Use this to write a kick-ass cover letter for your next Job/Internship applications.
Outline for the storytelling cover letter
An effective storytelling cover letter contains the six parts listed below. In the two examples below, I point out where each part occurs within the letter.
PART 1: Open with a line that places readers into the story. Grab their attention and make them think, “Hmm, this is different. I want to know more.”
PART 2: Include concrete details about the story. The more specific you are, the more colorful the anecdote. Provide hard numbers when appropriate and give exact locations and job titles.
PART 3: Demonstrate how the story applies to the job you want. Refer to the job description and make sure the anecdote reflects the person the company wants to hire.
PART 4: Show you researched the company and understand its opportunities in the broader marketplace. Also explain how you will help the company grow its business. Ultimately, managers want to know how you will make the company more successful.
PART 5: Share more of your qualities as they relate to the story at the top. Again, reference the job description, touch on qualities you know the company admires and show how you would be a good cultural fit.
PART 6: Mention your story one final time and bring the cover letter full circle.
Cover letter Example #1 - If you’re a recent grad
The job: Entry-level program associate at a nonprofit. Duties include research, event planning and assisting senior-level managers. Company wants a person who:
Works well on a team
Knows how to take charge and be a leader
Can multitask and handle stressful situations
Is easygoing but a hard worker
Brings creative ideas to the table and can help the company grow
• Mobile : 9999999999 • Address : Complete Address with Pin
LinkedIn URL • #yournameportfolio
First and Last Name of the Employer
Job Title
Company
Street Address
City, State, Zip
[“Dear Mr./Ms. ____” or “Dear Hiring Professional” if you can’t find the right person],
PART 1: I looked up at the sky and couldn’t believe it: storm clouds.
PART 2: For months, my team and I had prepared for the annual Big Nonprofit Association charity bash, in which students throw a party for 24 hours straight and raise money for children’s hospitals. We had the campus quad reserved and the event ready to go. Then, out of nowhere, a huge thunderstorm threatened to ruin everything.
As team leader, I organized our group to take the dance party inside the gymnasium, notified all participants about the location change and worked with an audio/visual tech to ensure the music played indoors. Within three hours, we had the Big Nonprofit Association party back on track and, in the end, collected $11,000 for charity, the most we had ever raised.
PART 3: My name is Jennifer Sutherland, and I want to be your next program associate. I know it can be challenging to organize, plan and execute big events, and I’m ready to work hard for the [name of organization]. Issues and setbacks can appear without warning, and it takes determination to work through them.
PART 4: As I researched your organization, I learned a great deal about the inspiring work you do with the Little Nonprofit Association and its annual fundraising walk that supports cancer research. I also read about challenges in the nonprofit sector. For people to donate today, it’s essential to reach them in meaningful ways, particularly online. I have experience building community and generating buzz on social networks and would do my best to bring fresh thinking to the table.
PART 5: Above all, I’m excited to take my hands-on skills in social media and event planning and put them to use for your organization. I enjoy being part of a group, know how to multitask and always finish what I start. I also try to be curious and would want to learn as much as I can from your team.
PART 6: The Big Nonprofit Association party taught me the importance of quick decisions and staying focused in a hectic situation. I’m ready to bring the same work ethic and energy to your organization.
Thanks so much, and I hope to hear from you soon.
- Your first and last name
Cover letter Example#2 - If you have work experience
The job: Sales executive for an educational software company. The company wants a person who:
Has two to three years of experience in a sales position
Is a self-starter and knows how to take charge
Is comfortable working independently or on a team
Can think creatively, find innovative solutions and help the company grow
• Mobile : 9999999999 • Address : Complete Address with Pin
LinkedIn URL • #yournameportfolio
First and Last Name of the Employer
Job Title
Company
Street Address
City, State, Zip
[“Dear Mr./Ms. ____” or “Dear Hiring Professional” if you can’t find the right person],
PART 1: Jim Robisky said “No” to me so many times, I lost count.
As a sales rep for a mid-size IT firm, I tried time and again to convince Robisky, the VP of technology for a large hospital system, he needed to upgrade all of his servers and begin to move much of the hospital’s data onto the “cloud.” Phone calls, handwritten notes, drop-in visits - nothing seemed to work.
PART 2: Then, I took a different approach. I knew Robisky typically attends a monthly networking event at the chamber of commerce. I also expected another client of ours - who has fully embraced the “cloud” - to be at the event too. When I saw both people in the room, a co-worker and I introduced the two, mentioned the benefits of cloud computing and let my client sing its praises to Robisky.
A few moments later, Robisky turned to me and said, “Call my office on Monday. I think I’m ready to explore the cloud a bit more.”
PART 3: Six months later, the hospital system remains our biggest client. My name is Stephen Hirsch, and I want to be your next sales executive. I know sales is a tough game, but I enjoy the chance to win over even the most stubborn prospect.
PART 4: As I read about your company, I learned a lot about the software you’ve developed (ex: PlayTime card game) and how it can make a real impact on school-age children. Through my research, I also understand the educational software landscape is highly competitive. It takes a combination of great products and a committed sales team to find continued success.
PART 5: Above all, I want to apply my sales experience in a meaningful way and would enjoy helping children develop math and reading skills from an early age. I also like to collaborate with other team members, craft smart sales and marketing strategies and work alongside people who are passionate about early education.
PART 6: The Jim Robisky experience proved, with enough grit and creativity, I can make the deal happen. I would love the chance to bring my skillset and work ethic to your team.