A cover letter is a brief, clear, and original introduction that is added before the resume and serves to introduce yourself.
A resume provides information about your personal details, educational background, work/internship experiences, and is generally prepared for applying to all open positions; while a cover letter is specific to the position you are applying for and is a promotional letter in which you explain, without going into too much detail, how your experiences and personal characteristics are suitable for the position.
A cover letter is important because it provides the employer with their first impression of you. It gives you the opportunity to explain which position you are applying for, why you are a suitable candidate for the position, and how motivated you are for the advertised job. Therefore, the goal of a cover letter is to provide compelling information to persuade the employer to read your resume.
A cover letter consists of:
- Introduction paragraph
- Qualification and motivation paragraphs
- Closing paragraph
Introduction Paragraph: You can introduce yourself and explain how you came across the position you are applying for, or if applicable, mention who referred you to the job posting.
Qualification and Motivation Paragraphs: These are the most important parts of the cover letter. You should explain why you are interested in the position and provide examples of how your experiences and qualifications are well-suited for the role.
In this section, avoid summarizing all the skills mentioned in your resume. The key is to highlight the qualities related to the position that will grab the employer’s attention.
If you are preparing a general application, you can mention your career goals.
You may also mention how you align with the company's culture, showing that you are familiar with the company or organization.
Closing Paragraph: You can conclude the cover letter by requesting an opportunity for an interview and providing information on how you can be reached.
If you are submitting your resume in person or by mail, you can attach the cover letter before the resume. In the case of sending it by email, the cover letter should be written in the email text itself.