cover letter for the arts job

Sample Cover Letter for a Job in the Arts

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What to Include in a Cover Letter for an Arts Position

• Tips for Writing an Effective Cover Letter

Sample Cover Letter for an Arts Position

Sending an email cover letter.

Are you applying for an arts-related position? A  cover letter  is an important piece of the on-paper first impression you'll give a potential employer. More importantly, it can provide a space to highlight details of your experience and special skills that might not be included in your resume.

What you include in your cover letter will be dependent on the open position and your unique background. For instance, if you're up for a position in the arts, such as a  studio assistant , your cover letter should include information relevant to the position, which may include anything from organizational skills to your canvas-stretching know-how. 

Always take the time to personalize your letter, so it shows the employer why you're a strong match for the job. 

To get started, take a look at advice on what to include in a cover letter for an arts position. Plus, review a sample cover letter to inspire you while writing your own. 

Since a cover letter is a formal document, there's a certain set structure that must be followed. Your cover letter should include the following things: 

• A salutation —if at all possible, address the letter to an individual. See  salutation examples . 
• The body of the letter —here is where you'll share your qualifications for the role at hand. The body of the cover letter can be several paragraphs in length. You may opt to use bullet points in this section. This section should highlight your relevant skills and experience for the arts-related position. This could include previous work in the arts, including classes and volunteer positions.

Tailor this section to the job at hand—if you're applying for a job as a gallery assistant, you'll highlight different qualifications than if you're seeking a role as an art teacher in a museum. 

• A close —a polite close is a must. 
• A signature —sign your letter in pen if you are sending a hard copy; if you are emailing the cover letter, include an  email signature . 
• Contact information —for hard-copy letters only, add the hiring manager's contact details and your own above the salutation. If you're emailing the cover letter, share your contact info in the email signature. 

Tips for Writing an Effective Arts Position Cover Letter 

There are so many arts-related positions out there. Your letter will prioritize different aspects of your background and qualifications depending on the role at hand. Here are some tips to keep in mind as you write your cover letter: 

Emphasize relevant skills.  It's not just art-related skills that you'll want to highlight in your letter. There are many other skills—both soft and hard—that may be required for the role at hand. For instance, if you're applying for a role working in a gallery, you'll want to make sure to emphasize your sales-related skills, as well as your customer service skills. Someone applying for a role as a music teacher would share details about teaching credentials or experience working with students in their cover letter.  

Consider sharing a portfolio.  If you're seeking a role where your art will be assessed as part of the hiring, linking to an online portfolio of your work in your cover letter may be helpful. 

Show why you're a great fit.  The overarching goal of any cover letter is to make a case for your candidacy for the role at hand. To that end, you'll want to emphasize your relevant skills and experience, and also show that you're a good fit. By researching the company or institution, you'll know what points to emphasize in your letter. 

Proofread and edit.  Make sure to read through your cover letter carefully, checking for typos and grammatical errors. Take the time to  proofread your letter .  

This is an example of a cover letter for an arts position. Download the cover letter template (compatible with Google Docs and Word Online) or see below for more examples.

Sample Cover Letter for an Arts Position (Text Version)

Daniel Applicant 123 Main Street Anytown, CA 12345 555-555-5555 daniel.applicant@email.com

June 14, 2021

Michael Lee Director, Human Resources Acme Arts 123 Business Rd. Business City, NY 54321

Dear Mr. Lee,

The description you posted for a studio assistant parallels my interests and qualifications perfectly.

With my background in art and psychology, I am confident that I would make a very successful and creative studio assistant. Having worked for the non-profit organization CountyArts, I have been exposed to a number of aspects of the art world. My experience as an artist assistant at the Museum of Art demonstrates my capability of working with others through the creative process of production while meeting the challenges presented to me.

Also, my education in psychology has allowed me to learn the nuances of people and has provided me with good investigative and analytical skills that will suit your needs for customer assistance.

I would appreciate the opportunity to make a substantial contribution by exploring the business of applied art through your design firm.

I welcome the opportunity to meet with you to further discuss my candidacy and will call next week to see if we might arrange a time to speak. Thank you for your time and consideration.

Signature (hard copy letter)

Daniel Applicant

We now live in the digital age, so when emailing your cover letter and resume, list the position and your name in the subject line of the email (e.g., "Studio Assistant - Your Name"). You can use the body of the email to jump right into the salutation and letter. 

If you have the opportunity to deliver a hard copy of your cover letter or have chosen to attach a PDF to your email, you should follow the more traditional format, which includes your contact information, the date, and the contact information for the hiring manager or person to whom you are writing at the top.

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Click here to directly go to the complete Artist Cover Letter sample.

Is drafting an artist cover letter important?

The answer to that is a YES!

A professionally drafted cover letter can help you during job applications. It can help you elaborate on details of your experience or skills that might not be available on your artist resume .

