Aren't cover letters a thing of the past, a carryover from the time of postal mail and penmanship?

I know what you are thinking: now that everything is online, the cover letter is surely obsolete.

Not necessarily. While many job postings do not mention cover letters as a required element, many others still do. In fact, more than half of all job applications still require a cover letter. Even when cover letters are not required, most automated applications have space for optional cover letters and supplemental materials — a subtle hint to those who know enough to take it.

Cover Letters: More Art Than Science

It goes without saying that if your field involves writing in any way, a finely crafted letter is necessary. But even if you will not be writing on the job, your writing can make a valuable impression upon a hiring manager. And if you are just starting out, a cover letter can be a strategic tool for persuasion when you don't have a lot of experience. So how do you write a banger cover letter? Here are 5 must-haves for your cover letter.

* See also the example and template at the bottom of this article!

Cover Letters: More Art Than Science

The same ATS ("applicant tracking software") principles you use to write your resume also apply to your cover letter. Use simple formatting, which means no fancy fonts, no tables, and no graphics. Avoid colors. If you want your reader to review a link, type out the address. Links are often removed during the scanning process, so readers will need to copy or type the web address to see your portfolio.

In addition to formatting, it is crucial to use language from the job ad — especially the qualifications section — in both your resume and cover letter. The ATS system scans for keywords, so make sure to choose the phrases the company prioritizes.

Must Be Error-Free

If you think your English teachers have been hard on you, know that this very moment is the reason. Employers do not have to hire you. They can dismiss your application for a misspelled word or a missing period. As someone who sat on a hiring committee, I can tell you that we scrutinized all materials for both credentials and clarity. Many poorly written letters never got past jump. Give your materials to your teacher, advisor, career counselor, best friend, mom — whoever you trust — to proofread. And then proofread what they proofread.

Must Be Written (and Rewritten) by YOU

No doubt you have heard people talking about using AI to write everything from essays, to code, to cover letters. AI can help you format and find language when you are stuck. BUT — and this is a very big but — AI only works if you know what good writing looks like. You are better off learning how to write a good letter first and then using AI to come up with different phrasing for subsequent revisions.

Remember, each cover letter must be tailored to the job description. This tailoring not only ensures your letter is ATS compliant, but it also prevents it from seeming formulaic or boring. It's much easier to recycle the same letter over and over, but doing so isn't a best practice.

Must Tell a Compelling Story

The absolute best cover letters do more than regurgitate language from your resume and job ad. Instead, they tell a story about how you came to acquire your qualifications with a charm that only you can bring. If you struggle to find the right words, ask your teachers, current employers, or advisors for some examples of strong cover letters in their field. Or, ask the career center staff to help you. I've included an example with this article, but it is only one example. Look at lots of letters to get a feel for what works.

Must Be Concise

Once you get good at telling your tale, you may find it easy to get wordy. Remember to proofread to scale it back and simplify your language. Avoid boring your reader with unnecessary adjectives and adverbs or bloated phrasing and stick to the most substantial reasoning and support. 'Nuff said.

Finally, Get an Early Start

If you are applying for jobs, don't put off writing your cover letter. These seemingly simple missives can be quite challenging to get just right and take a lot longer than you think. Be sure to use our template and example as guides!

## Home Street

City, ST 01234

(555) 555-5555

yourschoolemail

https://www.linkedin.com/in/yourprofile

Portfolio or website address typed out

Month ##, 20##

Recipient Name, Title

Company Name

Address (yes, go find it)

City, ST #####

Dear Recipient Name,

Start with an introductory paragraph of about three lines. State the position you are applying for and where you found it or who referred you to it. Just as you would with an essay for school, give an overview of the traits, skills, or abilities FROM THE JOB AD you are going to describe below.

The next section can be formatted in different ways, but the key is to connect your qualifications to those in the ad. Some people use a bulleted list. If you do, make sure you are not just repeating language from your resume. The goal is to tell the story that goes along with those details. Try to position your best case for hiring you at the top of this section.

It is typical to use three body paragraphs, but you can use more if some are very brief, such as this paragraph. Otherwise, your last paragraph delivers your final pitch, thanks the reader, and closes.

Sincerely,

Type Your Name Here

[Notes:

• use regular fonts: Calibri, Times New Roman, or Arial — between 10-12 points
• use 1" margin on all four sides
• you can leave off your address for privacy when posting online or to avoid reader prejudice
• you may use bold to highlight qualifications
• if you cannot find a recipient name, use "Dear Hiring Manager"
• if you cannot find a postal address, use the company web address
• you can include links, but type out the addresses
• you can center your heading (name — website)
• the letter should fit on one page]

Josephine Rogers

12 Home Street

Great City, ST 01234

(555) 555-5555 | jrogers@yourschool.edu |

https://www.linkedin.com/in/yourprofile

www.portfoliowebsite.com

May 12, 2023

Clovis LaCroix, Hiring Manager

Absolutely Fantastic Co.

34 Company Street

Greatville, ST 56789

Dear Clovis LaCroix,

I am excited to introduce myself as a candidate for the social media internship position at Absolutely Fantastic. My Communications professor, Dr. Stacey Gabbagieux recommended that I apply. If your company is looking for someone with great communication skills, experience with Microsoft 365, and self-motivation, allow me to share my story.

While I was still in high school, I was very shy. Even though I excelled at writing, I froze when it came to public speaking. All of that changed when I joined my school's debate team. After a few challenging meets and lots of practice, I graduated as captain of the team with one of the highest number of wins in the school's long history of successful debates. I know that if you need someone to talk to customers on the phone or in person, I can handle it with poise and good cheer.

Now at Greatville College, I have excelled in my communications courses, all of which require intermediate knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite as well as other technology listed in my resume. Furthermore, I write articles for our college newspaper, The Greatville Gazette, and monitor the paper's social media accounts with co-editor, John Leprechaun.

As a self-motivated Communications major, I believe I have the knowledge and interest to be a successful social media intern. I look forward to speaking with you to learn more about this opportunity. Thank you for your time and consideration

Sincerely,

Josephine Rogers