Crafting A Cover Letter: A Guide For University Students

A cover letter is a crucial component of a university student's job application. It is the first impression you give to a prospective employer and can make the difference between your resume being viewed or not. The objective of a cover letter is to showcase your skills, experiences, and passion for the job you are applying for, demonstrating how your academic and extracurricular background will enable you to excel in the role. This document will outline steps and tips to help university students write a compelling cover letter.

How to structure a cover letter

The cover letter is your opportunity to showcase your skills, experiences, and passion for the job you are applying for. It is a document that accompanies your resume and gives you a chance to explain why you are a great fit for the role. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to structure a compelling cover letter:

Introduction:

Start your cover letter by mentioning the position you are applying for and where you found the job listing. Include your name, your current university, and your expected graduation date. You can also briefly mention your most relevant qualifications or experiences that make you a strong candidate for the role. Your introduction should be enthusiastic and pique the employer's interest to encourage them to read further.

Relevant Experiences and Skills:

In the body of your cover letter, highlight specific skills, achievements, and experiences that align with the job requirements. Discuss projects, internships, part-time jobs, or extracurricular activities that demonstrate your abilities and how they relate to the role. Use action verbs and quantify your achievements to make them more impactful. For example, if you are applying for a marketing role, you can mention a university campaign project that increased event attendance through your targeted social media strategies.

Interest in the Company and Role:

Express your enthusiasm for the role and the company by explaining why you are interested in the position and how your values align with their mission and long-term goals. Show that you have researched the company and understand their objectives. This demonstrates your commitment and motivation for joining their team.

Closing and Call to Action:

Wrap up your cover letter by summarizing your key strengths and reiterating your interest in the role. Thank the reader for their time and consideration, and include a powerful call to action that prompts the employer to take the next step, such as inviting you for an interview. Provide your contact information and signature to make it easy for them to reach out.

Remember to keep your cover letter concise and within one page. Use a professional font with font sizes between 10.5 and 12 points, and set your margins to ½"–1" on all sides. Proofread your letter carefully and consider having a friend or career advisor review it before submitting. Good luck with your job search!

What to include in the body of the letter

The body of your cover letter is where you get to showcase your skills, experiences, and passion for the job you're applying for. This is your opportunity to connect your qualifications to the job description, demonstrating how your academic and extracurricular experiences make you an ideal candidate. It's important to remember that the cover letter body is not a repetition of your resume but a chance to tell a compelling story about your journey and why you're interested in the role.

Firstly, convey your enthusiasm for the role by highlighting specific skills and achievements from previous experiences. Clearly state why you are the ideal candidate, aligning your abilities and aspirations with the company's values and mission. Use two paragraphs to summarize your motivation for the job. Express interest in the desired role, highlighting your excitement for contributing to business growth. Briefly mention aspects of the company's mission that resonate with you to capture the reader's attention.

Secondly, prioritize relevant coursework, projects, or extracurricular activities to showcase transferable skills. Highlight internships, part-time jobs, or volunteer experiences, emphasizing additional expertise. Include achievements and projects from the university, aligning them with the desired role. Mention any leadership roles in student organizations or notable accomplishments during your studies. Use action verbs and quantify achievements to make your experiences more impactful.

Thirdly, if you have little or no work experience, you still probably have skills that employers are looking for. Whether it's from a part-time job, volunteer work, relevant coursework, or college clubs, you've picked up a variety of transferable skills as a student. For instance, you could mention your involvement in university life outside the classroom, such as volunteer work, participation in initiatives, or your role in professional organizations.

Finally, if you are applying for an academic position, your cover letter may also include examples of your work, such as music, popular articles, and other multimedia related to your research, service, or teaching available online. Additionally, pick a few experiences to discuss in your letter that demonstrate something about your teaching style or your interest in teaching. Brainstorm a list of any conferences, colloquia, and workshops you have attended, as well as any ways you have served your department, university, or local community.

How to showcase your skills and experiences

When writing a cover letter as a university student, it's important to showcase your skills and experiences in a way that demonstrates your value as a potential employee. Here are some tips to help you effectively convey your capabilities and leave a strong impression:

Understand the Employer's Needs:

Start by carefully reading the job description to identify the specific qualities, skills, and experiences the employer is seeking. Highlight the skills you possess that align with their requirements. For instance, if they emphasise the need for strong research skills, be sure to mention your research capabilities. This tailored approach demonstrates your attention to detail and your genuine interest in the role.

