Writing a Tailored Cover Letter

Writing a Tailored Cover Letter

When applying to jobs, you may realize that some job sites will ask you if you would like to include a cover letter. A lot of times job seekers may overlook this step and submit only a resume. However, if you want to stand out and highlight your skills, experience, and talents in a way that is specific to the role you want, you need to write a cover letter. Take a look at the tips below to begin your cover letter writing process.

Think about your skills as they relate to the job.

• Review the job description of the role and note how your skills and prior roles would make you a strong candidate. This is especially important if you are applying for a role in a new industry or a higher-level role.
• For example, if you are currently working as a Consulting Utility Forester and are interested in a management role, you would want to highlight your knowledge of your current position, as well as any experience you may have leading or managing a team. You can include any work or volunteer experience.

Format correctly

A cover letter should be written in the following format:

• Header with your correct contact information (phone number, email, city, and state)
• Salutation (formal greeting)
  • Bonus tip: research the company on LinkedIn or via the company website to see if you can find the hiring manager or head of the department for the role and address them. If not, address “To Whom It May Concern.”
• Opening paragraph: Express your interest in the role.
  • Bonus tip: Do thorough research on the company and include specific examples such as “I saw that you acquired XYZ company in 2022. I have three years of experience working with training teams that have been acquired.”
• Middle paragraph: Highlight your experience.
  • Bonus tip: Tie your experience to the job duties. “The operations manager role in your posting requires a high level of organization. In my current role, I lead a team of five and organize daily site projects and documentation.”
• Closing: Sum up why you are a great candidate.
  • Bonus tip: Pull everything together and summarize why you are the best fit for this role. “In closing, I feel that my experience as a consulting utility forester shows that I am very detail-oriented and organized. I have leadership skills and abilities as demonstrated by my current project team of five. I am passionate about forestry and excited to learn more. I feel that my skills and background make me an excellent candidate for this role.”
• Signature