Last updated September 4, 2025

In this article

• Why customize?
• What to tailor in your resume
• What to tailor in your cover letter
• Helpful tips to land the job
• Need help building your resume? 

When applying for jobs, your resume and cover letter are usually your first introduction to employers. We’ll share some tips on customizing both to express your interest in a job and highlight the skills and qualifications that make you the best candidate for it!

Why customize?

Customizing your resume and cover letter for the job you’re applying for will clearly show an employer that you have the qualifications, skills, and experience necessary to do the job. It also demonstrates your genuine interest in the job and company! These are the essential things that hiring managers look for in candidates. 

What to tailor in your resume

While you can keep some sections of your resume the same for every job you apply for – like your contact information and educational background – there are others you should customize each time: your work experience and skills. These are the two main places where you’ll be able to use keywords from the job description and prioritize the information that is most relevant to the job.

• Work experience. It is most common to organize your work experience so that your most recent job is listed first, and others are listed backward in time from there. The tasks and accomplishments you write about under each job can be a great place to make customizations. Because hiring managers may only be able to read the first one or two bullets per job on your resume, be sure to list the most important information first!
• Skills. If you have specific or technical skills that are relevant to the job description, be sure to list them on your resume. For example, if a customer service job requires familiarity with “point-of-sale” and handling transactions, be sure to list any cash register or money handling experience in your skills section. Be sure to also list any languages you know and your levels of proficiency. Being multilingual and able to interact with people from different backgrounds is a key skill that many employers value!

What to tailor in your cover letter

Your cover letter is the best reflection of your personality in any job application. If your resume shows what you’ve done or accomplished, your cover letter shows how and why. Your cover letter provides context to your experience and is an opportunity to match your skills to the job description and what an employer is looking for in a strong candidate. When drafting your cover letter, you can research and include things like:

• Keywords from the job description.
• Your connection to the company’s values and culture.
• The hiring manager’s name for a more personal touch. 

Another key thing to look for is whether the job application itself has specific instructions for the cover letter. Some companies may have questions they want you to answer in your cover letter or will want to hear specific details about past jobs. There is only one you, so be sure to allow your personality and passion to shine through your writing here!

Helpful tips to land the job

Here are some helpful tips to consider when submitting a job application:

• Be organized and consistent across both documents. Small things like using the same fonts and approachable sizing can keep your documents readable for all.
• Proofread, proofread, proofread! Attention to detail and clear communication skills are always important to employers, and the accuracy of your application is a great way to show that you have them.

Need help building your resume? 

Create a job-ready resume in minutes with Resume Builder! No matter your job experience, our AI-powered Resume Builder will create a personalized resume for you! After a guided conversation, your skills and activities will be turned into a draft resume—no blank page, no stress. Click the image below to begin!

Before you submit your job applications, be sure to send your resume and cover letter to Get Schooled for free review! We’ll have them back to you within a week with actionable, personalized feedback.

Do you have any questions about tailoring your resume or cover letter? Connect with a Get Schooled Advisor.

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Last updated September 18, 2025

In this article

• What is a cover letter and why is it important?
• How to write a cover letter for teens
• Need some feedback?

When applying for jobs, you may notice that some employers ask applicants to submit a cover letter. You may be wondering what to include in yours, or why it’s important to write one at all. In this article, we’ll break down what teens need to know about cover letters and how to write one!

What is a cover letter and why is it important?

A cover letter is a letter that’s included in your job application along with your resume. It helps you express your interest in the position you’re applying for while highlighting the skills that make you the best candidate for the job. It’s a very important first introduction to employers, so it’s essential to make sure it’s clear, concise, and strongly highlights your relevant skills and qualifications. Some positions may require one, while others may make them optional. Regardless of where you’re applying, it’s best to write one to stand apart from other candidates and highlight your interest in a job. 

How to write a cover letter for teens

You will need to write a different cover letter for each job you’re applying for. For example, a cover letter for a barista job most likely won’t highlight the same skills that one for a lab assistant job would. We recommend drafting one that highlights your skills and abilities, and customizing it to each job you apply for. Start drafting yours using one of our free templates!

