什么是Cover Letter?
Cover Letter 向雇主展示你为什么需要对你所要申请的岗位感兴趣，且适合.
通常它与你的CV相辅相成，他们的区别在于，CV相对更为general，可能一份CV几乎不用怎么做修改就可以用于申请多个不同的公司或岗位，然而cover letter则要根据特定公司和对应的目标岗位定制。
Cover Letter 绝不是对CV的简单重复。如果说你的经历是一部电影，简历就是剧情介绍(trailer)，而cover letter就好像是影评。剧情介绍只是描述故事，但是影评帮你从简单的看剧情，升华到了解通过剧情导演想向观众表达什么样的价值观，这个升华就是cover letter应该起的作用。因此，Cover Letter 是对CV的升华。
那么，如何升华？
影评是升华电影的主旨，而cover letter是将个人的经历升华到通用的技能，以及该技能能给未来的老板带来什么价值这个灵魂高度上，这才会是一篇打动人的cover letter。
举个例子
比如你曾经帮教授做过一个研究项目，你的工作是用Excel收集整理数据，以支持教授的论点。在简历里，这个经历就是一个bullet point：
“Collected and organized data to support the research project.”
如果你在cover letter里也只摆这么一句：
“I helped my professor organize data for his research paper.”
不觉得很不痛不痒且很多余吗？人家看简历已经知道你干过这件事啦！如果改成：
Through my research experience with Professor XXX, I gained solid data analytical skill and become an expert on Excel and VBA. Moreover, I was able to work with massive unstructured datasets and extract useful insight from it. I believe these skills are critical for the Business Analyst role and I am well prepared to bring them to the team and add value to the clients and the company.
同样一个经历，咱不只是平铺直叙的说自己做了什么，而点出了自己在这个经历中获得的transferable skills：data analytical and Excel skills。最后咱还点出了这两个技能为什么很重要，因为你招聘的这个职位需要嘛！我不仅知道你想要什么，还都给你切好块儿拨好皮送到你嘴边了，你一张嘴就能咬上，你说如果你还不选我，你四不四sa？
对自己经历类似的总结升华的说法还可以用这些句式：
I gained first-hand knowledge of the challenges of operating within a global firm.
My role provided me with the opportunity to impact [Current Company’s] global innovation strategy, while also ensuring my recommendations were instantly implementable and results driven.
Growing a student organization from scratch instilled in me leadership, teamwork, and people skills that I believe are a great asset for a consultant.
In addition to my exposure to the technical skills required for a position within marketing, my past experience has prepared me to be a strong and innovative leader within the marketing profession.
Cover Letter 的结构说明
不超过一页A4纸 (如果是hard copy, 使用质量好的A4 白纸，如何是电子文档，使用PDF而非Doc.文件)，控制在3-4段之内，应包括的关键内容：
- 你为什么要申请这家公司?
- 什么使你对所申请的岗位感兴趣 (Why you are interested?)
- 为什么你认为自己可以胜任该职位 （why you are a good fit?）
- 你拥有什么soft skills 以及在这个岗位上你可以给公司带来什么
正式的商务信件抬头
第一段
- 简要介绍自己 ( What you are studying and where etc.)
- 明确目标岗位，以及如何知道这家公司/岗位 （如果你路子广，和这个公司的其他人已经networking过，要提一下这些connection）
- 说明什么时候毕业（或预计何时毕业），学位情况等
[Sample 1]
My name is XXX and I am currently a Graduate student in the YYY Business School of ZZZ University/an Analyst at AAA Company. I was recently introduced to your firm via BBB （Contact at Firm）and was impressed with what I learned of [Your Culture / Working Environment / Company-Specific Info.]. I am interested in pursuing an Investment Analyst position at your firm and have enclosed my resume and background information below.
[Sample 2]
Through my research of your firm, as well as conversations with XXX at your New York office at recruiting events, I believe certain characteristics of [firm name] are a good fit for my strengths and values.
