How to Write a Cover Letter That Sounds Like You

Open with a moment, not a claim

'I am a passionate team player' gives the reader nothing to hold. Start with something that happened: what the situation was and what you did.

Generic: I have always enjoyed working with people. Specific: In my first term as club president, attendance at our events dropped by half.

Cut clichés that have no proof

Passionate, hard-working, team player, results-driven: each is fine only when something concrete stands behind it. Otherwise the reader skips it. Watch the last line especially. 'I will do my best for your company' ends a great many letters.

Situation, action, result

Tell each experience in three parts. What was the situation? What did you do? What happened? Spend the most words on what you did.

Use real numbers, and only real ones

Team size, time frame and results make a letter feel solid. Do not invent figures. In an interview they will be the first thing you are asked about.

Connect it to the role

A strong story that never links to the job loses its point. End each example with a sentence or two on how it applies to the position.

Trim words before trimming experience

If you are over the limit, remove adjectives and adverbs first. Then merge sentences that say the same thing twice. Cut whole experiences last.

Read it aloud

Wherever you stumble, the sentence needs work. Also check that every sentence is not the same length and rhythm. Uniform sentences read like they were produced by a machine.