck, you could address them as “hiring committee and other hiring persons.” Try to avoid using the phrase “To whom it may concern.”
Cover Letter Introduction
My name is [Your Name], I am writing to apply for the position of [Enter Job Position.] My colleague recently informed me your organization was hiring, and I am interested in furthering my career in education and sustainability. After researching your company, I found myself resonating with your unique mission statement and core values. Education and lifelong learning, as well as sustainability and environmentalism, are some of my most valued passions. When I first visited your organization, I felt an inspiring and revitalizing energy around the urgency of educating our future generations on the importance of sustainability.
Tips: The key to capturing the recruiter’s attention is with a strong introduction that evokes some sort of emotion or connection to the employer or company. You might tell them how you came across their company and the positive experience you had when first using their product or service, share an overall life experience that aligns their values with yours, or share how their company is personally special to you. You could even brush up on the company’s values, goals, and mission statement by checking out their website or newsletter.
Cover Letter Body
I am currently studying Early Childhood Education and sustainability at [Enter College Name.] At my most recent internship as the [Job Title] at [Company Name], I taught science-based lessons to elementary school children about the importance of native prairies in our local area. Through this experience, I was able to communicate active ways to protect the planet and reduce our negative impact. I have also written several articles about environmentalism and sustainability for [Company Name or Website Title], and volunteered at a local children’s garden. I believe I am a great candidate for this position due to my writing skills, teaching and lesson-planning experience, and educational background. I will expand [Company Name’s] programming by bringing in fresh ideas with a mindset of instilling curiosity for nature and sustainability in our future generation’s minds.
Tips: This is where you’ll create a “sales pitch” for yourself! It includes specifics on why you’re a great candidate for the job, such as your qualifications, top skills, values, recent jobs or internships, job achievements or accomplishments, and even career goals. Which are your top skills applicable to this position? What past job achievements will help you excel in this role? Think about how you will help the company and be enthusiastic!
Cover Letter Closing
I would be more than happy to further discuss my qualifications and experience via an interview. I can be reached at [Your Phone Number] or [Your Email Address] at any time. Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to hearing from you.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Tips: The closing should be professional and formal. Be sure to thank the hiring committee for their time and consideration, and that you look forward to hearing from them. Kindly state you’d be willing to speak with them more about your qualifications via an interview, and restate your contact information. Common signatures include “Sincerely” or “Best regards.”
Final Cover Letter Tips
The average time to write a cover letter is generally about one to two hours, and they should be no longer than a page. Using shorter paragraphs and bullet points in the body section make it easier for the recruiters to read. Keep your font and margins consistent throughout the entire cover letter. And don’t forget to proofread and check for grammatical errors when you’re done!
Interested in AI-generated cover letter assistance? Contact JFCS Career Services to learn more and connect with resources.
About JFCS Career Services
JFCS Career Services supports job seekers and employers to create a diverse regional workforce. Have Questions? We’re Here to Help. Contact JFCS Career Services at (412) 422-5627 or visit careerservices@jfcspgh.org.