12 Great Resources if Writing a Cover Letter Fills You With Dread

When you think about writing cover letters, what emotions come to mind? Joy? Excitement?

I’m going to hazard a guess and say those probably aren’t the feelings you experience when you face that blank computer screen. The essential job-searching task is more likely to make you feel dread than anything else.

Unfortunately, although it can feel like a daunting exercise, it’s typically a necessary step that’s intended to sell your skills, showcase your work history, and demonstrate a passion for the company. And when you really covet the job, it’s easy to become paralyzed about every little detail, such as: What do I write? How do I write it? Address it? Include x or leave it out? What about y?

These are legitimate concerns; after all, you’re hoping your letter gets you invited in for an interview. Look at this as an opportunity to show some personality and point out your achievements—beyond your resume or LinkedIn profile.

Lucky for you, we have a ton of great, informative material to help you get going:

1. This Is What it Means to Write a Cover Letter for Your Resume

These two documents need to complement each other in order for you to present a cohesive version of yourself. While your resume outlines what you can do in general, your cover letter explains what you can do for the company.

2. 3 Cover Letter Tips for People Who Haven’t Written One in Forever

And if you’re feeling out of practice, here’s where to start.

3. Even People Who Hate Writing Can Make Their Cover Letter Stand Out

Worried about your very average writing skills not catching anyone’s eye? Here’s a method to help you get over that hurdle.

4. The Cover Letter Formula That Skyrocketed My Interviews From 0% to 55%

Try this format discovered by someone who wrote 103 before finding a seemingly foolproof formula that gets results.

5. I’ve Read Over 300+ Cover Letters and This Is How I Decide if It’s Good or Bad Within 3 Minutes

Take it from a pro: This is how to stand out from the crowd in the best way possible.

6. 3 Better Ways to Start Your Cover Letter, According to a Recruiter Who’s Read a Lot of Bad Ones

Struggling over your first sentence? This will help you craft the perfect one.

7. 3 Quick Tricks to Make Writing a Conversational Cover Letter Easy

By now, you’ve heard how formal cover letters are a thing of the past, and writing close to how you speak in conversation is the way to go. If you’re not quite sure how to translate your voice to paper, here’s how.

8. How to Show You’re Truly Excited for a Job in a Cover Letter (Without Coming Off Desperate)

You want to show your passion, but not scare off the reader with an abundance of enthusiasm. This is how to strike the right balance.

9. 4 Things You’re So Close to Doing Right on Your Cover Letter—But You’re Not

Fine-tune your document with this advice before letting it leave your inbox.

10. 4 Reasons Your Cover Letter Makes Hiring Managers Say “Pass!”—and 4 Quick Fixes You Should Try

Oh, and check to make sure it’s free and clear of these common errors.

11. The Difference Between a Cover Letter and the Email You Send With Your Application

If you’re wondering what to say in the email that accompanies your application, wonder no longer with advice from career coach, Jenny Foss.

12. 7 Things You Need to Double-Check Before You Submit Your Cover Letter

Lastly, it’s time to be nitpicky with all the small details before you send off that perfected letter.