High School Cover Letter The Essentials
A well-crafted high school resume cover letter is your first impression and can significantly increase your chances of getting noticed. It complements your resume by providing a narrative, showcasing your personality, and demonstrating your enthusiasm for a specific opportunity. A strong cover letter highlights relevant skills, experiences, and academic achievements. This will allow you to stand out from other applicants. By following these 5 top tips, you can create a compelling cover letter that grabs the reader’s attention and helps you secure the job or internship you want.
Formatting Your Cover Letter
Proper formatting is critical for a professional look and easy readability. Your cover letter should follow a standard business letter format to enhance your credibility. This also demonstrates attention to detail. Use a clean, easy-to-read font like Arial or Times New Roman, with a font size between 10 and 12 points. Ensure consistent margins (typically 1 inch on all sides) and single-space the body of your letter, with a double space between paragraphs. The overall format should be visually appealing and organized to make it easy for the reader to quickly grasp the most important information.
Contact Information and Date
Begin with your contact information (name, address, phone number, and email address) at the top left of the page. This ensures the recipient knows how to reach you. Directly below your contact information, include the date. This helps to date your application and keeps the information organized.
Recipient’s Details
Next, on the left side, include the recipient’s details. This includes the hiring manager’s name (if known), title, the company name, and the company’s address. Addressing the letter to a specific person shows you’ve done your research and paid attention to detail, which can significantly improve your chances.
The Opening Paragraph
The opening paragraph sets the tone and grabs the reader’s attention. Start by clearly stating the position you are applying for and where you found the job posting. Briefly mention why you are interested in the opportunity. Expressing enthusiasm for the position at the start makes the reader more interested in what you have to offer. It’s a good idea to keep it short and engaging to encourage the reader to continue reading.
Highlight Your Relevant Skills
The body of your cover letter should highlight the skills and experiences most relevant to the job or opportunity. Connect your skills with the job requirements. Provide specific examples from your academic achievements, extracurricular activities, and any part-time or volunteer work. This allows you to demonstrate how your skills translate into the role. Quantify your accomplishments whenever possible to prove your abilities and make them more impactful.
Academic Achievements
Mention any academic achievements that align with the job. This includes your GPA (if impressive), relevant coursework, and any academic awards or honors you’ve received. Focus on achievements that showcase your abilities. Ensure these highlight your ability to learn and succeed in an academic setting. For example, a high GPA or a specific grade in a related class demonstrates your commitment to learning.
Extracurricular Activities and Leadership
Showcase any extracurricular activities and leadership positions that demonstrate your soft skills. This could include involvement in clubs, sports teams, or volunteer work. Explain your role and responsibilities. If you held a leadership position, highlight how you developed skills like teamwork, communication, and problem-solving. Use examples from your experiences. These examples give the reader a clearer picture of your skills.
Work Experience
If you have any work experience, even part-time or volunteer roles, highlight the skills and responsibilities that relate to the job. Describe the tasks you performed and the outcomes you achieved. For example, if you worked as a cashier, emphasize your customer service and money-handling skills. This provides practical evidence of your ability to work responsibly.
Quantify Your Accomplishments
Quantify your achievements whenever possible to demonstrate the impact of your skills and experiences. Instead of saying you “improved customer service,” state that you “increased customer satisfaction scores by 15%.” Use numbers and specific details to make your accomplishments more impressive and verifiable. For example, if you raised money for a school event, specify the amount you raised or the number of participants.
Closing the Letter
The closing paragraph should express your enthusiasm and provide a clear call to action. Reiterate your interest in the position. Thank the hiring manager for their time and consideration. This reinforces your interest and professionalism. Ensure you provide your contact information again to make it easy for the employer to reach out.
Expressing Gratitude
Always thank the hiring manager for their time and consideration. This is a standard professional courtesy and leaves a positive impression. Make sure to express your appreciation for the opportunity to apply. Briefly acknowledge the time invested in reviewing your application.
Call to Action
End with a call to action. This could be something like “I look forward to the opportunity to discuss my qualifications further” or “I am available for an interview at your earliest convenience.” This encourages the reader to take the next step and shows your proactiveness.
Proofreading and Editing
Proofreading and editing are critical to ensure your cover letter is polished and professional. Even minor errors can undermine your credibility. Always take time to carefully review your cover letter to catch any mistakes before sending it out. It shows attention to detail and respect for the potential employer.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
There are several common mistakes to avoid when writing a cover letter. Be aware of these common pitfalls to increase your chances. Taking these steps can greatly improve your cover letter.
Using Generic Language
Avoid using generic, clichéd phrases that don’t provide any specific information about you. Instead, use specific examples that showcase your skills and experiences. Generic language often doesn’t provide the context and specificity that employers are looking for in a potential candidate. Use specific examples of your skills and experiences to show your abilities to make the letter more engaging.
Typos and Grammatical Errors
Typos and grammatical errors are a major turn-off for employers. Always proofread your cover letter carefully. Use spell-check and grammar-check tools, but also read the letter aloud to catch any mistakes that these tools might miss. Ask a friend, teacher, or family member to review it. Another set of eyes can catch errors that you might have missed. These mistakes can be a distraction to the reader.
Length and Tone of the Letter
Maintain the right length and tone. A cover letter should be concise and to the point, typically one page long. Maintain a professional tone throughout the letter. It should be written clearly. It should communicate your professionalism and attention to detail.
Keeping it Concise
Keep your cover letter brief and focused. Highlight the most relevant skills and experiences. Avoid including irrelevant information. Be direct and avoid unnecessary wordiness. Brevity is key to keeping the reader’s attention.
Maintaining a Professional Tone
Use a professional and respectful tone throughout your cover letter. Avoid slang, informal language, or overly casual expressions. Use formal language to create the right impression. The tone you adopt reflects your professionalism and the way you’d interact with potential employers.
Tailoring the Cover Letter
Tailoring your cover letter to each specific job application is crucial to demonstrate your interest and suitability for the position. A customized cover letter shows you have taken the time to understand the role and the company. This personalization increases your chances of getting noticed and selected for an interview.
Customizing for Each Application
Avoid using a generic cover letter. Customize each letter to match the specific requirements of the job and the values of the company. Carefully review the job description and identify the key skills and qualifications the employer is seeking. Adapt your letter to show how your skills and experiences meet these requirements. You should highlight aspects of your background and accomplishments that best align with the job requirements. This customization process is time well spent.
Researching the Organization
Research the organization before writing your cover letter. Learn about the company’s mission, values, and recent projects or initiatives. This will help you tailor your letter to show your interest in the company and how your skills align with their goals. Use the company’s website and social media presence to gather information. This demonstrates your initiative and that you took the time to understand the job and the company.
Referencing the Job Description
Carefully review the job description and use keywords and phrases from it in your cover letter. This will show the hiring manager that you have the skills and experience they are looking for. Include the job title. Align your skills with the job’s requirements. Doing so also helps your letter to pass through applicant tracking systems (ATS). These systems often screen applications based on keywords.
Seeking Feedback
Before submitting your cover letter, seek feedback from trusted sources. Ask teachers, career counselors, or family members to review your cover letter. Consider requesting feedback on your resume as well. Ask them to provide constructive criticism on clarity, grammar, and the overall effectiveness of your letter. Incorporating the feedback will improve your letter.