Compared to resumes, cover letters are a very different type of document. I think the most productive way to look at cover letters is as such:
As a hiring manager, you are generally trying to identify two key characteristics within a potential employee.
1.) Is someone competent enough to be able to do the job in it's entirety.
2.) Is this person someone that I want on my team, that has unique strengths that bring value to it, that I want to work beside everyday.
The Resume does a great job of #1; the interview is a great place for #2. The cover letter tries to serve as a bridge between those ideas. By combining specific examples of anecdotes referenced in your resume with research on the company your applying for, you're creating a tailored resume that shores up any questions they have about your abilities while getting a feel you genuinely care about the opportunity.
The content here goes into more detail about how to create a cover letter that stands out to employers and gives them the impression you are the best candidate for the role.
What are Cover Letters?
A cover letter is a 1 page document, formatted like a formal letter, that serves as a complimentary document to a resume.
Why do employers want a Cover Letter?
As a hiring manager, an employer is generally trying to identify two key characteristics within a potential employee
1.) Is someone competent enough to be able to do the job in its entirety?
2.) Is this person someone that I want on my team, that has unique strengths that bring value to it, that I want to work beside every day?
The Resume does a great job of #1; the interview is a great place for #2. The cover letter tries to serve as a bridge between those ideas. By combining specific examples of anecdotes referenced in your resume with research on the company your applying for, you're creating a tailored resume that shores up any questions they have about your abilities while getting a feel you genuinely care about the opportunity.
What is the difference between a ‘good’ cover letter and a ‘great’ cover letter?
A great cover letter does 3 things:
-Clearly reads as if it was custom-written for that specific company/position. If employers think your cover letter was copy/pasted and sent to dozens of companies, they won’t even take the time to read it. Mention an interesting article or a non-profit they support you appreciate.
-Talks about your experience without repeating what’s already on your resume. Instead of saying “My degree at EGCC prepared me for this role”, talk about a specific class or project that you learned, and how during that time, you showed exemplary work.
-Shows that you researched the company and its culture. The person the hiring team brings on has to work with them every day. They want someone that shows values that align with the company.
Do I need to Complete a Cover Letter for a Job Application?
While some job postings may specifically read to not submit a cover letter, completing a cover letter, especially if done well, may significantly improve the chances of getting an interview.
Cover Letter Format:
Cover letters should not simply be a copied document with a name change; employers will catch it right away and it will negatively impact your ability to qualify for a position. However, use a template like below to organize your ideas clearly and effectively.
Anita Nujub
2014 Yippey Lane, Cumberland, MD, 15252 | 505.252.1633 | A.Nujub@ritenow.com
Mr. Ronald McCurdy
Admin Management Lead
Cardiac ICU Department
UPMC Health Care
5230 Centre Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15222
Dear Mr. McCurdy and the Surgical Oncology team,
For as long as I’ve understood that good health comes to some much, much easier than others, I’ve known that working in the medical field would lead to meaningful and rewarding work. When I heard that US News ranked UPMC’s as being a leader in cardiothoracic surgery, I knew working with a company like UPMC would lead to meaningful, impactful work I could thrive doing. Suggested to apply for the Administrative Assistant role by Zak Grayson, I apply knowing that my previous experience, my education, and my long-term goals and values could make me an asset for your organization.
From serving meals to customers at 18, through my current role as a secretary for a local non-profit, my skill-set has revolved around rapport-building. I am well-versed in screening, managing large client databases, and checking in and managing patient schedules. In my current role at Meals on Wheels as an administrative assistant, I would have to manage campaigns feeding up to 125 people in a 4-hour time frame. The organization and communication skills needed to thrive in an environment like that are difficult to come by; but situations like this where I can support and raise others are where I thrive. My education at EGCC as a healthcare administrator has further reinforced that skill-set, through courses including “Organizational Behavior” where I had an assignment to create a leadership model if I were to manage an administrative team of 8 members in a hospital setting.
When I think about the type of company I want to work for, it’s important to me that I find a company that I can grow with and be proud of. When I reviewed UPMC’s Core Values, I appreciated how they value Excellence and Innovation. I took great pride in obtaining a 3.9 GPA at EGCC, earning Dean’s List multiple times. During my part-time role at Henry’s Diner, I created a new set of guidelines for training new servers; they still use it today! I want a company that I can grow with and work in for a long time, I firmly believe UPMC’s Cardiac ICU Department is an organization that I can do that in.
Thank you for taking the time to review my application and the attached resume. I understand how stressful client management can be, and I’m excited about the prospect of helping your team in overcoming those challenges. Please reach out if you have any questions or would like to discuss how I can best support your team.
Sincerely,
Anita Nujub
<Same or Similar Header to your Resume>
-Optional-
<Name of Recipient (Call reception and ask for the name of the hiring manager if you don’t know)>
<Title of Recipient>
<Organization>
<Street Address of Organization>
<City, State, Zip Address of Organization>
-Optional Ends-
Dear Mr./Ms./Dr. Last Name of Recipient (or if name is unknown, job title or committee most likely to receive documents):
Section 1.) Introduction
Note the name of the position, how you found the position, and start talking about why you are excited to work from the company. Cite the company website or a recent article and how it made you even more enthusiastic about the position. Include the name of a reference from within the company if you have one. Declare how you are confident that your background makes you a prime candidate for the position.
Section 2.) Employable Skillset
Discuss the skills that you possess that make you a strong applicant. Reference your resume, education, additional trainings, and experience, but elaborate, not repeat what your resume says. Mention your EGCC education, but talk more specifically about the classes you took, the projects and internships you engaged in, and how you went above and beyond. If the job description mentions a specific skill-set, use an anecdote from work, school, etc. to show how you learned that skill and then applied it.
Section 3.) Company Fit
Express how your goals and vision aligns with the mission, vision, and values of the organization. Reference their mission statement, their value page, the job description, and philosophy. Then, express your enthusiasm for the role because it aligns with your mission, vision, and values, with reference.
Section 4.) Outro
Thank the reader for taking the time to review your documents. Refer any portfolio, LinkedIn profile, or supporting documents you may also have or where they can find them. Do not discuss salary in your resume or cover letter, but if the employer asks for salary requirements, consider including a range that aligns with industry standards. State what you will do next (such as calling to see if an interview can be arranged at the employer’s convenience). Thank the employer for their consideration.
Sincerely,
<Handwritten Signature, if possible>
Typed Signature
