Creating a Cover Letter Template

Everyone dreads having to write a cover letter. While I always preach that a resume must be able to stand on its own, the cover letter can be a critical component of a job application. It’s an opportunity to showcase your skills, experience, and passion for the job or company to which you are applying. You want to make a positive impression on potential employers and stand out from the competition.

When crafting a cover letter, it’s essential to keep in mind that it should be tailored to the specific job to which you’re applying. Build a customizable template that can help you achieve this, and will help you save time as you click the “apply now” button endlessly.

Here are some tips on how to create that template and ensure it matches the specific job description.

CREATE A BASIC FORMAT 

Draft a cover letter that allows you to have the framework built and where you only have to drop in the specifics. Typically, you will have an opening, a section where you build your case as to why you are a good fit, and then a closing.

For example, you may start with:

[Your Name]

[Your Address]

[City, State ZIP Code]

[Your Email Address]

[Today’s Date]

[Employer’s Name]

[Company Name]

[Address]

[City, State ZIP Code]

Dear [Employer’s Name],

I am excited to apply for the [Position] role at [Company Name] that I came across on [Job Board/Social Media/Referral, etc.]. As a [Your Current Role/Profession], I have gained experience and developed skills that I believe will make me a valuable asset to your team.

Skill 1: Explanation

Skill 2: Explanation

Skill 3: Explanation

I am excited about the opportunity to bring my skills and experience to [Company Name] and contribute to the growth of the company. [Value, mission, etc.] truly excites me and aligns with my passion for [life goal/career goal/etc}].  I strongly feel my skills will enable me to excel in the role and contribute positively to your team.

Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to discussing my qualifications further in an interview.

Sincerely,

[Your Name]

HIGHLIGHT YOUR SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE

This is the section that truly matters. Revisit the qualifications required in the job posting and the duties required of the individual. Highlight 3 to 5 key skills or areas that matter for that specific role. Use bullets and bold the skills. This will draw the readers’ attention to this section. Additionally, build out a secondary document with themes you typically see in the jobs to which you are applying and build your own document from which you can copy and paste these skills.

For example:

Demonstrated Knowledge of US GAAP and Technical Accounting: While working in public accounting, I implemented ASC 606 and 842 for multiple clients. I worked directly with technology companies that had recurring subscription revenue, as well as financial services organizations with multi-state operations on the new lease accounting standard.

THE FINAL SELL

Your concluding paragraph is your final opportunity to win over the reader. Ensure that you research the company by looking at the website, social media accounts, and any other relevant information you can find. This will give you an idea of the company’s culture, values, and mission. Drop a few nuggets in here as to why you are passionate about the things the company is passionate about. Also, show your passion for the job. Employers want to hire someone who can show their enthusiasm and excitement for the position. Explain why you’re interested in the job and how it aligns with your career goals.

A customizable cover letter can help you stand out from the competition and make a positive impression on potential employers. Build out a basic format for yourself to fill in when you go to apply to save time.  Remember to proofread your cover letter before submitting it to ensure that it’s free of errors and that it effectively communicates your qualifications and enthusiasm for the job.