Write an Amazing Cover Letter: 3 Golden Rules (Template included)

Summary

This video script offers valuable insights on crafting an effective cover letter, emphasizing its emotional impact over a resume. It outlines three key strategies: creating a compelling hook by connecting with the company, ensuring each sentence serves a purpose, and using a clean template with attention to white space. The script shares a success story of securing multiple job offers by applying these principles, and concludes with a unique formatting tip to make a cover letter stand out.

Takeaways

• 📄 The importance of a cover letter is highlighted as it can evoke emotion, unlike a resume, and can help secure a first-round interview.
• 🔑 A good cover letter should start with a 'hook' that connects the reader to the company and keeps them engaged beyond the first paragraph.
• 🔍 Research is essential to create a compelling hook; it involves speaking with industry professionals and reviewing customer testimonials for relevant software products.
• 🤔 The hook should be relatable to the reader, often a recruiter or hiring manager, and should not be overly ambitious but rather insightful about the company.
• 📈 The cover letter should be purposeful, with each sentence having a reason for being there, focusing on why the applicant is a good fit for the position.
• 📊 Amanda's example shows how to use personal experiences and relevant achievements to tie into the job responsibilities and demonstrate project management skills and reliability.
• 📝 The cover letter should avoid generic introductions and instead focus on the applicant's unique qualifications and reasons for interest in the role.
• 📑 A simple template with attention to white space makes the cover letter more readable and professional-looking.
• 🖌️ Including a relevant job title below the applicant's name can be beneficial for automated resume screening processes.
• ✨ A unique header with the first letter larger than the rest can give the cover letter a distinctive and professional appearance.
• 💡 The video offers a template download for those who want to replicate the cover letter format discussed in the script.

Q & A

Why is a cover letter considered more important than a resume in some aspects?

A cover letter is considered more important because it can evoke emotion in the reader, something that even the best resume cannot do.

What are the three key things that Amanda did in her cover letter to land multiple job offers?

Amanda hooked the reader by mentioning a connection with the company, was purposeful about the information she included, and used a simple template with attention to white space.

Why is it crucial to hook the reader in the first paragraph of a cover letter?

Hooking the reader in the first paragraph is crucial because it keeps them reading past the first paragraph and onto why the applicant should be considered for the position over other applicants.

What common perception did Amanda mention in her cover letter to hook the reader?

Amanda mentioned the common perception that all entry-level consultant positions in the Big 4 firms are the same.

How did Amanda demonstrate her proactive nature in her cover letter?

Amanda demonstrated her proactive nature by mentioning that she attended five career fairs and spoke with over 20 professionals.

What is the significance of mentioning a connection with the company that is relatable to the reader?

Mentioning a relatable connection with the company helps to ensure that the reader, often the recruiter or hiring manager, can relate to and understand the applicant's interest in the specific company.

Why is it important for each sentence in a cover letter to have a reason for being there?

Each sentence should have a reason for being there to ensure that the cover letter is concise and every piece of information contributes to the applicant's case for being considered for an interview.

How did Amanda highlight her relevant achievements in her cover letter?

Amanda highlighted her relevant achievements by mentioning her experience interning in management consulting firms, working on a $2 million project, and receiving recognition for her project management skills and reliability.

What is the purpose of using a simple template and paying attention to white space in a cover letter?

Using a simple template and paying attention to white space makes the cover letter more visually appealing and easier to read, which can make a positive impression on the reader.

What is the 'power tip' for cover letter formatting mentioned in the script?

The 'power tip' for cover letter formatting is to make the first letter in the header two sizes larger than the rest, creating a unique yet professional-looking header.

How can a cover letter convey the applicant's personality and skills to the recruiter?

A well-crafted cover letter can convey the applicant's personality and skills by using a personalized hook, purposeful information, and a professional yet engaging writing style.