What you include in your artist cover letter will depend on your journey and the vacant position that you are targeting.

For instance, if you are writing an art director cover letter, it must include information relevant to the position, which may include proficiency with illustration tools to project management skills.

To get started, read on to know about:

• What is the best format for an artist cover letter?
• What to include in your artist cover letter?
• How do you write a cover letter for an artist?
• What to avoid when writing a professional artist cover letter?

What Does a Successful Cover Letter Look Like?

The cover letter gets you brownie points and thus must contain compelling content, but it must look appealing to intrigue the hiring manager to read it along with the resume.

Choosing a suitable format helps to make the cover letter easier to understand and get past the applicant tracking system ( ATS ).

Keep these points in mind while drafting your art director cover letter:

• Use 10 to 12 points as font size
• Align the content to the left
• Use 1-1.5 line spacing
• Use double spaces between paragraphs
• Use 1” margin on all sides

Also Read: How to pick a suitable cover letter design

What to Include in a Cover Letter for an Art Job?

A cover letter is a single-page professional document. Thus, it must follow a strategic structure that can help you communicate your caliber to the recruiters.

You should include the following details in your artist cover letter:

Greetings/ Salutation

Address the cover letter to the hiring manager directly. You might find the name of the hiring manager on the job description or find it with a simple search on LinkedIn or the company website.

Body of the Cover Letter

Write 2-3 paragraphs for the body of the cover letter to include relevant skills and experience for the arts-related position. This section should be tailored to the description of the open position.

For instance, if you are writing a cover letter for museum job then the content would be vastly different from a theater cover letter.

Closing Statement

A balanced closing statement that is enthusiastic yet polite close is a must for the cover letter. It should communicate your interest in further discussions with the hiring managers over the phone or face-to-face. Include a call to action such as - “I would love to discuss possibilities.”

Contact details

Do not forget to mention your contact details so that the hiring manager can contact you. Include your full name, contact number, and name of the city. Most importantly include your portfolio details here.

Now that we know what to include in our cover letter, let us learn the tips for writing an effective art job cover letter.

Also Read: How to write a cover letter that can land you a dream job?

Artist Cover Letter Sample

How do i write a cover letter for a creative job.

There are so many jobs up for grabs in the professional world for artists.

Your artist cover letter would prioritize different aspects of your journey, qualifications, and skills based on the role that you are applying for.

Here are some general tips on how to write a cover letter for an art job :

Convey That You Are a Great Fit

The basic goal for your cover letter is to make a case for your candidacy. Mention points that would be valued by the hiring manager or the company and are important to you. You would know what points to mention after researching about the company, its culture, and its values.

For instance, when writing an artist cover letter, you would want to include a passion for the art over the quantity of work if the hiring manager would value it more.

Emphasize Relevant Skills

Do not limit yourself to just including skills that are related to your art profession. Include relevant soft and hard skills in your art teacher cover letter.

For instance, if you are writing a creative director cover letter then you must include leadership, time-management, and communication skills in your letter. It goes to show that you would manage a team well and execute the project efficiently.

Likewise, draft a makeup artist cover letter if you are seeking a job in the stated field. Emphasizing your relevant skills can make you stand out as the perfect applicant.

Someone writing a theater cover letter would include details of the plays they have acted in or directed, or experience working with co-artists in their letter.

Also Read: How to draft a professional 3D artist resume?

Share Your Portfolio

This is a no-brainer when seeking an art job where your capabilities would be judged during the hiring process.

Professionals in the tech field can benefit by sharing projects or coding samples posted on your digital websites such as GitHub or Kaggle.

Sharing your portfolio increases your chances of getting shortlisted for the next round. It builds trust that you would be able to function proactively in the role.

End with a Call to Action

Seal the deal by adding a call to action at the end of your letter. For instance, when writing a cover letter for a museum job, make sure to end the cover letter with, “I would love to connect with you and discuss further possibilities ...".

This will encourage the recruiters to reach out to you for further meetings or interviews.

Proofread Twice Before Sharing the Document

This goes for all kinds of documents that you might end up sharing with the hiring manager. Nobody would like to read a document full of silly mistakes and errors.

Thus, make sure to read your art cover letter with a keen eye for detail and a focused mind after you are done writing it.

Also Read: How to end a cover letter?

Things to Avoid in Your Artist Cover Letter

Apart from knowing what to add to your cover letter, you need to be aware of what to avoid while drafting your artist cover letter.

Avoid the following mistakes while drafting your artist cover letter:

Basic Salutation

Never begin the salutation with, ‘To whom it may concern’.

A cover letter is a personalized document, where addressing the hiring manager makes sense. Always personalize your salutations to depict attention to detail.

Example: Dear Ms. Jenkinson

Repetitive Information

Do not repeat the details mentioned in your resume again in your art teacher cover letter. This makes the cover letter redundant and wastes the hiring manager’s time.

