How to Create a Cover Letter and 4 Factors to Consider
Whether for a job or internship you will most likely need to write a cover letter. The cover letter is a brief description of your qualities and accomplishments, mostly to catch the attention of what you are applying for. In this letter you will have the opportunity to tell the recruiter why they should hire you. Before presenting the four factors that you should include in the letter, it is necessary to know the parts of the cover letter.
Parts of the cover letter:
- Header: Write date, name of person to be contacted, title, company name and address.
Resource: Duke University, Department of Economics (2006)
- First paragraph: Here you can write why you are a good candidate, it is important to write with certainty in the letter. In this introduction, you can write what the position you are applying for consists of and how you heard about this position, establish a personal connection.
Resource: Duke University, Department of Economics (2006)
- Second paragraph: Focus on skills and qualifications that match the requirements of the position you are applying for. Examples and experiences that go beyond the resume.
Resource: Duke University, Department of Economics (2006)
- Closing paragraph: It consists of three simple steps:
- Affirm your interest in the position
- Request something (interview)
- Thank you for your time and consideration
Resource: Duke University, Department of Economics (2006)
To see an example of a cover letter please click on the following link: Sample Cover Letter
Now that you know the parts of the letter, here are the 4 most important factors to have a successful cover letter.
- Assess the needs of employers, know what qualities employers are looking for you to already have and highlight them in the letter - this can be achieved in the job description.
- Use specific language - Go to company websites and research the language they use so you can incorporate it into your cover letter.
- Know the company about which you want to apply and be able to answer these questions:
- Why do you want to work with them?
- What motivates you to be part of this company?
- Why did you decide to choose the company and not the competitor?
- Don't make a generic chart - Make a chart specifically for each position you want to enter.
It is important to recognize that you will be competing with other people with the same academic level, so it is important to highlight what makes you unique. Write about your personality and values.
For more information about the cover letter workshop you can access it through our Youtube channel: Create your cover letter