Outlines

00:00

📄 The Power of a Cover Letter

The video script begins by emphasizing the importance of a cover letter in the job application process, especially when it comes to evoking emotion in the reader—a task a resume alone cannot accomplish. The speaker introduces three key strategies used by their friend Amanda in her cover letter, which led to multiple job offers in management consulting and investment banking. The video promises a unique cover letter formatting tip and encourages viewers to stay until the end for this exclusive advice. The first strategy discussed is creating a compelling hook by mentioning a connection with the company, which can intrigue the reader and encourage them to continue reading beyond the initial paragraph. Amanda's example is provided, where she contrasts a common perception about consulting positions with her personal experience, demonstrating her proactive approach and highlighting what makes EY stand out to her. The summary advises viewers to conduct research, speak with industry professionals, and avoid generic questions to gather specific insights that can be used to create a personalized and impactful cover letter hook.

05:03

🔍 Crafting a Purposeful Cover Letter

The second paragraph of the script focuses on the importance of being purposeful with the information included in a cover letter, ensuring that each sentence serves a specific purpose. Amanda's cover letter is highlighted as an example of efficiency, where she avoids redundant introductions and instead expands on her initial hook, connecting her experiences and skills to the job responsibilities. The summary points out the significance of focusing on relevant achievements and skills that are most sought after by the recruiter, such as Amanda's project management skills and reliability. It also touches on the use of a simple template and attention to white space to enhance readability and professionalism. The video provides a formatting tip for creating a unique yet professional-looking header for the cover letter, and it concludes with a link to download the exact template used. The script wraps up by emphasizing the emotional impact of Amanda's cover letter on the recruiter, suggesting that it conveys her wit, relevant skillset, and drive, which are all desirable qualities for a candidate.

Keywords

💡Resume

A resume is a document used by individuals to present their relevant skills, experiences, and education to potential employers. In the context of the video, the resume is mentioned as being more important than a cover letter for landing a first-round interview, except for the emotional connection a cover letter can make. The video emphasizes the importance of a well-crafted resume in conjunction with a compelling cover letter.

💡Cover Letter

A cover letter is a written document that accompanies a resume, aiming to highlight the applicant's interest in a specific job and providing context for their application. The video discusses the three key elements of an effective cover letter, which can evoke emotion in the reader and lead to multiple job offers, as exemplified by Amanda's successful cover letter.

💡Emotion

Emotion refers to a natural, psychological state arising from one's thoughts, feelings, and experiences. The video script emphasizes that a good cover letter can evoke emotion in the reader, which is something a resume alone cannot do, thereby making the cover letter a crucial tool for making a personal connection with the hiring manager.

💡Hook

In the context of writing, a hook is a strategy used to grab the reader's attention at the beginning of a piece. The video explains that the first key to a successful cover letter is to hook the reader by mentioning a connection with the company, as demonstrated by Amanda's opening sentence about the perception of entry-level consultant positions.

💡Connection

A connection, in the context of job applications, refers to a shared interest, experience, or understanding between the applicant and the company. The video script illustrates how Amanda made a connection with EY by attending career fairs and identifying what makes the company stand out, which is a strategy to engage the reader and keep them interested.

💡Research

Research, in this context, involves gathering information about a company, industry, or role to better understand and tailor a job application. The video suggests that to replicate Amanda's successful cover letter hook, one must conduct research by speaking with industry professionals and reviewing customer testimonials to gain specific insights.

💡Relevance

Relevance pertains to the quality of being closely connected or appropriate to the matter at hand. The video stresses the importance of including only relevant information in a cover letter, with each sentence having a purpose that ties back to the role being applied for, as seen in Amanda's focus on her project management skills and reliability.

💡Formatting

Formatting refers to the arrangement and style of a document, which can affect its readability and appeal. The video provides a formatting power tip about creating a unique yet professional-looking header for the cover letter, emphasizing the importance of white space and a simple template for clarity and attractiveness.

💡White Space

White space, in design and document layout, is the unmarked area surrounding text and images, which contributes to the overall aesthetic and readability. The video mentions the importance of paying attention to white space in cover letter formatting to ensure a clean and structured appearance that is easy to read.

