A cover letter is less than one page. Use the job description to guide you on what needs to be included in your cover letter—address the key responsibilities, skills and qualifications outlined in the description that you bring as a candidate. If there are qualifications you lack, try and suggest transferable skills and experience you bring. If you can’t think of any, just focus on what you do bring.
Here are the parts of the cover letter:
Heading: Include your name, email, phone number, city and state
Address line: Ideally to the hiring manager by name or title. Use “Dear Hiring Manager” only as a last resort.
Introductory paragraph: Name the job you are applying to, summarize your qualifications and fit, and include a brief sentence about why you want to work for the company.
Middle paragraphs: Use these to provide details about your qualifications and achievements mentioned in the first paragraph. You may need 3-5 short paragraphs. Be sure to use the job description as a guide. Give examples of what you have done that are the same as or similar to or transferable to what the job requires.
Closing paragraph: Re-introduce your top strengths, your fit and your interest in the role and company. Mention that you are open for a further discussion and provide your contact information
Sign off: Use a professional sign off (“Sincerely,” “Best regards,” etc.)
