How To Make Your Cover Letter Stand Out

by Jan Nussbaum
Assistant Director for Professional Development

• The Hook: Remember that potential employers only spend 30 seconds reviewing a cover letter and resume. Think of the cover letter as a direct marketing piece similar to what you might receive in your mail box - it must contain something that peaks your interest and hooks you to read further. You want the employer to be interested enough to read your resume and put your application in the "YES, let's interview this candidate" pile.
  
• Why Are You Writing?: In the first paragraph of the cover letter simply state who you are and the name of the position for which you are applying. This is also a good place to name drop; i.e., inform the reader that someone they know has recommended you or believes you may be a good fit with the firm. Don't say much more. You want the reader to get to the "hook" in paragraphs 2 & 3.
  
• Why Them?: In the second paragraph, tell the reader why you want to work for them. You need to provide specific reasons, preferably beyond those stated in the firm's website, to show that you have thoroughly researched the firm and are genuinely impressed and interested in their practice. You want to stand out, and many other applicants are not going to do more than read the firm website.
  
• Why You?: In the third paragraph, tell the reader about why you are the best candidate for the job. The employer is looking to see if you have those skills that it has outlined in the job description. Print out the description and go over it with a fine tooth comb. Ask yourself "what are the key skills that the employer is looking for in a candidate." You may not have had experience in all of the items listed, but identify in the cover letter the ones that you do have experience in and provide specific examples. Be creative. You may be able to correlate some of your skills and past experiences to what the employer seeks.
  
• The Closer: Close with just the essentials: a) you are attaching your resume and any other requested documents; b) you look forward to the opportunity of speaking with them further; and c) a thank you. By the time they get to this paragraph, the reader should be intrigued enough to want to read your resume. You don't want them bogged down reading any additional information.

A cover letter that shows the employer in as few words as possible that you have skills necessary for the position and a good sense of the firm's practice will often lead to the employer wanting to know more about you, landing you an interview.

You may also wish to review the Cover Letter Handout from our Resource Library.