How to Write a Cover Letter: Lehigh Career Services Guide

Crafting a compelling cover letter is crucial for landing your dream job. This guide, inspired by the resources available through Lehigh Career Services, provides a comprehensive approach to writing a cover letter that gets you noticed. We’ll cover everything from understanding your audience to structuring your letter effectively and showcasing your skills.

Understanding Your Audience and Purpose

Before diving into the writing process, take a moment to consider who will be reading your cover letter. What are their priorities? What challenges are they facing? Understanding your audience allows you to tailor your message and highlight the skills and experiences that are most relevant to them. Remember, the purpose of your cover letter isn’t just to summarize your resume; it’s to connect your qualifications to the specific needs of the employer. Think of your cover letter as a personalized introduction that expands on your resume and demonstrates your enthusiasm for the position and the company.

Structuring Your Cover Letter for Maximum Impact

A well-structured cover letter follows a clear format, making it easy for recruiters to quickly grasp your key qualifications.

The Opening Paragraph: Making a Strong First Impression

Your opening paragraph should grab the reader’s attention and clearly state the position you are applying for and how you learned about the opportunity. This is your chance to make a strong first impression, so be concise and engaging. Avoid generic openings. Instead, try to connect your skills or experience to something specific about the company or the role.

The Body Paragraphs: Showcasing Your Skills and Experience

The body paragraphs are your opportunity to expand on your resume and demonstrate how your skills and experiences align with the requirements of the position. Use specific examples to illustrate your accomplishments and quantify your achievements whenever possible. Instead of simply stating “I am a team player,” provide a concrete example of a time you successfully collaborated with a team to achieve a specific goal.

The Closing Paragraph: Reinforcing Your Interest and Next Steps

In your closing paragraph, reiterate your enthusiasm for the position and express your eagerness to learn more. Clearly state your availability for an interview and thank the reader for their time and consideration.

Lehigh Career Services Resources and How They Can Help

Lehigh Career Services provides valuable resources, including resume and cover letter templates, workshops, and one-on-one advising sessions. These resources can help you refine your cover letter and ensure it effectively communicates your qualifications. Take advantage of these services to gain personalized feedback and improve your job application materials.

Addressing Specific Scenarios: Tailoring Your Cover Letter

Your cover letter should always be tailored to the specific position and company you are applying to. However, certain situations require additional considerations.

Career Changers: Highlighting Transferable Skills

If you are changing careers, focus on highlighting transferable skills that are relevant to the new role. Explain how your previous experiences have prepared you for the challenges of the new position.

Gaps in Employment: Addressing Career Breaks

If you have gaps in your employment history, briefly address them in your cover letter. Focus on the positive aspects of your time away from work, such as volunteer experience or personal development activities.

Common Cover Letter Mistakes to Avoid

Avoid common cover letter mistakes, such as typos, grammatical errors, and generic language. Proofread your cover letter carefully and ensure it is tailored to the specific position and company.

Conclusion: Crafting a Winning Cover Letter for Your Lehigh Career

Writing a compelling cover letter is essential for a successful job search. By following the tips and strategies outlined in this guide, and utilizing the resources provided by Lehigh Career Services, you can craft a cover letter that effectively showcases your skills and experiences and lands you your dream job. Remember to tailor your cover letter to each specific position and company you apply to, emphasizing your most relevant qualifications.

FAQ

How long should my cover letter be? (Ideally, keep it under one page.)
Should I use a template for my cover letter? (While templates can be helpful, be sure to personalize them extensively.)
What should I do if I don’t have much experience? (Focus on your transferable skills and any relevant coursework or projects.)
Should I mention my salary expectations in my cover letter? (Generally, it’s best to discuss salary during the interview process.)
How can I make my cover letter stand out? (Use strong action verbs, quantify your achievements, and tailor your letter to the specific job.)
What if I don’t know the hiring manager’s name? (Address the letter to “Hiring Manager” or “Dear [Company Name] Hiring Team.”)
Should I follow up after submitting my cover letter and resume? (Yes, a polite follow-up email a week or two later can demonstrate your continued interest.)