A cover letter is a one-page formal letter that introduces you to a potential employer. It serves to summarize your resume, explain your interest in the position for which you are applying, and help the employer translate your experiences to assets in the position they are seeking to fill. Some companies may not require a cover letter, but if there is a place to upload one (even as an optional document), it will only help an employer see why you are the best fit for the job. While there may be parts of a cover letter you can reuse, like your resume, you should customize it to ever job you apply for.
Heading
If you've created a customized header/letterhead for your resume to list your name and contact information, use it again. Otherwise, be sure to include your name and contact information, as well as the date of your letter. If you are mailing the letter, be sure to include the name and address of the hiring manager/company.
Greeting
Take some time on the company's website to find the name of the hiring manager for the position. If you are unable to find a specific name, you can address it to "Dear Hiring Manager", but finding a name shows you did your research.
Opening Paragraph
Open with who you are, which position you are applying for and why you are interested in the company/position. Be sure to use some of the skills listed in the job posting. This paragraph should demonstrate why you are excited about the position and if you were referred by someone specifically to apply, be sure to include it.
Middle Paragraph(s)
Use this space to demonstrate why you are a great candidate for the position. If you don't have direct previous experience, explain how the experiences you do have will apply to the position and how your skills will translate. Highlight accomplishments of previous experiences, discuss special projects you've worked on, and provide specific examples.
Closing Paragraph
Reiterate your interest in the position and thank the hiring manager for their consideration. Consider highlighting your skills again and indicate you look forward to speaking with them more about this position.
Closing
Use a formal closing, like sincerely, with your first and last name.
Reference: "Tips for a First-Job Cover Letter for High School Students" - Indeed.com: https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/resumes-cover-letters/sample-cover-letter-for-high-school-student-with-no-work-experience
Design:
Use a standard font in 10-12 pt. size
Single space lines with an extra space between paragraphs
One page only
One inch margins
Aligned to the left
Review Examples: Search the internet for sample cover letters and see what components work best for you.
Get More Eyes on It: Be sure to have trusted family members and friends review your resume for spelling, grammar, as well as content. You can also send it to Ms. Sardelli for her to review!
Save It: Keep an editable copy for yourself (so you can continue to update it), but then save the file as a .pdf with a file name of First Name-Last Name-Cover-Letter.pdf (ex. Katie-Sardelli-Cover-Letter). Since you've customized it to a specific job, you'll want to keep a copy of it in a folder marked with the company name, so when you get called for an interview, you can bring extra copies with you that match what you submitted!
When an employer asks for references, you'll want to make sure you have them ready!
Find the Right Reference: This can be a former employer, supervisor at volunteer experience, coach, teacher or really any adult who can speak to your work ethic and all the great skills you'll bring to an employer. It should not be your best friend or family member (unless you worked for them).
Ask Your Reference: Before you hand out your reference's name, you need to ask them first! Be sure to approach your references (via e-mail or in person) to ask if they'd be willing and comfortable to serve as a positive reference for you.
Get Their Contact Information: Ask your reference for what the best contact information is for them to share with potential employers. Typically, you'll need to provide name, title/company, e-mail and phone number for your references.
Keep Your References Up-to-Date: It's a good idea to let your references know when you've applied for a position and if you've provided their name/information to a potential employer. This way, they're not caught off guard when a potential employer calls or send a form for them to complete regarding you! And, you never know if your reference has a point of contact at the company you're applying to and may be able to speak to the hiring manager on your behalf.
Provide Your References With Information: Your reference likely is serving as a reference to other people too. It can be hard sometimes to keep up with when you worked for them and/or all the other great things you've done that they can speak with an potential employer about on your behalf. Provide your reference with a copy of your resume and any additional information about what you did for them in their employment (for example, did you handle an emergency well while working for them or perhaps take on some additional responsibilities without being asked).
Thank Your Reference: Always be sure to keep your references updated on where you stand with your job search process and thank them for their time serving in this role. They especially will want to know when you're successful, so be sure to send them a quick note when you land the job and to thank them for all their help!