1. Always include a cover letter, even if it is optional
Most job applications are submitted online nowadays, and not all application systems require a cover letter. You may be thrilled to not write one, but I urge you to submit a cover letter regardless. Entry-level environmental science jobs will receive dozens (possibly hundreds…) of job applications, and you need to fully utilize every opportunity to stand out. In fact, when I was hired for my first consulting job, the hiring manager remarked that she was impressed by my cover letter and that it showcased good writing skills. My cover letter helped secure the interview and get the job offer. A well-written cover letter can elevate a good resume ad separate you from the pack. Furthermore, the last thing you want to do when you are applying for jobs is present yourself as lazy by neglecting the cover letter.
2. Customize your cover letter for each job
While in my resume tips I recommended only having a few different resumes prepared, for the cover letter, you should customize each and every one you submit. If possible, include details like the name of the hiring manager or company projects that attracted you to the job opening. Additionally, go line by line through the job posting’s preferred qualifications and try to address them, either by expanding on aspects of your resume or by introducing additional qualifications that didn’t fit on your resume. However, you want to avoid just rewording your resume. For example, if you have relevant skills developed by doing a research thesis in college, you can use the cover letter to discuss the research methods and conclusions and how they connect to the job. On the resume, you would then just list your thesis title, your advisor, and potentially add research methods/tools to your list of skills.
3. Make a persuasive and easily readable argument
The goal of a cover letter is to confidently lay out an argument for why you would be a great candidate for a particular job opening. You want to focus on relating previous job experiences back to qualities the hiring manager is seeking. For me, this argument should include a quick introduction, which briefly summarizes your career objective and desire to work at the employer, as well as a strong conclusion. The conclusion can be an explanation of what you learned from your most significant job experiences, prioritizing experiences that obviously translate to the prospective employer. In between the introduction and conclusion, I recommend bullet points that break down specific qualities you possess that relate to the job posting’s preferred qualifications and job responsibilities, as discussed in the previous tip. I like bullet points because it allows hiring managers to scan through your cover letter more quickly. It is less intimidating to a reader than large blocks of text.
4. Keep your cover letter to one page
Here’s the kicker, as I mentioned previously, you want to customize your cover letter, detail relevant experiences, craft a persuasive argument for yourself, and maybe even use bullets to maximize readability… but your cover letter still needs to be one page. Like the resume, I recommend entry-level environmental science candidates only have one page cover letters because hiring managers are reviewing a large number of applications and may not take the time to read multiple pages. You want to make it easy for them to read your cover letter and remember you. Between your resume and cover letter, you should have plenty of room to hit the highlights of your experience and education. Hopefully, you can provide any further details in the interview.
5. Give it a modern touch and tone
In this modern age, you want to present something contemporary and clean. Employers are looking for fresh faces and fresh ideas, especially for entry-level jobs. So, you should avoid using clichés and generalities, like being a “go-getter” or “team player”, and instead, provide specific examples and experiences. You also want to ensure you have the correct tone. You should shoot for language that presents you as enthusiastic, competent, and confident; it’s not the time or place to be humble. However, you don’t want to go to any extremes or exaggerate your accomplishments, any reasonable manager will sense it and be turned off by arrogance or fabrications.
Also, as discussed previously, a one page resume with bulleted discussion points can contribute greatly towards this desired style. In the provided template, the cover letter is already broken down into a few sections: a header, a short introduction, a bullet point list for qualifications discussed in the job posting, a list for broader qualifications, and a conclusion that summarizes job experiences and wraps up the letter. This more abbreviated format takes the place of large blocks of text found in conventional cover letters.
6. Proofread, proofread, proofread!
As with the resume, get a second and third reviewer (or more) once you are done writing your cover letter. Employers will want their work products to be error free, so they expect nothing less in the cover letters of prospective employees. Each cover letter has to be free of simple mistakes.
This language and format in the template is most applicable to entry-level candidates, fresh out of college with their BA or BS in environmental science (or similar majors). Experienced professionals will be able to include more detailed language about past job responsibilities and adopt a different tone.
Now that you’ve got your cover letter figured out, make sure your resume is up to snuff!