Cover Letters
Your cover letter should answer the following questions:
What drew you to this job? (paragraph 1)
Why are you excited about the company? (paragraph 1)
What are they looking for? (directly from the job description)
What experiences/ accomplishments demonstrate that you have these things? (your first draft should be literally 1:1) Keep in mind the quantifiable impact to the company
If hired, how would you contribute to the company? (last paragraph)
In one sentence, why are you the best fit for the job? (last paragraph)
Source: Glassdoor
STAR Method
Each of your body paragraphs should be written using the STAR method, focusing on quantifiable achievements and impact at each of your previous positions.
Here’s how to use the STAR Method in your cover letter:
Situation (S): Briefly set the stage by describing a specific situation or challenge you faced in a previous role. Provide context for the reader to understand the circumstances you were in.
Task (T): Clearly outline the task or objective you were assigned in that situation. Highlight what was expected of you and what goals you were working towards.
Action (A): Detail the specific actions you took to address the task or challenge. Focus on the steps you took and the skills you utilized to accomplish your goals. Use action verbs to convey a sense of proactivity.
Result (R): Conclude by describing the positive results of your actions. Discuss the impact you had on the situation and any quantifiable achievements. Emphasize how your contributions made a difference.
Here's an example of how you might incorporate the STAR method into a cover letter:
"In my previous role as [your position] at [previous company], I faced a significant challenge of [Situation]. Tasked with [Task], I took the initiative to [Action], resulting in [Result]. This experience not only showcased my ability to [relevant skill] but also demonstrated my commitment to achieving positive outcomes in challenging situations. I am excited to bring this proactive and results-driven approach to [prospective employer]."
Putting it all together: Template
Dear [Hiring Manager],
I am writing to express my strong interest in the [name of] position at [company].
I bring over [number of] years in [3 responsibility categories from the JD] to this role. In my most recent position as a [role] at [company], I successfully [1st responsibility category from JD]. [Quantifiable impact of that work]. That work required strong skills in [soft skills they ask for]
My [2nd category in JD] experience includes my work as a [role]. [Quantifiable impact of that work]. Success in this role required [other responsibility listed in JD]. That work required [other soft skill from the JD].
My [3rd category in JD] experience includes my work as a [role]. [Quantifiable impact of that work]. Success in this role required [other responsibility listed in JD]. That work required [other soft skill from the JD].
I am excited to use my background and experience to forward the mission of [company] to [restate part of their mission that resonates with you]. I look forward to discussing this exciting opportunity with you further. You can reach me at [email] or by phone at [phone]. Thank you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
When you go back to edit, here are some alternatives to “That work/role required”
Success in that role required strong skills in…
Successful completion of those goals required…
Excelling in that role leveraged my skills in…
In that capacity, I developed skills in …
Tools & Resources:
If you use AI like Chat GPT or any of these others, be sure to check it against Originality.ai and maybe drop some of the bullet points here: Rewordify