Like the structure of an essay, cover letters typically have three parts: (1) an introduction, (2) one or two body paragraphs, and (3) a closing paragraph. Use the three sections below as a template to start yours:

Introduction

• Introduce yourself.
• Identify the position you’re applying for.
• Note how you learned about the position.

Introduction example

My name is Ashley Applicant and I am writing to apply for the position of Retail Assistant Manager, as advertised on the High Fashion Forward website. As a trained Retail Associate who is fulfilled by providing exceptional customer service and creating first-rate shopping experiences for every client, I am confident I would be a valuable asset to your retail staff.

Body

• Connect your qualifications to the needs of the job.
• Use examples of skills or achievements from your resume that make you a strong candidate.
• Use words from the job description. If an employer is looking to hire someone with “strong communication skills,” write that you have strong communication skills and give specific examples to demonstrate how communication is your strength.

Body example

Since my graduation from Rainier Beach High School in June of 2021, I have been working full-time as a retail associate at The Secret Boutique in Seattle, WA. In this role, I have gained valuable customer service training and experience handling day-to-day operations including money management, staff scheduling, inventory regulation, and product marketing.

Two of my greatest strengths are problem-solving and exceeding team goals. Last year, our leadership team wanted to increase store revenue by three percent, but I was able to bring in an additional six percent by creating a new social media promotion that drove over 10,000 new sales.

Closing

• Express your interest in connecting with the employer about the job.
• Include a way for the employer to view any examples of your work (website, portfolio, etc.).
• Leave available methods for contacting you (phone, email, LinkedIn, etc.).
• Sign your letter (since you’ll likely be doing it on a computer, typing out your name is okay).

Closing example

Enclosed you’ll find a copy of my resume for your review. In addition to my resume and cover letter, I also invite you to check out my LinkedIn profile. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me via email at ashley.applicant@email.com or via phone at 555-555-5555. I look forward to connecting with you soon. Thank you very much for your time and consideration.

Respectfully,

Ashley Applicant

Ashley.applicant@email.com

(555)-555-5555

Need some feedback?

Finished drafting your cover letter and want someone to review it? Send it to us! We’ll have it back to you within a week with personalized, actionable feedback.

Do you have any questions about finding and applying for jobs? Connect with a Get Schooled Advisor.

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Last updated June 18, 2026

In this article

• What’s the purpose of a cover letter?
• Use a template
• Using AI on cover letters 
• Use keywords
• Make it personal
• Examples of key skills and competencies

Whether you’re applying for your first or tenth job or internship, a solid cover letter can set you apart from other applicants. Follow our key tips for a great cover letter!

What’s the purpose of a cover letter?

Your cover letter serves a different purpose than your resume. Think of your resume as the place to list what you’ve done, while your cover letter explains why and how. Your cover letter should explain why you would be a good fit for the role and how you’ll bring your skills and talents to this new organization. Not every job you apply for will require you to submit a cover letter, but we highly recommend doing so anyway to help the company learn more about your experience!

Use a template

To make the writing process easier, it can be helpful to have a baseline cover letter template that you tailor to each job you apply for. Check out our free cover letter templates to get started! 

Note: You must have a Gmail account to make a copy of each template.

Using AI on cover letters 

AI tools like ChatGPT make it easier to produce cover letters quickly and efficiently. While these tools can be helpful with polishing your writing and proofreading to find grammar errors or typos, it’s still important that your cover letter is written mostly by you. This will help a company really understand who you are and why you want the role. Also, some companies may use software to filter out cover letters written by AI. This means that your application won’t even be considered or reviewed if your materials are too AI-heavy. We strongly recommend that you don’t lean on AI too much during your cover letter writing.

Use keywords

Using the exact or similar keywords from the job description in your cover letter can help employers identify that you have the skills and experience they’re looking for. Some companies even use software to search specifically for these keywords in an applicant’s resume and cover letter.

If you’re applying for a job as a cashier, you may include keywords like “customer service,” “cash handling,” and “POS (point-of-sale) systems” on your cover letter. You can then highlight your experience with these tasks, making it clear that you’re a strong candidate for the job.

