“Cover letters are your opportunity to share more of your story – something that might not fit on a resumé might fit on a cover letter.”

—Kamara Toffolo, resumé writer and job search expert

Introduction

Could your cover letter be ruining your chances of landing that dream job? When done right, a cover letter can help employers understand why you’re the right fit for their company. But when done wrong, they often serve as more of a hindrance than a help. 

In this week’s episode, the Public Health Insight team speaks with job search expert Kamara Toffolo to learn how to write an effective cover letter. Keep reading to see what tips and tricks she had to share!

Always include a cover letter – even if it is not specified

Should you submit a cover letter even if it’s not stated in the job posting? Toffolo says it’s always better to have too much than too little – unless the employer has specifically asked not to include one, a cover letter should always be part of your application package. This is because they allow applicants to share additional information, experience, and attributes about themselves that cannot be expressed solely through a resume. This can help them stand out from the crowd, increasing their chances of success. Writing a cover letter also helps applicants prepare for the interview process, making it a worthwhile endeavor even if the employer does not read it.

Use a templated approach

While no two cover letters should look identical, it’s often time consuming to write each letter from scratch every time you submit a job application. That’s why it’s helpful to develop a common template that can be customized to each posting. This approach will help save time while also ensuring each of your cover letters follows a professional, easy-to-read format. Check out these sample templates!

Open with a bold statement

Gone are the days of generic opening statements – Toffolo says that unique, thought-provoking introductions are the best way to make you stand out from the crowd. Show that you understand the goals and values of the organization, and explain why you would make a good fit. Speak briefly about your professional passions and goals, and discuss the impact you want to have in your chosen field. Be creative!

Discuss your core strengths

The body of your cover letter is the place to show your employer why you’re right for the job! Select two or three relevant core strengths and highlight how you exemplify each one. You may wish to discuss tasks you performed, a key experience that shaped your perspective, or a situation in which you had to overcome a challenge. Whatever anecdote you choose should clearly connect with the strength identified. Avoid discussing strengths that are irrelevant to the position at hand.

Ask for an interview

At the end of your cover letter, thank the employer for their time and politely ask for an interview. This will demonstrate your enthusiasm for the position and show employers that you are ready to proceed with next steps.

Don’t be too generic

Employers don’t like reading the same stock cover letters over and over again, so make sure you tailor your letter to the company to which you are applying. Discuss what you admire about the company and why you would make a good fit. This shows employers that you’ve done your research and are interested in their company’s work.

Don’t submit a poorly written cover letter

Toffolo says employers would rather see no cover letter at all than a poorly written one. Cover letters that contain spelling mistakes, inconsistent formatting, and irrelevant content often serve to worsen an applicant’s chances instead of boosting them. Ensure that you take your time to carefully craft and review each cover letter before submitting – you can even ask a friend or family member to proofread it for you.

Avoid using logos or complicated templates

Crowding your cover letter with unnecessary logos or using complicated templates will make it stand out for all the wrong reasons. Stick to a size 11 or 12 Serif-style font and include paragraph breaks to ensure your cover letter is easy to read and navigate. Unless otherwise specified, submit your cover letter as a PDF to ensure it retains its original formatting.

Keep it short and sweet

Employers don’t like cover letters that occupy too much of their time. Always limit your cover letter to one page unless otherwise instructed, and be succinct with your writing. This will demonstrate to the employer that you respect and appreciate their time.

Written by: Claire Borganonkar, BPAPM (c)