How to write a standout cover letter (step-by-step guide for students)

Cover letters can be a useful addition to any application or resume, highlighting your experience, personality and passions and how they align with the job description.

This guide will walk you through when a cover letter is needed, why it matters in today’s hiring process and how to create a confident, polished letter from the ground up.

No matter where you are in your journey, you’ll be able to write one that truly stands out.

A cover letter is basically your chance to tell employers a little more about who you are beyond your resume. It explains why you want the role, what strengths you bring and how your classes, projects, or experiences connect to what they’re looking for.

Since most hiring managers skim these in less than a minute, keeping your message clear and easy to read makes a big difference.

They’re especially helpful when you’re applying for internships, co-ops, first jobs, or grad school, where potential matters just as much as experience.

Read: How to find a co-op or internship: A guide for students at UC (and beyond)

A resume is a list providing the facts about your qualifications and experience. You can generally use the same resume across applications.

A cover letter is a narrative piece explaining why you're applying and why you're a good fit for the job. It should be highly personalized for each job application.

Together, a resume and cover letter offer a comprehensive view of your qualifications and demonstrate both your interest and ability to succeed in the role you're applying for.

A strong cover letter helps you stand out from other applicants — especially when you’re applying for:

• Internships where experience is limited
• Co-ops where communication skills and professionalism matter
• First jobs after graduation
• Graduate programs that value clear writing and reflection

When you take the time to write a standout cover letter, it can open up opportunities. Here are some of the benefits you’ll see.

1. A cover letter makes your application stand out: When the job market is competitive and employers are looking at many qualified applicants, take every opportunity to stand out.
2. Writing a cover letter helps you prepare for an interview: All the steps required to write a good cover letter are the same needed to prepare for an interview. You want to connect your skills and experience to the company’s needs and illustrate why you’d be a great employee.
3. Show off your writing skills in your cover letter: If the role you’re applying for requires strong writing skills, a cover letter is a perfect opportunity for you to highlight those.

Even if you don’t have years of experience, a cover letter can highlight your coursework, projects, leadership and motivation.

Writing a cover letter can be a key part of your job application. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you craft an effective one.

• Use a professional font (like Arial or Times New Roman, size 10-12), maintain standard margins, and align text to the left.
• Use a professional format:    
  • Your name and contact information at the top.
  • Date.
  • Employer’s name and contact information.
  • A formal greeting (e.g., “Dear [Hiring Manager's Name],”).
• Tip: If you’re applying for a more creative or untraditional role, you can have a little more fun with it. But don’t go overboard: Let your experience speak for itself.

Using a template can help you structure your cover letter. Just make sure to customize it for each application to reflect your personality and the specific position. 

Here’s a free cover letter template to get you started.

It’s no secret that AI tools like ChatGPT can produce a cover letter in seconds. In fact, those tools can be a helpful starting point when crafting a cover letter.

But because of the importance of personalization in cover letters, it is crucial to only use those prompts as an outline or suggestion, and always elaborate with your own personal language.

Nearly a third of job applicants are said to use the same generic cover letter. That’s a huge mistake to avoid. A tailored, thoughtful cover letter can really capture a recruiter’s attention.

Make sure to include:

• Your name
• Contact info
• LinkedIn or portfolio (optional)
• Employer info
• Introduce yourself, state the position you're applying for and mention how you found the job listing (e.g., job board, company website, personal reference).

Hook the reader: Begin with an engaging statement or anecdote related to the job or industry.

For example: As a lifelong advocate for sustainable practices, I was thrilled to see the opening for [Position] at [Company].

This is where you connect your experiences directly to what the employer is looking for. Pull out 1–2 skills or examples that match the job description and explain why they make you a strong candidate.

• First paragraph: Highlight your relevant experience or skills. Use specific examples to demonstrate how you meet the job requirements.
• Second paragraph: Discuss why you’re interested in the company and the position. Show that you’ve researched the company and align with its values or goals.
• Third paragraph (optional): Include any additional information that may strengthen your application (e.g., certifications, relevant projects).

Your final paragraph is where you tie everything together. Keep it simple: thank the employer for reviewing your application, show appreciation for their time and end with a polished closing and your name.

Don't forget to:

• Express enthusiasm: Reiterate your excitement about the opportunity and your eagerness to discuss how you can contribute.
• Include a follow-up statement: For example: I would love to discuss my application in more detail and explore how I can help [Company] achieve its goals.
• Thank the reader for considering your application.
• Use a professional closing (e.g., “Sincerely,” “Best regards,”) followed by your name.

One of the best ways to make your cover letter stand out is to truly understand the role you’re applying for.

1. Study the job description. It’s a goldmine of information and a helpful guide for your cover letter. Get a solid idea of what the company wants from prospective employees.
2. Scour the company’s website, LinkedIn page and other resources to learn more about the organization. Find examples of work you’d be doing in the role.
3. Your top priority when writing your cover letter and preparing for interviews is to align your skills and experiences with the qualities they’re looking for. Use specific examples.

If you're a recent graduate trying to make your applications stand out, a cover letter might just give you an edge, which might be exactly what you need to get an interview and stand out from other applicants.

Not all cover letters get read, but most recruiters still expect cover letters to indicate effort and interest. A personalized cover letter can help boost the visibility of your application, which is crucial for entry-level positions, where distinguishing your application from other applicants is key.

Cover letters provide an opportunity to highlight how your specific skills align with the job requirements. This can all make up for having less experience right out of college.

You have valuable strengths and experiences so use your cover letter to show them off and make a lasting impression.