Cover letters have a strategy to them! And that strategy requires research. Spend some time learning more about the company and the specific job you want. Copy and paste the job description onto an empty document and carefully read it – front to back, up and down – and be prepared to use your touchpad to highlight the most important skills, responsibilities, and values. Focusing your attention on this language is crucial to writing your cover letter because when you submit, the first review is usually done using an automated system called Applicant Tracking System (ATS) that's looking for words or phrases mentioned in the job description. 🙋‍♀️ How do you know what's the most important though? Our advice is to focus on anything repeated multiple times, the beginning bullets of the job responsibilities (usually those are the most essential duties), and any specific skills they're looking for.

Don't just stop there though. Peruse the company's website, paying special attention to their values and mission (this usually can be found on the about page). You can also Google the company and see if there's any company or industry news that you can reference. (Don't panic, this may take some time at first, but eventually you'll be a pro and breeze through this. It gets easier with practice!)

Before writing your cover letter, consider reaching out to someone who works at the company – maybe an old classmate or a mentor. Send an email or a LinkedIn message with a specific question about the job (check out our templates!). Try to make the question worth answering – for example, don't ask if they have summer Fridays or any basic question that can be answered by reading the job description. Even though ATS will be the first pair of (automated) eyes on your cover letter, a real live human will eventually read it. And it'll look really good to a recruiter that you're able to reference this interaction. You might say: "I recently spoke to so-and-so at your company." We know it's not always possible to reach out to someone, nor will they always respond, but it's worth a shot

Now that you have compiled your research, you're ready to take the next step. Before you get started, we want to emphasize again how important it is to do this research because pulling those keywords from the job description will be essential. Automated systems are highly advanced, but they are unable to pick up on things like your amazing prose and lovely one-liners. They are looking for language that matches with the responsibilities and skills written in the job description. Nothing more, nothing less. That doesn't mean it's not important to write well because like we said after the initial screening, a recruiter will take a more in-depth look. Okay, now onto the fun stuff...

Writing a cover letter is just like writing an essay for class. You need to outline the purpose of each paragraph.

The first paragraph is your introduction. Use it to highlight what foundational understanding and knowledge you bring to the table. Don't think because you're a student, you don't bring something special. Maybe you've studied abroad and have a lot of knowledge about global accounting trends and cultural customs – get creative! Allude to what you have experience in (make sure you're demonstrating how it's relevant to this position). Tell them why you want to work at that specific company and in that specific role. Discuss how this position will help you accomplish Commented [1]: Hyperlink your goals, but also remember to emphasize how you'll add value to the team. And you have to do this all in four to five sentences – recruiters are reviewing a stack of these every day, you have to make sure you're being concise. You probably have a ton of things you can highlight, but you have to prioritize!

Using the research you compiled earlier, show that you know what the company does and some of the problems you can solve if you were to land this position. Use this second paragraph to draw on how one or two previous professional or academic experiences have prepared you to do well in the position and meet its needs with the skills you've learned. This is also your time to brag about yourself and talk about relevant accomplishments!

Some other major keys:

• Use quantities – especially, if you're applying for a role in the accountingindustry. No one's going to fangirl over a nice percentage quite like us accountants, so take advantage.
• Don't be shy – repeat important words that the job description that you've noted in your research.
• Again, keep it short (four to five sentences) – use bullets where you can to make for easy reading

The third paragraph is for you to reiterate how your values align with the company's. Using your handy research, touch on what is top of mind for them; highlight their key values or mission statement, or use any new initiatives they've recently announced. This is an opportunity to expand on what you mentioned in the introduction on why you want to work here and how you'll add value to the work they're doing. How will you support the company's goals?

And now it's time to wrap it up with the conclusion! This is your opportunity to make a call to action. You want to show your interest in moving forward, but you don't want to be pushy or presumptuous. In the event that they do want to interview you, make it easy for them to follow up by including your phone number and email address.

See when you break it down like that, it kind of seems manageable. And to make it even better, we have two downloadable templates available for you:

• The first version is a pre-filled template for those that feel more comfortable having a template. Don't worry, there's reminders along the way to help you fill it out properly.
• For those that want more freedom, we have a blank template that also has reminders to help guide you, but gives you the space to write in your own language.

Whew you did it! 🥳You created a great resume, an insightful cover letter, and the recruiter has reached out to you. Now we’re going to give you some tips to ace the interview and secure the role!