💡Personality

Personality, in the context of a cover letter, refers to the unique characteristics, traits, or style that an applicant injects into their writing to distinguish themselves from other candidates. The video notes that Amanda adds a bit of personality to her cover letter, which can help the reader form a positive impression of her as a candidate.

💡Template

A template is a pre-designed model or pattern that can be used as a guide for creating documents or other content. The video suggests using a simple template for a cover letter and provides a link to download the exact template used by Amanda, which helps maintain a professional appearance while allowing for personal touches.

Highlights

A good cover letter evokes emotion in the reader, something a resume cannot do.

Three key things in a cover letter that can land multiple job offers.

A cover letter is necessary as a bad one can prevent you from getting a first round interview.

Tip 1: Hook the reader by mentioning a connection with the company to keep them reading.

Amanda's example shows how to contradict a common perception to hook the reader.

Research is essential to create a compelling cover letter hook.

Speak with industry professionals and ask targeted questions for specific insights.

Use customer testimonials and reviews for roles involving software products.

The connection mentioned should be relatable to the recruiter or hiring manager.

For fresh grads, the first paragraph of the cover letter is crucial to show motivation and willingness to learn.

Tip 2: Be purposeful with the information included; each sentence should have a reason for being there.

Amanda's cover letter skips generic introductions and focuses on why she should be considered.

Highlight relevant achievements that tie into the role's responsibilities.

Tip 3: Use a simple template and pay attention to white space for better readability.

A unique header design can make a cover letter stand out professionally.

A link to download the exact cover letter template used in the video.

The cover letter should convey the candidate's personality, skillset, and drive.

Watch additional videos on writing an incredible resume and common interview questions and answers.

Transcripts

- When it comes to landing a first round interview,

your resume might be more important than a cover letter

in all ways but one.

A good cover letter evokes emotion in the reader.

Something even the best resume cannot do.

So in this video, I'm gonna show you the three key things

my friend Amanda did in her cover letter

that ultimately landed her multiple offers

in management consulting firms

and bulge bracket investment banks.

And make sure to stay to the very end

for our cover letter formatting power tip

that I promise you've never heard of before.

Let's get started.

Hi, friends. Welcome back to the channel.

Before you even begin to write the cover letter

for a full-time job or internship application,

you might be wondering,

is it even necessary?

And the answer is always gonna be the same.

A good one won't guarantee you the job,

but a bad one will ensure

you don't even get the first round interview.

So let's break down the three things

this cover letter got right.

Number one, and this is the most important tip,

hook the reader in

by mentioning a connection with the company.

If you do this right,

it'll keep them reading past the first paragraph

and onto why you should have this position

over the other applicants.

Let's take a look at what Amanda did in her example.

"Everyone tells me the entry-level consultant position

in any of the Big 4 firms is gonna be the same.

However, after attending five career fairs

and speaking with over 20 professionals,

it has become clear to me EY stands out from the rest."

Let's pause right here.

In this one sentence, Amanda does three things.

She first hooks the reader in

by mentioning a common perception

about the consulting industry

that all entry-level positions are the same.

Then immediately contradicting that very statement.

Then she shows she's very proactive

since she's been attending career fairs.

And finally, she makes it clear

that something about Ernst and Young,

something about EY stands out to her.

Aren't you just a tiny bit curious as to what that is?

In order for you to replicate what Amanda has done here

with her cover letter hook,

there's no way around doing some actual research.

Number one, speak with a minimum

of three industry professionals

and ask them targeted questions

designed to provide you with specific insight

into that role and industry.

I've made an entire video

on the best informational interview questions to ask

doing coffee chats.

I'll link that up here and down below.

But in a nutshell,

you wanna stay away from asking generic questions like,

"Tell me about your day to day"

and instead, reword that to something like,

"What do you find most rewarding about your current role?"

By making sales tweaks like this,

you prompt the professional to tell you concrete examples

that you can use in your cover letter

which in turn shows a recruiter,

without a shadow of a doubt,

you've clearly done your homework.

