People who write good cover letters make it clear
- that they’ve taken the time to craft a personal response
- that they’ve tailored the letter to the specific role
Reviewers are looking for applicants who have met the four goals below:
Goal 1
You have created a character (a version of yourself) so compelling that the reviewer has to meet you. To achieve that goal, you need to
- Celebrate what you will bring to the organization without bragging
- Demonstrate that you have the “soft skills” that all organizations need
- Show that you’re a team player — you roll up your sleeves and help out as needed
- Let the organization know that you’re a self starter and a life-long learner
Goal 2
You have shown that you know something about the organization. You need to
- Write about the organization in a way that shows that you have done your homework
- Indicate what it is about the organization that interests you
- Show how you can contribute to the organization in your areas of interest
Goal 3
You have responded to the actual job description. You need to
- Demonstrate that you’ve read and thought about the job description
- Show how your gifts and skills fit what the organization is looking for
- Talk about your skills in a way that reflects the organization of the job description
- If technical skills are required, address that requirement directly
Goal 4
You have demonstrated how well you write. You need to
- Communicate beautifully — organizations need good communicators
- Make sure that there are no typographical or grammatical errors
How do you review a job description to prepare for writing a cover letter?