Exceeding One Page Limit

Do not write an art cover letter that exceeds one page. A hiring manager hardly spends more than a minute over a cover letter and resume combined.

Do not load the cover letter with so much information that it exceeds one page. The hiring manager would reject your application otherwise.

Also Read: How long should a cover letter be?

Key Takeaways

Keep the following points in mind while drafting your artist cover letter:

• Choose a suitable yet professional format to make the cover letter look visually appealing
• Divide the letter into sections - salutation, body, closing statement, and contact details
• Include relevant information - qualifications, background, and skills in the body of the letter and convey why you would be a great fit for the role
• Include portfolio details in your letter to increase the hiring manager’s trust in you
• Always proofread before sharing the documents with the hiring manager
• Do not repeat the information already mentioned in your resume

Visit Hiration's online cover letter builder which has 24x7 chat support to assist you in drafting the best cover letter.

You can also write to us at support@hiration for further queries.

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Professional Artist Cover Letter Example

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Start your Professional Artist cover letter by addressing the recipient by name, if possible. If not, use a general greeting like "Dear Hiring Manager". Then, introduce yourself and state the position you're applying for. Mention where you found the job posting or who referred you. In the first paragraph, briefly highlight your most significant achievements or experiences that make you a strong candidate for the role. Remember to make it specific to the role and the organization. For instance, if you're applying for a graphic design role, you might start with "As a seasoned graphic artist with over 10 years of experience in creating compelling visuals for renowned brands, I am excited to apply for the Graphic Designer position at your esteemed organization." This not only showcases your experience but also your enthusiasm for the role.

The best way for Professional Artists to end a cover letter is by expressing gratitude for the opportunity and enthusiasm for potential next steps. For example, "Thank you for considering my application. I am excited about the possibility of contributing my unique artistic perspective to your team and would welcome the opportunity to discuss my qualifications further." This ending is polite, professional, and shows eagerness to move forward in the process. It's also important to include your contact information after your closing remarks, even if it's already on your resume. This makes it easy for the recipient to reach out to you. Finally, close with a professional sign-off like "Sincerely" or "Best regards," followed by your full name.

Professional Artists should include the following elements in their cover letter: 1. Personal Information: Start with your name, address, contact number, and email address. This information should be at the top of the letter. 2. Salutation: Address the recipient by their name if it's known. If not, use a general greeting like "Dear Hiring Manager." 3. Introduction: Begin with a brief introduction about yourself and your artistry. Mention the role you're applying for and where you found the job listing. 4. Body: This is where you sell your skills and experiences. Discuss your artistic style, the mediums you work with, and any significant projects or exhibitions you've been a part of. Highlight any awards or recognitions you've received. If you're applying for a specific project, explain why you're interested and how your skills and style align with the project's needs. 5. Skills and Qualifications: List any relevant skills and qualifications you have. This could include technical skills like proficiency in certain art software, or soft skills like creativity and attention to detail. 6. Portfolio: Mention that you've included a portfolio of your work, or provide a link to your online portfolio. This gives the recipient a chance to see your work firsthand. 7. Conclusion: Wrap up the letter by thanking the recipient for their time and expressing your interest in the opportunity to discuss your application further. 8. Signature: End with your name and a professional closing like "Sincerely" or "Best." Remember, a cover letter is your chance to show your passion and personality. It should complement your resume, not just repeat it. Tailor it to each job you apply for, highlighting the most relevant experiences and skills. Be professional, but don't be afraid to let your unique artist's perspective shine through.

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Arts Cover Letter Examples

A cover letter is an important part of any job application, and having a well-crafted cover letter is key to making a good impression on potential employers. Creating a polished cover letter for a job in the performing arts can be a challenge, but with the right guidance and some helpful examples, the process can be much easier. In this blog post, we’ll take a look at writing a successful cover letter for an arts job and provide some useful examples to get you started.

Cover Letter Samples by Job-Title

• Digital Artist
• Environment Artist
• Interaction Designer
• Packaging Designer
• Print Designer
• Storyboard Artist
• Technical Artist
• Technical Illustrator
• Toy Designer
• Fine Artist
• Freelance Artist
• Illustrator
• Professional Painter
• Tattoo Artist
• Art Curator
• Art Instructor
• Artist Manager
• Artistic Director
• Freelance Art Director
• House Manager
• Jewelry Store Manager
• Senior Art Director
• Senior Designer
• Art Assistant
• Art Gallery Assistant
• Assistant Art Director
• Assistant Designer
• Floral Assistant
• Art Consultant
• Art Handler
• Auto Body Painter
• Bench Jeweler
• Concept Artist
• Floral Designer
• Freelance Floral Designer
• Jewelry Consultant
• Journeyman Painter
• Screen Printer
• Textile Designer

When you’re applying for an arts position, your cover letter can be your key to success—or your downfall. How can you make sure you write the perfect cover letter? Here are a few tips to help you get started.

