The Ultimate Guide to Writing an Effective Cover Letter: A Step-by-Step Guide by UCLA Undergraduate Business Society
A cover letter—sometimes referred to as a “letter of intent” or a “letter of interest”—is a crucial component of your job application. It introduces the rest of your materials, such as your resume, research statement, and writing samples. More importantly, it allows you to present yourself as an ideal candidate for a position by succinctly summarizing your skills, experience, and enthusiasm for the role.
Why a Cover Letter Matters:
First impressions count, and your cover letter is often the first thing an employer sees. It provides a narrative of your career path, highlighting the skills and experiences that make you the perfect fit for the job. While your resume presents your qualifications, the cover letter connects these facts to the employer’s needs and demonstrates your motivation for applying.
Cover Letter Best Practices:
Tailor Your Letter
Avoid sending a generic cover letter to multiple employers. Recruiters can spot a stock letter instantly, which does not make a strong impression. Instead, customize each letter by researching the company, understanding its values, and aligning your skills with the job requirements.
Keep It Concise and Well-Formatted
Stick to one page.
Use a professional font (10-12 pt size) with consistent margins.
Ensure it is free from grammatical errors and typos.
Avoid Relying on AI to Write Your Cover Letter
Many companies are sensitive to AI-written materials and have tools to detect them.
A cover letter should feel personal, authentic, and reflective of your voice.
Ensure the content in your cover letter genuinely represents you and your experiences.
General Structure to Follow:
Opening Paragraph: Introduction and demonstrate interest
Introduce yourself - Name, Major, Year, School.
State the position you are applying for and what excites you about it (you can also mention if the position was recommended to you by someone—if you have their permission).
Briefly explain why you’re interested and why you are a great fit.
Middle Paragraph(s): Use this section to dive deeper into your experiences, both professional and personal (leadership/interest-based)
Choose your 2-3 most relevant experiences (should include at least one professional experience) and write a paragraph for each.
Give brief context to what you worked on, what skills you developed, and what you learned overall.
Connect your experience to the role/company and show how this makes you a good fit.
Closing Paragraph:
Reiterate why you’re interested and what makes you stand out.
Thank the recruiting team/state that you’re looking forward to hearing back.
When Cover Letters Are Not Necessary:
Cover letters may not be required in some cases—such as career fairs or certain online application systems. In these instances, focus on having a well-crafted resume and the ability to communicate your qualifications effectively verbally.
Always Include a Cover Letter When Given the Option:
If an application provides an option to submit a cover letter, always include one. Even if it is not explicitly required, submitting a well-written cover letter demonstrates initiative, professionalism, and enthusiasm for the role. Many recruiters view omitting a cover letter when there is an option to provide one as a red flag, signaling a lack of effort or interest.
Steps to Writing Your Cover Letter:
Step 1: Start with a strong resume. Your cover letter should expand on the key experiences listed in your resume.
Step 2: Find job openings that interest you and analyze the job description for keywords that align with your skills.
Step 3: Research the company and identify two or three essential skills they seek in candidates. Your cover letter should emphasize these skills with concrete examples.
Final Thoughts:
A compelling cover letter can be the key to landing your dream job. By crafting a personalized, well-structured letter, you set yourself apart from other applicants and increase your chances of making a great first impression. Follow these tips, tailor your approach, and watch your job applications yield better results!