Considering a Cover Letter

A cover letter is your chance to speak directly to an employer, to share your story, highlight your strengths, and show why you’re excited about the job. Even if you don’t have a lot of experience yet, a well-written cover letter can help you stand out and show that you’re motivated, thoughtful, and ready to learn. This page will walk you through when to use one, what to include, and how to write a letter that feels both professional and personal.

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A cover letter is a short, one-page letter that you submit with your job application to introduce yourself and explain why you're interested in working for that business and why you're a good fit for the job. It allows you to connect your interests, skills, and experiences directly to the role you're applying for.

When to include a cover letter:

  • The job listing requests one.
  • You want to show extra effort and stand out.
  • You have limited experience and want to explain how your skills transfer.
  • You’re especially interested in the company or role.

Think of your cover letter as a story — your chance to share who you are beyond your resume. Here’s what to include:

  1. Introduction

    • Say who you are and the job you’re applying for.

    • Mention how you found the job posting (optional).

  2. Why You’re Interested

    • What draws you to this company or position?

    • Show you’ve done your research or relate it to your goals.

  3. What You Bring to the Table

    • Mention a few strengths or experiences that match the job.

    • Focus on transferable skills — teamwork, communication, reliability.

  4. Closing

    • Thank the employer for their time.

    • Express interest in an interview and leave your contact info.

    • Include how/when you plan to follow up with them (and then be sure to do it!)

A personalized cover letter helps you stand out. Avoid copying and pasting the same letter for every job.

Tips to personalize:

  • Use the company name and job title.

  • Mention something specific about the company’s values or mission.

  • Share how your goals or interests connect with what the company does.

You want your letter to sound polite, enthusiastic, and confident, not too casual and not too stiff.

Keep in mind:

  • Use professional language (no slang or emojis).

  • Be yourself, but keep it respectful and focused.

  • Avoid using “To Whom It May Concern”. Try to find a hiring manager’s name or use “Dear Hiring Manager” if needed.

Make sure your letter makes a great impression by avoiding these common errors:

  • Repeating your resume word-for-word

  • Making it too long (keep it to one page)

  • Sending a generic letter with no personalization

  • Not proofreading for spelling or grammar mistakes

  • Forgetting to include your contact information

When creating a cover letter, it's recommended to use the same heading you would use for your resume so the documents look like they belong together. Below is a sample text to help you draft a cover letter for the next job you apply for. Remember, it's important to tailor your cover letter to the job you are applying for so use this as a starting point and add your own flair!

[Same heading you used for your resume]

[Date]

Dear [Hiring Manager’s Name],

My name is [First Last], and I’m excited to apply for the [Job Title] position at [Company Name]. I learned about this position through [where you heard about the position]. I’m a reliable and motivated student who enjoys working with others and learning new things.

While I may not have formal job experience, I’ve built strong communication and teamwork skills through [volunteering, school clubs, babysitting, or another experience]. I’m confident these qualities will help me contribute positively to your team.

I admire [Company Name] because of your commitment to [something specific about the business or values]. I’d be thrilled to bring my energy and willingness to learn to your workplace.

Thank you for considering my application. I’d appreciate the opportunity to interview and learn more about this position. I can be reached at [your phone number] or [your email address].

Sincerely,  
[First Last]