• Research the company and position. Before you even begin writing your cover letter, make sure you know everything you can about the company, their mission, and the position you’re applying for. This research can be helpful in tailoring your letter to meet the needs of the organization.
• Tailor your letter. Make sure your letter is written specifically for the job you’re applying for. Use the same words and phrases that were used in the job description, and highlight any experiences or skills you have that are relevant to the position.
• Show enthusiasm. Use positive language and be sure to express your enthusiasm for the position. Show the employer that you’re excited about the opportunity and that you’re ready to hit the ground running.
• Keep it brief. Your cover letter should not be more than one page. Focus on the most relevant details and avoid rambling on.
• Proofread. Before you submit your letter, make sure you proofread it for any typos, grammar errors, or factual inaccuracies.

Writing the perfect cover letter takes time and dedication, but it can be a great way to make sure your resume gets noticed. Following these tips can help make sure you write the perfect cover letter and stand out among the competition.

What should be included in a Arts cover letter

A cover letter for an Arts position should typically include the following information:

• An introduction that succinctly explains why you are interested in the position and why you are the best candidate for the job.
• A description of your relevant qualifications and experience, including any awards, certificates, or other achievements.
• A discussion of any special tools, techniques, or creative talents that you bring to the position.
• A brief overview of any connections you may have with the organization or the Arts field.
• An explanation of how your background and experience make you an ideal fit for this role.
• A closing that outlines your enthusiasm and interest in the opportunity and makes a call to action for the hiring manager to contact you.

Examples of how to format a Arts cover letter

Examples of How to Format an Arts Cover Letter

• Start with a Professional Greeting: Begin by addressing the employer or contact person by name, if possible. If you don’t know who will be reading your letter, use “Dear Hiring Manager,”.
• Introduce Yourself: In the first paragraph of your letter, introduce yourself and explain why you’re writing. State which position you’re applying for, and briefly mention how you learned about it.
• Highlight Your Qualifications: Focus on the skills, experience, and qualifications that make you a great candidate for the position. Emphasize the strengths that you have that relate to the position’s duties.
• Explain How You Can Help: Use the second paragraph to explain how you can help the organization achieve its goals. Demonstrate your knowledge of the organization’s mission and values, and illustrate how your abilities could contribute to their success.
• Close with a Thank You: End your letter by thanking the employer for their time and consideration. Invite them to contact you if they have any questions.
• Include Contact Information: At the end of your letter, include your contact information, including email address and phone number.
• Sign Your Name: End your letter with a professional closing, followed by your handwritten signature.

Common mistakes to avoid when creating a Arts cover letter

• Not customizing the letter to the specific job application: It is essential to create a tailored cover letter for each job application to show that you have done your research and understand the job requirements. A generic template will not get you the desired results.
• Not including a call to action: Make sure to conclude your cover letter with a call to action to encourage the employer to take the next step and contact you.
• Not proofreading: Be sure to double check spelling, grammar, and punctuation. Typos and other errors can give the impression that you are careless with your work.
• Not including relevant accomplishments: Make sure to mention your relevant skills and accomplishments that are relevant to the position you are applying for.
• Omitting contact information: Don’t forget to include your name, address, phone number, and email address at the top of your letter.
• Not quantifying your accomplishments: If possible, include specific numbers and examples of your accomplishments in the arts field to give a more concrete example of your success.
• Being overly informal: Although you still want to show your personality, avoid using overly casual language or slang.
• Not researching the company: Take the time to research the company and demonstrate your understanding of their mission and goals in your cover letter.
• Failing to tailor your letter to the company’s culture: Spend some time getting to know the company culture and try to incorporate any values or qualities the company is looking for into your letter.
• Not including a professional summary: A professional summary is a great way to sum up your skills and accomplishments in the arts field in a concise way.

Benefits of submitting a Arts cover letter

• Demonstration of initiative: A well- crafted cover letter is a demonstration of initiative that shows employers you are taking the initiative to apply for a job in the arts. This can set you apart from other candidates.
• Articulate interests: A cover letter is a great way to articulate your interests in the arts, as well as providing employers with a better understanding of your skills and qualifications.
• Personalized approach: By submitting a personalized cover letter, you can ensure employers get an overview of your unique skills and qualifications in the arts.
• Showcase writing skills: A cover letter is an opportunity to showcase your writing skills, which is especially important in the arts.
• Establish a connection: A cover letter is the perfect opportunity to establish a connection with the employer, making them more likely to consider you for the job.

Writing a cover letter for an arts position is an important part of the job application process. By showcasing your skills, experience, and qualifications, you can increase your chances of being hired. While it is important to tailor your cover letter to the specific job you are applying for, it can also be helpful to have a template or guidelines to follow. Our arts cover letter examples and writing guide provide valuable insight into the important elements of an effective cover letter. With our guide, you can create a cover letter that will make you stand out from the competition and show that you are the right candidate for the job.

