Not only does the cover letter introduce you to your future employers but it also provides them with a writing sample. Use a cover letter to clearly communicate why you are a perfect fit for the job you are applying to and what value you’ll bring.

The Purpose of a Cover Letter

A cover letter isn't just to get your resume read. It's your chance to show why you're the perfect fit for the job beyond what's on your resume. It's where you demonstrate your work habits, skills, enthusiasm, and communication style with real examples.

Why It Matters

Hiring managers are looking for fit. They want someone who can fit with the job requirements, the team, and the organization. Since resumes only talk about skills and experience, a cover letter lets you demonstrate your fit in other areas. This is your opportunity to show how you'll shine.

Tips for a Standout Cover Letter

  • Error-Free: Typos or grammatical mistakes can disqualify you. Proofread at least twice and get a friend to review it.
  • Brevity: Keep it under one page.
  • Easy to Read: Bullet points can help you highlight what's most important.
  • Tailored: Customize it for the job opening.
  • Personalized Salutation: Address it to the hiring manager if possible. If not, you can replace the salutation with a subject heading or use "Dear Hiring Manager for X position"

Recommended Format

  1. First Paragraph: Mention how you found the job, any mutual connections, and your interest in the position and company.
  2. Middle Paragraph: Highlight your qualifications, accomplishments, and how you add value. If your experience isn't an obvious fit, explain why you're still an excellent candidate.
  3. Final Paragraph: Summarize your qualifications and include a call to action, such as, “Please contact me to discuss how I can contribute to your team.”

Final Touch

Always tailor your cover letter to the job description. Mention the organization and job title by name in the first paragraph. Use bullet points in the middle paragraph to relate your experience to the job description.

Example Cover Letter

A cover letter for this research assistant position where you don't know the hiring manager could look something like the this:

 

April 30, 2024

RE: Research Assistant, International Trade and Finance                                                                                              

I discovered this position through the University of Maryland’s Department of Economics website. I am excited to apply for the Congressional Research Service’s Research Assistant position. My coursework in international trade, finance, and statistical methods can ensure that the congressional requests CRS provides are well-informed, accurate, and timely.

In my coursework, I completed four major policy analysis papers and fifteen policy summaries, all of which received top marks. These assignments involved both quantitative and qualitative analysis and required me to present findings using data visualization software to ensure clarity and accessibility. I also enjoy staying informed about international politics and understanding the broader policy landscape. Some of my relevant experiences include:

  •     Leading and collaborating on three group projects focused on legislative tracking and quality control.
  •     Creating and maintaining databases as an office assistant to improve access to important information.
  •     Organizing a recruitment event for the Diversity in Economics student group, which led to a 20 percent increase in membership.

I am especially drawn to this role because of CRS’s vital mission to support Congress through objective, nonpartisan analysis. I would be honored to contribute my research, policy writing, and data skills to help inform public debate and decision-making. Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the opportunity to discuss how I can support CRS’s work and contribute to its ongoing impact.

 

Sincerely,

E. Con Student

Resources

The Feller Center has created a cover letter checklist for you to use which includes a great example for an ECON student.

If you would like a cover letter template in the same style as our ECON Resume Template, you can download that here.

Using AI and Online Research to Write Effective Cover Letters

Writing cover letters can feel daunting and time-consuming, so it’s tempting to let tools like ChatGPT do all the work. But relying entirely on AI can backfire. It often produces generic letters that fail to reflect your unique voice or qualifications. In some cases, employers even receive nearly identical letters from multiple applicants, which can hurt your chances of getting an interview.

While it's okay to look at samples or templates for inspiration, avoid copying cover letters you find online. At best, they’ll sound inauthentic; at worst, they could raise concerns about plagiarism. Your cover letter should reflect your own experiences, personality, and goals.

Below are strategies to leverage AI and the internet in the cover letter writing process:

  • Start with Research. Use the internet to learn about the organization’s mission, culture, and recent news. Referencing this in your letter shows initiative and genuine interest.

  • Use AI for Skill Identification. Copy the job description into ChatGPT and ask: “What are the most important skills and qualifications for this job?” This helps you align your experience with what the employer wants.

  • Draft, Then Refine with AI. Write your first draft, then use AI for suggestions on how to better match your letter to the job description. Don’t let it rewrite it for you—just ask for feedback.

  • Customize the Edits. Only use edits that feel authentic to your experience and voice. Avoid anything that doesn’t sound like you.

  • Proofread and Polish. Ask ChatGPT or another tool to check for grammar, spelling, and clarity. This can help you avoid small errors that leave a bad impression.