Emphasise Transferable Skills:

As a university student, you may have limited work experience, but that doesn't mean you lack valuable skills. Reflect on your academic journey, extracurricular activities, and any part-time jobs or volunteer work. For example, you may have developed excellent communication skills through your coursework, or your involvement in student clubs may have honed your teamwork abilities. Think about how these transferable skills can be applied in the role you're applying for.

Highlight Academic Achievements:

Don't be afraid to showcase your academic achievements, especially if they are relevant to the position. For instance, if you're applying for a role in computer science, mention your strong foundation in coding, developed through your university studies. Include any notable projects, internships, or extracurricular activities that align with the job requirements and demonstrate your passion for the field.

Demonstrate Understanding of the Company:

Research the company to understand its long-term goals, values, and mission. This knowledge will enable you to craft a more compelling cover letter. Emphasise how your skills and experiences will contribute to their future success and align with their core values. This shows that you have a genuine interest in the company and didn't take a one-size-fits-all approach to your application.

Provide Specific Examples:

Instead of simply stating your skills, strengthen your cover letter by providing concrete examples. For instance, if you're applying for a marketing role, mention a university campaign project you led that increased event attendance through targeted social media strategies. This demonstrates your ability to deliver results and provides tangible evidence of your capabilities.

Convey Enthusiasm:

Express your enthusiasm for the role and the company. Explain why you're interested in the position and how your skills and experiences will enable you to contribute to their success. This enthusiasm can be a powerful motivator for hiring managers, indicating your drive and commitment to the role.

Remember, the cover letter is your opportunity to tell a compelling story about why you're the ideal candidate for the job. Showcase your unique blend of skills, experiences, and passions, and don't be afraid to let your personality shine through.

How to tailor your letter to the company and role

When writing a cover letter, it's important to tailor it to the company and role you're applying for. This will help you stand out as a strong candidate and show that you're a good fit for the position. Here are some tips on how to do this:

Research the company and role

Before you start writing, take the time to learn about the company and the specific role you're applying for. Understand the company's long-term goals, culture, and values. This will help you write an impactful introduction where you can emphasise how your skills and experiences will contribute to their success. Look at the company's website, social media, and any other resources that can give you insight into their operations and future trajectory.

Highlight relevant skills and experiences

Review the job listing carefully and identify the specific skills, experiences, and qualifications they are looking for. Align your abilities and aspirations with the company's requirements and values. For example, if they emphasise a commitment to innovation, showcase your creativity and problem-solving abilities. If they are a dynamic startup, highlight your adaptability and willingness to take on new challenges.

Demonstrate your enthusiasm

Express your enthusiasm for the company and the role. Explain why you're interested in working for them specifically and how your values align with theirs. This will show your drive and motivation to join their team. Discuss aspects of the company's mission that resonate with you and how you can contribute to their business growth.

Use specific examples

Provide concrete examples of your skills and experiences that are relevant to the role. For instance, if you're applying for a position in research, discuss any comprehensive coursework, internships, or projects you've undertaken that have built your foundation in research methodologies. If the role requires leadership skills, mention any leadership roles you've held in student organisations or university projects.

Tailor your letter to the company culture

Consider the type of institution or company you're applying to and their immediate needs. Are they a traditional organisation or a dynamic startup? Do they value stability or innovation? Try to match your tone and content to their culture. For example, if they emphasise community involvement, discuss your volunteer work and how it has contributed to your personal growth.

Remember, the key to tailoring your cover letter is to show how you are a strong fit for the company and the role. By highlighting relevant skills, experiences, and values, you can demonstrate your enthusiasm and make a compelling case for why you're the ideal candidate.

How to format your letter

The standard format for a cover letter is similar to that of a professional letter. Most word processing programs, such as Microsoft Word or Google Docs, have built-in templates to make formatting easy. However, submitting an incorrectly formatted document may prompt a recruiter to pass over your application.

Your cover letter should be between four and six paragraphs long. Start with an introduction, followed by two or three paragraphs detailing your experience, and finish with a closing statement. The font size should be between 10.5 and 12 points, and the margins should be 0.5–1 inch on all sides.

When addressing your letter, try to address the hiring manager by name. You can use LinkedIn or call the company to find out the name of the relevant manager. This demonstrates effort and increases your chances of being considered for the role.

Finally, remember to proofread your letter for mistakes and ask a friend or family member to review it. If English is not your first language, you can ask a Career Services advisor or your university’s Career Center to review it.

Frequently asked questions