Writing a cover letter is a big deal – and it takes some time. But who has time when your bills are stacking up and there are 10 other jobs you want to apply for today?

Don’t skimp on your cover letters though – each one should be unique to the specific job for which you are applying and this means you’ll end up spending AT LEAST half an hour on each one.

To help you boost your job application productivity, I’ve created this sentence-by-sentence guide  to help you write a flawless cover letter every time:

The Intro:

After you’ve properly typed and spaced your address, the date and the recipient’s address, follow these steps to create a solid introduction for your cover letter.

1. State the job listing you are responding to

If you found the job posting online, list the website. If you found it in a newspaper, say what newspaper.

Example: I’m writing in response to your job posting on Monster.com.

2. State the position you want to be considered for and acknowledge the company’s name

Example: I would like to be considered for the Jr. Web Designer position at CompanyABC.

Alternative: I’m very interested in a career with CompanyABC and I would like to be considered for the Jr. Web Designer position.

3. Mention your Alma mater or current employer

Example: I recently graduated from University XYZ.

Alternative: I am currently employed at CompanyXYZ.

4. Quickly state two skills that show you are qualified for the position

Example: I believe my skills with HTML5 and responsive design make me an excellent candidate for this position.

5. Express your desire to be considered for the position

Example: I hope you will find that my work experience, along with my education, qualifies me for this position.

Alternative: I hope you will consider my web design skills as proof that I am a suitable candidate for this position.

*When you’ve reached this point, leave a row of white space and begin a new paragraph (without indents!).

The First Body Paragraph:

1. Elaborate on one skill or employment position that shows you’re qualified for the job

Example: During my time at UniversityXYZ, I held a six month internship where I was an assistant designer for the university website.

2. State what you learned, how you overcame challenges, etc.

Example: This internship gave me hands-on experience coding in HTML5 and CSS3.

3. Elaborate on more skills you learned

Example: I also managed the redesign project of the university’s blog and created fresh graphics for the university’s social media pages.

4. Relate the skills you’ve discussed to the requirements listed in the job position

Example: These experiences have not only helped me hone my coding skills, but they’ve also taught me the importance of teamwork and the value of constructive criticism.

5. Include a transition to set up the second body paragraph

Example: I believe that my internship experience, in addition to my educational achievements, would make me a valuable member of your design team.

The Second Body Paragraph:

1. Introduce a new skill set, educational acheivement or a past job that qualifies you for the position

Example: I graduated summa cum laude from UniversityXYZ with my B.A. in Web Design and a minor in Business Management.

2. State what you learned or what challenges you overcame

Example: While earning my degree, I learned how to create websites, design graphics and solve website coding errors.

3. Elaborate on additional skills

Example: I also tutored undergraduate students who were having trouble in their Web Design classes and participated in the Student Activities Board.

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4. Relate these skills to the job posting (similar to Step 4 in the first body paragraph)

Example: My educational experience not only taught me the professional skills I need to be a web designer, but also how to effectively manage my time and troubleshoot programming issues.

The Conclusion:

1. Draw attention to your resume (which should be sent at the same time)

Example: In my attached resume, I’ve provided additional information about my professional skills and qualifications.

2. Clearly state your willingness to come in for an interview and include the position and company name one more time

Example: I would be happy to discuss my employment as a Jr. Web Designer with CompanyABC with you at a time and place of your convenience.

3. Provide your contact info and your rough schedule

Example: You can reach me at 123-456-7890 anytime after 3 p.m. during the week, or you may email me at personABC@email.com.

*Leave a row of white space, and provide one final conclusion such as “Thank you for your consideration.”

Then type and sign your name and you’re cover letter is complete!

Here is – roughly – what your finished cover letter should sound like. Use conjunctions like “and” to combine shorter sentences when necessary, and make sure you don’t repeat yourself too many times:

Hi name,

 

I’m writing in response to your job posting on Monster.com. Please consider me for the Jr. Web Designer position at CompanyABC. I recently graduated from University XYZ. I believe my skills with HTML5 and responsive design make me an excellent candidate for this position.I hope you will find that my work experience, along with my education, qualifies me for this position.

 

During my time at UniversityXYZ, I held a six month internship where I was an assistant designer for the university website.This internship gave me hands-on experience coding in HTML5 and CSS3. I also managed the redesign project of the university’s blog and created fresh graphics for the university’s social media pages. These experiences have not only helped me hone my coding skills, but they’ve also taught me the importance of teamwork and the value of constructive criticism. I believe that my internship experience, in addition to my educational achievements, would make me a valuable member of your design team.

 

I graduated summa cum laude from UniversityXYZ with my B.A. in Web Design and a minor in Business Management.While earning my degree, I learned how to create websites, design graphics and solve website coding errors. I also tutored undergraduate students who were having trouble in their Web Design classes and participated in the Student Activities Board. My educational experience not only taught me the professional skills I need to be a web designer, but also how to effectively manage my time and troubleshoot programming issues.

 

In my attached resume, I’ve provided additional information about my professional skills and qualifications. I would be happy to discuss my employment as a Jr. Web Designer with CompanyABC with you at a time and place of your convenience. You can reach me at 123-456-7890 anytime after 3 p.m. during the week, or you may email me at personABC@email.com.

 

Thank you for your consideration of my resume.

 

Sincerely,

Your Name

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