Art Coordinator Cover Letter Examples & Writing Tips

Use these Art Coordinator cover letter examples and writing tips to help you write a powerful cover letter that will separate you from the competition.

Table Of Contents

• Art Coordinator Example 1
• Art Coordinator Example 2
• Art Coordinator Example 3
• Cover Letter Writing Tips

Art coordinators are responsible for the overall look and feel of a project. They work with artists, designers, and other team members to create a cohesive and visually appealing product.

To get a job as an art coordinator, you need to have a strong portfolio and a well-written cover letter. Use these examples and tips to write a cover letter that will help you stand out from the competition.

Art Coordinator Cover Letter Example 1

I am excited to be applying for the Art Coordinator position at the Art Gallery. I have a degree in Fine Arts from the University of Southern California and more than five years of experience working in the art industry. I am confident that I have the skills and experience necessary to excel in this role.

In my previous role as an Art Gallery Manager at the prestigious Gagosian Gallery, I was responsible for all aspects of the day-to-day operations of the gallery. This included managing a team of six employees, curating and installing exhibitions, and liaising with artists and their representatives. I was also responsible for developing and managing the budget for the gallery.

I have a strong background in art history and a deep understanding of the art market. I am also an excellent communicator and have superb organizational skills. I am confident that I can provide the Art Gallery with the leadership and vision it needs to continue to thrive.

Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to meeting with you to discuss the Art Coordinator position in further detail. I am confident that I have the skills and experience necessary to be a valuable member of your team. My resume is enclosed for your reference.

Art Coordinator Cover Letter Example 2

I am writing to apply for the open Art Coordinator position at your company. I am confident that I have the skills and experience necessary to be successful in this role.

I have over three years of experience working in the art industry. In this time, I have gained extensive experience in managing and coordinating art projects. I have a proven track record of being able to successfully manage multiple projects simultaneously while meeting deadlines and budget constraints.

I am also an excellent communicator and have a strong working knowledge of the art industry. I am able to effectively collaborate with other team members to create art that meets and exceeds client expectations.

I would be proud to bring my skills and experience to your company and am eager to discuss this opportunity further with you. Thank you for your time and consideration.

Art Coordinator Cover Letter Example 3

I am writing to express my interest in the Art Coordinator position at your company. I have extensive experience in art direction and production, as well as a solid background in business management.

I have worked on projects ranging from small-scale independent films to large-scale commercial productions. My experience has given me the opportunity to work with a wide variety of clients and artists, which has helped me develop my skills in communication and collaboration. I believe that these skills are essential for success in this position.

My background in business management has also given me the opportunity to learn how to manage budgets and schedules. These skills are crucial for working with clients and vendors, as they allow me to understand their needs and expectations. They also help me to be more efficient when it comes to managing projects.

I would like to thank you for considering me for this position. I am confident that my experience and skills will make me an asset to your team. I look forward to hearing from you soon.

Art Coordinator Cover Letter Writing Tips

1. show your passion for art.

When writing a cover letter for an art coordinator position, it’s important to show your passion for art. This can be done by discussing your experience with art, how you’ve been involved in the art community, or any art-related courses you’ve taken in the past.

If you have any personal artwork that you’ve created, be sure to include it in your application as well. This will give hiring managers a better idea of your skills and what you could bring to the table as an art coordinator.

2. Tailor your cover letter to the job description

One of the best ways to make sure your cover letter is tailored for a specific job is by paying close attention to the details of the position. For example, if you see that an art coordinator opening requires two years of experience in one type of art and five years’ experience in another type, then highlight any relevant experience you have in those areas.

If there are any additional requirements or skills mentioned for that job, also list them on your application; this will help make it clear how you can meet their needs.

3. Use strong action verbs

When describing your past experiences, use strong action verbs to help paint a picture for the hiring manager. This will show that you have the skills and experience necessary for the job. Some great action verbs to use include:

4. Proofread your cover letter

Proofreading your cover letter is the first step to landing an interview for an art coordinator position. As with any position, it’s important to spell-check and double-check that there are no errors in your resume or cover letter. Otherwise, you risk being disqualified before the employer even sees your qualifications.

Sales Administrative Assistant Cover Letter Examples & Writing Tips

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How To Write a Cover Letter With Examples

Cover letters can help differentiate you from other job applicants and be the determining factor of landing your dream job. By taking the time to craft a custom cover letter, a single sheet of paper can help communicate all the human elements that a resume may fall short of capturing about yourself. 

But what do employers and recruiters have to say about how to write a cover letter? What are the best tips they have to offer for graduate students who are writing a cover letter?

We asked 11 employers for their best cover letter tips. Here is what they had to share.