Number two, if you're applying for roles

where a software product is involved,

such as Google ads, Facebook ads,

Office 365, Amazon AWS, Salesforce CRM,

you want to go to a website such as G2 and Capterra

to get a firsthand look

at customer testimonials and reviews

since this will help you get

a basic understanding of the product

in a very short amount of time.

Final tip is to remember the connection you mentioned

has to be relatable with the reader

who is oftentimes the recruiter or hiring manager.

If you're applying for a position in Apple,

probably don't say how you're gonna come up

with the next big iPhone idea

and instead, perhaps bring up their emphasis on privacy

and how that's impacting the advertising industry.

And for all the fresh grads out there,

the less qualified you are for the position,

the more important this first paragraph.

You need to convince the hiring manager

that your motivation, energy, willingness to learn

will make you a stronger addition to the team

than someone who might have a bit more experience

but fail to be interesting in their cover letter.

Okay, I spent a lot of time on this first tip

because if you don't get this right,

none of other stuff matters

because they're not gonna keep reading.

Let me know down in the comments section below

what roles you're applying for,

and maybe I can reply with some hook ideas.

Cover letter tip number two,

be purposeful about the information you include.

Put another way, each paragraph in your cover letter,

or rather each sentence,

should have a reason for being there.

In Amanda's cover letter, there are no wasted words.

The first paragraph hooks the reader in

and the second paragraph expands on that hook.

Too often, candidates start off their cover letters

by saying, "Hi, my name is John.

I currently work here and I'm applying for this position."

Amanda skipped all that because she realized

her resume and online application

already told the recruiter all that information.

And the focus of the cover letter

should be on why she, in particular,

should be considered for a first round interview.

In our third and fourth paragraphs,

Amanda highlights relevant achievements

that tie into the responsibilities

of the role she's applying for.

She spent two summers interning

in management consulting firms

and worked on a $2 million project.

She developed problem solving and project management skills.

And she received recognition

for always being on top of deadlines.

She could have bought up leadership skills,

how amazing she is a PowerPoint,

or a strong background in data analytics.

But she knows to focus on the most important factors

the recruiter for this role is looking for.

Deal size, project management skills, and reliability.

The last paragraph can be a bit more generic

since usually you end the cover letter

by thanking the reader for his or her time

and reinforcing your strong desire to join their company.

Amanda adds a little bit of personality here

by mentioning again, she has relevant work experience,

differentiating her from the other applicants

and emphasizing her project management abilities,

a core skill of any capable consultant.

Also, pro-tip.

I just love how she uses the word "asset" here.

Not too cocky, not too modest, just right.

Cover letter tip number three.

Use a simple template and pay attention to white space.

Just take a look at these two cover letters.

Putting the formatting aside,

which one do you instinctively prefer to read?

Probably this one, especially if this person

was able to include all the important information

in a concise and structured way.

I especially like how the name and address section

is in a separate column,

meaning you don't have too much awkward white space.

And if you saw my resume video,

you know that I really like having colored accents

to give your cover letter a bit more personality

while retaining that overall professional look and feel.

And many of you might not know this,

but including a relevant job title right below your name

is beneficial since your cover letter

is usually scanned by robots when you upload it

and then look for these keywords.

Finally, and here's my biggest power tip

when it comes to cover letter formatting.

You might notice the first letter

up top in the header here

are two sizes larger than the rest.

This is by design.

So let's bring this back up to the same size.

It's 26.

Highlight the letters after the first one,

press command + shift + comma twice

to make it two sizes smaller.

And now, you're left with a rather unique

yet professional-looking header for your cover letter.

To reward those of you who have stuck around until now,

here's a link to download this exact template

so you can reference it

when you're writing your own amazing cover letter.

So circling back to the emotion aspect

I mentioned at the beginning of the video.

After reading this cover letter,

the recruiter might come to the conclusion

that Amanda is witty,

she has a relevant skillset, and she's driven.

All of which means that at least

a first round interview is warranted.

As a next step, make sure to check out my video

on how to write an incredible resume.

And if you're interviewing right now,

make sure to check out this playlist

on common interview questions and answers.

See you on the next video.

And in the meantime,

have a great one.