Writing a cover letter is a necessary part of the job search, and usually the most painful.

You’re trying to sell yourself to someone you’ve never met and most of us hate doing that.

Even worse, there’s a very distinct possibility that nobody is going to read it. But don’t dwell on that part because you have to write it anyway and you have to write it as though someone might read it, because someone actually might. So, you might as well just pretend someone is definitely going to read it.

The cover letter is designed to accomplish three things. You want to:

1. Introduce yourself as a person
2. Express your interest in the position
3. Impress someone enough to land an interview

It’s often assumed that the cover letter is supposed to bridge any gaps between your resume and the role for which you’re applying, but that is not the case. Your resume should be specifically tailored to the job as well.

How do you write the cover letter? Here’s a simple secret formula.

1. Start with a greeting:

I’m not a fan of the often recommended method of jumping right in with your personal description like “Dear Mr. Vader. I am a marketing manager with 15 years of experience…”

You might start with something like:

“Dear Mr. Vader: I was excited to find your job posting for a marketing manager for The Galactic Empire on Workopolis because I have been an admirer of your company’s marketing and mission for a long time.”

2. Say who you are, what you do, why you want to do that particular job at that particular company, and why you are the best person for the role:

“As a marketer with over 15 years’ experience, I think I can state with confidence that you will not find another candidate more suited for this position. Not only because of my work history, but because I am passionate in my beliefs in rule by tyranny and that the universe should turn to the Dark Side.”

3. Broadly cover your work history, but DO NOT JUST REHASH YOUR RESUME:

“As you will read in my attached resume, I have held a variety of marketing roles across industries from tourism to music festivals. This wide range of experience places me in a unique position, as I have had the opportunity to develop a vast array of skills, from writing and editing, to analytics and SEO, to user experience, audience retention, email marketing, managing budgets, and public relations.”

4. Demonstrate how amazing you are by highlighting a triumph:

“In one of my most recent success stories, I was assigned the project of revitalizing tourism to the Ice Planet Hoth, which I did through content marketing and social media initiatives. In one year tourism to the area increased by 500%, providing a much needed revenue boost to local businesses.”

5. Use a teaser to spark interest:

“If I get the chance to interview with you, be sure to ask about my success with the annual Tatooine Jazz Festival.”

6. Where possible, show you are on top of current trends by addressing challenges in the industry:

“I am aware that The Empire has faced some brand challenges lately thanks to competition from the Rebel Alliance, but I am confident that with my expertise we can turn that around in a very short period of time.”

7. Don’t forget to talk about what you admire about the company:

“I admire The Empire’s staying power in such a competitive industry as well as the company’s corporate social responsibility initiatives, including the Storm Troopers annual Sick Children’s Hospital drive. It would be a privilege to work for such a respected market leader.”

8. Sign off with respectful enthusiasm:

“I would be thrilled for the opportunity to be a part of your rebrand, and would love to meet with you to discuss the value I can bring to your organization. Thank you so much for your time and consideration.”

OK? Here’s the whole letter.

Good luck writing your own.

 

Dear Mr. Vader:

I was excited to find your job posting for a marketing manager for The Galactic Empire on Workopolis because I have been an admirer of your company’s marketing and mission for a long time.

As a marketer with over 15 years’ experience, I think I can state with confidence that you will not find another candidate more suited for this position. Not only because of my work history, but because I am passionate in my beliefs in rule by tyranny and that the universe should turn to the Dark Side.

As you will read in my attached resume, I have held a variety of marketing roles across industries from tourism to music festivals. This wide range of experience places me in a unique position, as I have had the opportunity to develop a vast array of skills, from writing and editing, to analytics and SEO, to user experience, audience retention, email marketing, managing budgets, and public relations.

In one of my most recent success stories, I was assigned the project of revitalizing tourism to the Ice Planet Hoth, which I did through content marketing and social media initiatives. In one year tourism to the area increased by 500%, providing a much needed revenue boost to local businesses.

If I get the chance to interview with you, be sure to ask about my success with the annual Tatooine Jazz Festival.

I am aware that The Empire has faced some brand challenges lately thanks to competition from the Rebel Alliance, but I am confident that with my expertise we can turn that around in a very short period of time.

I admire The Empire’s staying power in such a competitive industry as well as the company’s corporate social responsibility initiatives, including the Storm Troopers annual Sick Children’s Hospital drive. It would be a privilege to work for such a respected market leader.

I would be thrilled for the opportunity to be a part of your rebrand, and would love to meet with you to discuss the value I can bring to your organization.

Thank you so much for your time and consideration.

Sincerely,

Sybegh Tsark

(If you want to see another great example that pretty much follows this formula [and also uses a fictional role at a fictional company] check out this cover letter on Alison Green’s Ask A Manager.)