Let it Set the Stage

In many ways, cover letters should provide background information and context to your resume, while simultaneously addressing how that resume addresses the specific requirements of the job opportunity. The cover letter is your opportunity to "set the stage" and to convince the hiring manager why your specific set of skills, experiences and interests will provide value to their team and its objectives.

Andrew Horrigan '11 BSBA (Management Information Systems), Product Manager at Cisco

Research the Hiring Manager

If possible, find out who the hiring manager is and look them up on LinkedIn. Do your research on the company you're applying for. What's their mission statement and how do they portray their company culture? Hopefully what you're looking for in a job is reflected by those things. Make sure the hiring manager knows that and understands who you are and what drives you. A resume is often about as robotic as things can be. Make sure your cover letter is the opposite—personalize it and let yourself shine through.

Joshua Schlag ’05 BS (Computer Science) ’11 MBA, Digital Marketing Manager at Pyramid Analytics

Utilize Career Development Resources

The University of Arizona and Eller College of Management go to great lengths to make sure students are prepared for their impending career journey. Because cover letters are so important to getting your foot in the door, there are several career development resources online and on campus to take advantage of. The university’s cover letter builder serves as a nice template to get started. And of course, it never hurts to make an appointment with an Eller Career Coach through eSMS to have a professional review your letter before submission. 

Brett Farmiloe, ’06 BSBA (Accounting), Founder, Featured

Discover Past Samples of the Position

Do your research on the company and personalize your cover letter to the role for which you are applying. Don't be afraid to Google, "How to write a good cover letter for X position." Seriously, it helps! There is so much information out there from various perspectives—applicants, hiring managers, etc. Most importantly be yourself and let your personality come through. And don't forget to spell check!

Mariam Nikola '17 MS MIS, Consultant at Point B

Highlight Your Soft Skills

When writing a professional cover letter, there are a couple things you can do to set yourself apart from the pack. First, make sure you tailor your letter to the specific position you are applying for. This should not be a general, "one size fits all" letter—be sure to discuss specific details surrounding the role or the company itself. Secondly, this is an opportunity for you to show a little bit of your personality. Obviously, you want to remain professional, but this is a great time to highlight some of your soft skills that might not be fully conveyed through your resume.  

Brian Ellis ’17 BSBA (Management), Staffing Manager at Randstad Office and Administrative Professionals

Fill in the “Why” Gaps

As a talent advisor, I review a lot of applicants and agree that a cover letter can be a great way to stand apart, if it is done correctly. A great cover letter for me covers the ‘why’ that I cannot understand from just a resume alone. It should clearly state why you are interested in the role, what your goals are for utilizing your graduate degree (if recently graduated) and explain any career pivots reflected on your resume. If you answer those questions in a direct, concise manner it will add value to your application.

Monica Larson , ’11 BSBA (Marketing) ‘20 MBA, Talent Advisor

Tell Your Story

A cover letter is your opportunity to tell your story—tying your experience and personal interests into why you want a position and why you are the best candidate for it. Paint the picture of your journey and what about the position excites you personally and professionally. Similar to your resume, keep it short and sweet. No need to repeat what’s already on your resume. Recruiters and hiring managers don’t have time to comb through a novel, so you need to engage them with as few words as possible while also grabbing their attention.

Kelly Castoro, ’06 BA (Spanish, Portuguese), Project Manager at Squarespace

Tailor Each Cover Letter to the Position You Are Applying

Be sure to research the role and customize your cover letter for each position, relating your experience to the particular role you are applying for. Personalization is key—research who you are sending the cover letter to and address the letter to them directly. End your letter with a call to action, stating you will follow up by phone or email if you haven’t heard from anyone. Follow ups are very important! 

Jessica Rosenzweig, ’15 BSBA (Business Management), Account Manager at PeopleWare Staffing

Communicate Bankability and Personality 

Your cover letter answers two crucial questions; are you bankable and are you someone the company will enjoy working with? Communicate bankability with your knowledge of the company, industry and why your skills, capabilities and interests are a great fit. Share your passion for their mission, culture, brand—whatever excites you about becoming a member of their team.  

When conveyed through a concise, well-formulated, well-worded cover letter, you demonstrate the ability to write an effective business case—communicating that you are a ready professional and worthy teammate who will hit the ground running.

Theresa L Garcia, ’83 BSBA (Human Resources), Senior Change Management and Organization Capability Consultant at Boeing

Keep it Concise but Compelling

A cover letter is your chance to speak directly to the hiring team and tell them why you are not only the best match for the position for which you are applying but also give them additional insight into yourself as an individual that is less visible from your experience.

A great cover letter should be attention grabbing and touch upon the qualities that make you stand out from others in the applicant pool, highlight both your recent and most distinguished accomplishments and drive home why you are the right person for the job. Professionalism is always important, but don’t be hesitant to put your voice into the letter to let your personality shine through. Research the company, understand where they currently are, where they are going and show why you are the right person to get them from point A to point B. Recruiters spend a lot of time reviewing applicants and making yourself stand apart from the crowd is key. Keep it concise but compelling!

