3-Core Elements of A Cover Letter

Craft a cover letter that creates a win-win-win — for you, the employer, and the team.

A strong cover letter is more than a summary of your resume. It’s a strategic document that positions you as a high-fit candidate by demonstrating alignment between your goals, experiences, character, and the company’s mission and operational needs. When done well, your cover letter should make it easy for the employer to say yes to an interview. Use this three-part structure to make your letter intentional, compelling, and #1Job1Offer-driven.

1.The “Why Them?” Paragraph

Introduction Paragraph – Values, Purpose, and Fit
This is typically the introduction paragraph. The focus here goes beyond listing job duties or benefits to you. Instead, this section challenges you to identify 1 to 3 key points that you authentically connect with—points that align with the employer’s mission, values, culture, and purpose.

This paragraph is your opportunity to connect your personal purpose, working style, or character to the identity of the organization.

In this paragraph you will:

• Address “why are you genuinely interested in this organization—not just the job?”

Guiding questions to help you write this section:

• Why are you excited about this organization?

• What do you appreciate about their mission, team culture, or current initiatives?

• How do their values, work, or purpose align with your own?

2. The “Why Me?” Paragraph

Strategic Qualification Highlight – Relevance & Fit

Now that you’ve established authentic interest in the organization, this paragraph shifts the focus to you—specifically, what you bring that helps fulfill the role they’re hiring for.

This section highlights relevant experience, your character fit, and your ability to meet the role’s demands. It is your first real “pitch,” so it's important that it is:

• Tailored to the specific job (no generic copy/paste),

• Aligned with the language and needs outlined in the job description,

• Confident and credible, without overexplaining.

In this paragraph you will:

• Incorporate a condensed version of your #1Job1Offer resume profile.

• Show you understand their needs and how you're already equipped to deliver.

• Highlight 1 to 3 of your greatest strengths or qualifications that directly map to core job duties.

• Provide brief examples or explanations that demonstrate you meet those expectations.

Guiding questions to help you write this section:

• What 2–3 skills or attributes from the job description are you strongest in?

• What specific experience do you have that demonstrates success in those areas?

• What makes you a strong collaborator or contributor in this type of role or work environment?

3. The Value Proposition Paragraph

What You Uniquely Offer – The Win-Win-Win

A well-curated value proposition tells the employer exactly how you will help them succeed, based on the unique strengths and experience you bring. This is the anchor of the #1Job1Offer approach—not just “why you want the job,” but why you’re the one who can help them win.

In this paragraph you will:

• Clearly communicate your value-add.

• Reflect what sets you apart from others who may also meet the minimum qualifications.

• Speak to the specific challenge or pain point this role is designed to address.

Guiding questions to help you develop this section:

• What core problem is this position trying to solve?

• How do your top 2–3 strengths (from the “Why Me?” section) directly help address that problem?

• What lasting value or outcome can they expect if they bring you on board?

Final Tips

• Only include the gap/bias paragraph if strategic such as addressing a bias concern, or trying to provide more context for justifying transferable experience or skills to meet a requirement, or making requests for consideration of alternate qualifications that are perceived to be otherwise equal

• Keep the overall letter focused and intentional. Aim for 3–4 short paragraphs( 5-7 sentences each) total, but no longer than page and a half if you can help it.

• Avoid apologies or over justification. Your narrative should be confident, not defensive.

• Frame everything through the lens of value.

• Cover letters should demonstrate that you did your homework and pick them and that job on purpose, making it easy to ask for an interview.