Aspire Professional Development: How To Write A Cover Letter

Summary

In this video, Jingan, an MBA candidate at Harvard Business School, shares key tips on writing an effective cover letter. He explains two main purposes: communicating interest in the company and position, and showcasing why you're the best fit for the role. Jingan walks through the essential structure of a cover letter, including crafting a compelling opening, highlighting unique qualifications, and adding a call to action. He emphasizes the importance of personal stories, aligning skills with job descriptions, and using active voice to make a strong, confident impression.

Takeaways

• 😀 A cover letter allows you to communicate your interest in the company and the position.
• 😀 It provides an opportunity to show your enthusiasm and share personal motivations for wanting the role.
• 😀 A cover letter helps you demonstrate that you are the best candidate by highlighting skills, challenges, and responsibilities beyond your resume.
• 😀 The cover letter should consist of three main parts: a compelling opening message, elaborating on qualifications, and a call to action.
• 😀 The opening message should include a hook that draws in the hiring manager, such as a personal connection or how you discovered the role.
• 😀 It’s important to tailor your cover letter's formatting based on how you're submitting it (email or portal).
• 😀 In the qualifications section, break down your skills into clear bullet points or paragraphs to make it easy for the hiring manager to assess.
• 😀 Share specific examples and stories behind your achievements to provide context and show how you applied your skills effectively.
• 😀 Use active voice to project confidence and demonstrate your capabilities as a great candidate for the role.
• 😀 Conclude the cover letter with a call to action, such as inviting the hiring manager to contact you or set up an interview.
• 😀 Ensure your closing is polite and professional, expressing gratitude and eagerness to continue the conversation.

Q & A

Why is writing a cover letter important?

Writing a cover letter is important because it allows you to communicate your enthusiasm for the company and the position, while also demonstrating why you're the best candidate for the role. It provides an opportunity to share personal stories, motivations, and specific skills that aren't covered in the resume.

What are the two main reasons for writing a cover letter?

The two main reasons for writing a cover letter are: 1) to communicate why you're interested in the company and position, and 2) to prove you're the best candidate by elaborating on your unique qualifications and past experiences.

How can a cover letter go beyond the resume?

A cover letter goes beyond the resume by allowing you to provide context to your past achievements. Instead of just listing factual information, you can tell stories about the challenges you’ve faced, the skills you've applied, and the responsibilities you've taken on in previous roles.

What are the three main parts of a cover letter?

A cover letter has three main parts: 1) The opening message, which should be compelling and show enthusiasm for the company and the role; 2) The section elaborating on your unique qualifications, where you align your skills with the job requirements; and 3) The closing call to action, inviting the hiring manager to contact you for further discussion.

What should you include in the opening message of a cover letter?

The opening message should include why you're interested in the role and the company. It can also include personal touches, such as how you found out about the position or any previous interactions with the company. This section should aim to grab the hiring manager’s attention and make them want to continue reading.

How can you highlight your qualifications effectively in a cover letter?

You can highlight your qualifications by breaking down your skills into specific bullet points or concise paragraphs. For each skill, share concrete examples of how you've applied them in your previous roles, demonstrating your results. This approach makes it easier for the hiring manager to see how you align with the job description.

Why is it important to use an active voice in a cover letter?

Using an active voice in a cover letter is important because it conveys confidence and clarity. It helps to assert that you are capable and ready to take on the responsibilities of the role, while making your achievements and qualifications stand out more clearly.

What is the purpose of the closing call to action in a cover letter?

The purpose of the closing call to action is to encourage the hiring manager to take the next step, whether that's scheduling an interview or reaching out for additional information. It’s also an opportunity to reiterate your interest in the role and express your availability for further discussion.

How should you format a cover letter when submitting it through different mediums?

The formatting of your cover letter should be tailored to the medium you're using. If submitting through an online portal, follow any specific guidelines the company provides. If sending via email, include a subject line and ensure the body of the email is formatted properly, with the cover letter either in the body or attached as a file.

What is the significance of personalizing a cover letter?

Personalizing a cover letter is crucial because it demonstrates that you've done your research on the company and are genuinely interested in the role. By mentioning specific reasons why you’re attracted to the company or position, you show that you're not sending a generic letter, which increases your chances of standing out to the hiring manager.