Matt Reineberg, ’14 BSBA (Marketing), Senior Talent Acquisition Sourcer at Cox Enterprises

Highlight the “Why”

Why are you applying to this company? Why do you want this position? Your cover letter should aim to answer the why behind applying for the job. Conveying an interest and excitement for working specifically for this job at this company, rather than a desire to get any job anywhere that will give you money, can go a long way. Show the company that they should hire you and your passion over someone that might have the skills needed for the job, but doesn’t care about the work as much as you do. 

Ryan Nouis, Trupath 

Ready to Learn More?

How to Write a Cover Letter That Will Get You a Job

I ’ve read thousands, maybe tens of thousands, of cover letters in my career. If you’re thinking that sounds like really boring reading, you’re right. What I can tell you from enduring that experience is that most cover letters are terrible — and not only that, but squandered opportunities. When a cover letter is done well, it can significantly increase your chances of getting an interview, but the vast majority fail that test.

So let’s talk about how to do cover letters right.

First, understand the point of a cover letter.

The whole idea of a cover letter is that it can help the employer see you as more than just your résumé. Managers generally aren’t hiring based solely on your work history; your experience is crucial, yes, but they’re also looking for someone who will be easy to work with, shows good judgment, communicates well, possesses strong critical thinking skills and a drive to get things done, complements their current team, and all the other things you yourself probably want from your co-workers. It’s tough to learn much about those things from job history alone, and that’s where your cover letter comes in.

Because of that …

Whatever you do, don’t just summarize your résumé.

The No. 1 mistake people make with cover letters is that they simply use them to summarize their résumé. This makes no sense — hiring managers don’t need a summary of your résumé! It’s on the very next page! They’re about to see it as soon as they scroll down. And if you think about it, your entire application is only a few pages (in most cases, a one- or two-page résumé and a one-page cover letter) — why would you squander one of those pages by repeating the content of the others? And yet, probably 95 percent of the cover letters I see don’t add anything new beyond the résumé itself (and that’s a conservative estimate).

Instead, your cover letter should go beyond your work history to talk about things that make you especially well-suited for the job. For example, if you’re applying for an assistant job that requires being highly organized and you neurotically track your household finances in a detailed, color-coded spreadsheet, most hiring managers would love to know that because it says something about the kind of attention to detail you’d bring to the job. That’s not something you could put on your résumé, but it can go in your cover letter.

Or maybe your last boss told you that you were the most accurate data processor she’d ever seen, or came to rely on you as her go-to person whenever a lightning-fast rewrite was needed. Maybe your co-workers called you “the client whisperer” because of your skill in calming upset clients. Maybe you’re regularly sought out by more senior staff to help problem-solve, or you find immense satisfaction in bringing order to chaos. Those sorts of details illustrate what you bring to the job in a different way than your résumé does, and they belong in your cover letter.

If you’re still stumped, pretend you’re writing an email to a friend about why you’d be great at the job. You probably wouldn’t do that by stiffly reciting your work history, right? You’d talk about what you’re good at and how you’d approach the work. That’s what you want here.

You don’t need a creative opening line.

If you think you need to open the letter with something creative or catchy, I am here to tell you that you don’t. Just be simple and straightforward:

• “I’m writing to apply for your X position.”

• “I’d love to be considered for your X position.”

• “I’m interested in your X position because …”

• “I’m excited to apply for your X position.”

That’s it! Straightforward is fine — better, even, if the alternative is sounding like an aggressive salesperson.

Show, don’t tell.

A lot of cover letters assert that the person who wrote it would excel at the job or announce that the applicant is a skillful engineer or a great communicator or all sorts of other subjective superlatives. That’s wasted space — the hiring manager has no reason to believe it, and so many candidates claim those things about themselves that most managers ignore that sort of self-assessment entirely. So instead of simply declaring that you’re great at X (whatever X is), your letter should demonstrate that. And the way you do that is by describing accomplishments and experiences that illustrate it.

Here’s a concrete example taken from one extraordinarily effective cover-letter makeover that I saw. The candidate had originally written, “I offer exceptional attention to detail, highly developed communication skills, and a talent for managing complex projects with a demonstrated ability to prioritize and multitask.” That’s pretty boring and not especially convincing, right? (This is also exactly how most people’s cover letters read.)

In her revised version, she wrote this instead:

“In addition to being flexible and responsive, I’m also a fanatic for details — particularly when it comes to presentation. One of my recent projects involved coordinating a 200-page grant proposal: I proofed and edited the narratives provided by the division head, formatted spreadsheets, and generally made sure that every line was letter-perfect and that the entire finished product conformed to the specific guidelines of the RFP. (The result? A five-year, $1.5 million grant award.) I believe in applying this same level of attention to detail to tasks as visible as prepping the materials for a top-level meeting and as mundane as making sure the copier never runs out of paper.”