[Sample 3]
After speaking with several employees across the firm, I strongly believe that [Firm Name]’s business model and culture of innovation have built a firm that is both an industry leader and a great place to work. I would add value to [Firm Name]’s team because my professional and academic careers have prepared me to execute complex projects, manage high-stakes relationships, and provide strategic advice to help my clients grow.
第二段
解释你为什么对这份工作感兴趣，以及为什么选择这家公司。 可以从公司名声，地理位置, 企业文化，培训体系，晋升机会，行业资质等多方面入手（“拍马屁”）。
同时确保务必把这些原因和自身相联系——“为什么以上这些方面的原因对你来说很重要？”通过在cover letter中阐述你对目标公司业务的理解，和他们的优势，来表明你对潜在的未来雇主和所在行业已经有一定程度的了解，和你选择他们的具体原因
第三段 （Sell yourself, 重中之重）
总结自身优势，以及解释为什么你的知识和技能让你成为一个合格的候选人。一定要在该公司和你自身之间“牵线搭桥”—— 公司价值观或目标如何与你个人目标相契合？ 你可以为公司提供什么与相关的工作经验或者技能？是否符合目标岗位所要求的基本技能，知识等？
（在叙述的时候，可以直接引用职位描述中的内容，结合自己的学历背景和各种经历来强调自己的能力和知识是可以胜任这份工作的，描述的时候也要数字具体化，用CV中的经历作为事例来说明自己的优势。此处应引用CV里的内容，但切忌简单的重复，而应是总结升华）
While working as an Analyst at the University of XXX Student Managed Fund this summer, I analyzed the domestic and foreign competitors and developed a framework for investing in that industry, which I used to create my industry report and company analysis of my best idea, Lululemon Athletica Inc. (Ticker: LULU). I leveraged interviews with management teams, industry experts, customers, and sell-side analysts to develop an understanding of the value drivers and economic structure of the apparel clothing business. As a result of my report and ability to articulate my thesis to portfolio managers, our funds purchased LULU. These skills combined with my prior consulting experience, CFA study (passed Levels I and II), and coursework at University of YYY are a great fit for what you are seeking in an Investment Analyst at your company.
第四段 （Optional）
在这里写下其他任何的相关点，比如：你期望从这份工作中获得什么，以及它如何与你的职业发展道路相契合？一定要强调自己多么多么适合这个职位 （要非常诚恳和热情）最后总结，表明自己可接受面试的时间，并诚恳表示你希望得到答复。
My past experiences and education have prepared me to deliver real value for [FirmName]’s clients. I have attached a copy of my resume for your review, and I would welcome the opportunity to further demonstrate my interest in the position by discussing my skills and background with you in more detail at your convenience.
Tips:
如何“量身定做”Cover Letter
- 仔细研究考量你所要申请岗位的Job Description, 抓住关键词，揣摩雇主所强调和寻找的申请人的能力和特质；
- 根据上述分析出来的结果，与自身情况相结合，将雇主的期待和自身具备的经验和技能等联系起来，从而说服雇主你可以胜任这个岗位
语言措辞
- 称谓要有礼貌 e.g. “Dear Mr Smith,”… 不要直呼其名，比如：“Dear John Smith”。如果不知道收信人的姓名，则使用“Dear Sir or Madam”
- 落款：在正式的英文邮件中，“Your sincerely”与“Yours faithfully”是常用的两个落款，它们都相当于汉语正式书信结尾处常用的“谨启”如果知道收信人的姓名，在结尾处通常以“Yours sincerely (您诚挚的)”落款，如果信件以“Dear Mr X”或“Dear Miss Y”开头，则往往以“Your sincerely + 发信人姓名”结束
- 使用简明现代的商务英语，避免使用过时的语言，比如“I remain your obedient servant”.
Follow-Up:
如果直接发给Hiring manager 的Cover Letter长时间收到任何回应，可以礼貌地发封邮件问询。因为有申请材料被系统过滤到垃圾邮箱的可能性。Just in case. It is better to pester than not to say anything and then you don’t hear anything at all.