That second version is so much more compelling and interesting — and makes me believe that she really is great with details.

If there’s anything unusual or confusing about your candidacy, address it in the letter.

Your cover letter is your chance to provide context for things that otherwise might seem confusing or less than ideal to a hiring manager. For example, if you’re overqualified for the position but are excited about it anyway, or if you’re a bit underqualified but have reason to think you could excel at the job, address that up front. Or if your background is in a different field but you’re actively working to move into this one, say so, talk about why, and explain how your experience will translate. Or if you’re applying for a job across the country from where you live because you’re hoping to relocate to be closer to your family, let them know that.

If you don’t provide that kind of context, it’s too easy for a hiring manager to decide you’re the wrong fit or applying to everything you see or don’t understand the job description and put you in the “no” pile. A cover letter gives you a chance to say, “No, wait — here’s why this could be a good match.”

Keep the tone warm and conversational.

While there are some industries that prize formal-sounding cover letters — like law — in most fields, yours will stand out if it’s warm and conversational. Aim for the tone you’d use if you were writing to a co-worker whom you liked a lot but didn’t know especially well. It’s okay to show some personality or even use humor; as long as you don’t go overboard, your letter will be stronger for it.

Don’t use a form letter.

You don’t need to write every cover letter completely from scratch, but if you’re not customizing it to each job, you’re doing it wrong. Form letters tend to read like form letters, and they waste the chance to speak to the specifics of what this employer is looking for and what it will take to thrive in this particular job.

If you’re applying for a lot of similar jobs, of course you’ll end up reusing language from one letter to the next. But you shouldn’t have a single cover letter that you wrote once and then use every time you apply; whatever you send should sound like you wrote it with the nuances of this one job in mind.

A good litmus test is this: Could you imagine other applicants for this job sending in the same letter? If so, that’s a sign that you haven’t made it individualized enough to you and are probably leaning too heavily on reciting your work history.

No, you don’t need to hunt down the hiring manager’s name.

If you read much job-search advice, at some point you’ll come across the idea that you need to do Woodward and Bernstein–level research to hunt down the hiring manager’s name in order to open your letter with “Dear Matilda Jones.” You don’t need to do this; no reasonable hiring manager will care. If the name is easily available, by all means, feel free to use it, but otherwise “Dear Hiring Manager” is absolutely fine. Take the hour you just freed up and do something more enjoyable with it.

Keep it under one page.

If your cover letters are longer than a page, you’re writing too much, and you risk annoying hiring managers who are likely sifting through hundreds of applications and don’t have time to read lengthy tomes. On the other hand, if you only write one paragraph, it’s unlikely that you’re making a compelling case for yourself as a candidate — not impossible, but unlikely. For most people, something close to a page is about right.

Don’t agonize over the small details.

What matters most about your cover letter is its content. You should of course ensure that it’s well-written and thoroughly proofread, but many job seekers agonize over elements of the letter that really don’t matter. I get tons of  questions from job seekers  about whether they should attach their cover letter or put it in the body of the email (answer: No one cares, but attaching it makes it easier to share and will preserve your formatting), or what to name the file (again, no one really cares as long as it’s reasonably professional, but when people are dealing with hundreds of files named “resume,” it’s courteous to name it with your full name).

Approaching your cover letter like this can make a huge difference in your job search. It can be the thing that moves your application from the “maybe” pile (or even the “no” pile) to the “yes” pile. Of course, writing cover letters like this will take more time than sending out the same templated letter summarizing your résumé — but 10 personalized, compelling cover letters are likely to get you more  interview invitations  than 50 generic ones will.

• ‘I Had a Great Job Interview — Why Haven’t I Heard Back?’
• How to Answer ‘Tell Me About Yourself’ in a Job Interview

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Our Coverage of the 2024 Elections

Presidential Race

President Biden raised $25 million  campaigning alongside Barack Obama and Bill Clinton  at a Radio City Music Hall event , and held a retreat the next day  for 175 major donors.

Donald Trump pushed his law-and-order message  at a wake for a police officer killed on duty.

Trump Media, now publicly traded, could present new conflicts of interest  in a second Trump term.

Donald Trump cast Robert F. Kennedy Jr.  as a liberal democrat  in disguise  while also seeming to back the independent presidential candidate as a spoiler for the Biden campaign.

Other Key Races

Tammy Murphy, New Jersey’s first lady, abruptly ended her bid for U.S. Senate, a campaign flop that reflected intense national frustration with politics as usual .

Kari Lake, a Trump acolyte running for Senate in Arizona, is struggling to walk away from the controversial positions  that have turned off independents and alienated establishment Republicans.

Ohio will almost certainly go for Trump this November. Senator Sherrod Brown, the last Democrat holding statewide office, will need to defy the gravity of the presidential contest  to win a fourth term.