Make it personal

Another important part of a successful cover letter is customization. This means tailoring your letter to the specific company and role you’re applying for. It’s important to show the employer that you’re genuinely interested in the position and that you’ve taken the time to learn about the company and its values. To personalize your cover letter, start by researching the company. Look at their website, social media accounts, and any news articles or press releases about them. Pay attention to their mission statement, core values, and any recent accomplishments. This will give you a better understanding of what they’re looking for and how you could tailor your cover letter to their wants and needs.

For example, if you’re applying for an internship at a nonprofit that focuses on environmental sustainability, you may highlight your passion for environmental issues and your commitment to reducing waste and conserving resources. You could also mention any volunteer work or projects you’ve been involved in that relate to environmental sustainability. This will show the employer that you’re not just applying for any job, but that you’re specifically interested in working for their organization because you share their values.

Examples of key skills and competencies

When writing a cover letter, it’s essential to highlight the relevant skills, experience, and personal qualities that make you the best candidate for the role. There are some key skills, or competencies, that most employers look for, regardless of the company or industry. Here are a few common competencies you can highlight in your cover letter:

Responsibility

Many employers value candidates who demonstrate a strong sense of responsibility. In your cover letter, you can highlight your ability to take ownership of tasks and work independently. For example, you might write: “As the captain of my school’s debate team, I was responsible for organizing practices, coordinating tournaments, and leading team meetings. This experience taught me how to manage my time effectively and work under pressure.”

Adaptability

Employers also appreciate candidates who can adapt to new situations and learn quickly. In your cover letter, you can showcase your ability to think on your feet and take on new challenges. For example, you might write: “During my summer internship at a local nonprofit, I was asked to take on a variety of tasks, including event planning, social media management, and donor outreach. I quickly learned how to balance multiple responsibilities and adapt to the changing needs of the organization.”

Strong work ethic

Employers want to hire candidates who are committed to working hard and delivering results. In your cover letter, you can highlight your work ethic by describing your previous work experience or academic achievements. For example, you might write: “During my part-time job at McDonald’s, I consistently received positive feedback from customers and my supervisors for my attention to detail and strong work ethic. I take pride in my ability to work efficiently and provide excellent customer service.”

Teamwork

Collaboration is a crucial part of many jobs and internships, and employers want to hire candidates who can work well with others. In your cover letter, you can highlight your experience working on teams and your ability to communicate effectively. For example, you might write: “As a member of my school’s robotics club, I worked with a team of students to design and build a robot that won first place in a regional competition. This experience taught me the importance of effective communication, teamwork, and problem-solving.”

Initiative

Employers appreciate candidates who take the initiative to go above and beyond their job duties. In your cover letter, you can showcase your initiative by describing projects you’ve worked on in the past. For example, you might write: “Last summer, I organized a community service project in my neighborhood to help elderly residents with yard work and home repairs. This initiative not only helped those in need but also taught me valuable leadership and project management skills.”

Want a second opinion on your cover letter before submitting it? Send it to us for free review! Our Advisors will take a look and send you actionable feedback within one week.

We’re always here to support you through your job and internship search process! Connect with a Get Schooled Advisor if you have any questions.

Keep going

Last updated September 15, 2025

In this article

• Using Our Free Cover Letter Templates
• No Prior Work Experience? No Problem! 
• The Importance of Customizing Each Cover Letter You Write
• We Will Review Your Cover Letter!

When applying for a job or internship, many employers may require you to submit a cover letter. A cover letter helps you express your interest in a position while highlighting the skills and experience that make you the best candidate for the job. While cover letters aren’t always required, they can be a great tool in helping you stand out from other candidates. If you’ve never written a cover letter before, or want to update your existing one, we’re here to help!  

Using Our Free Cover Letter Templates

Whether you’ve never had a job before or are looking to continue to build on past work experience, we have options for you! 

Cover letter template #1 is great for job seekers who don’t yet have any formal work experience, while cover letter template #2 can be used by job seekers who have previously had jobs and want to continue building their professional experience. 

Click either template link below to make your own copy and start drafting your cover letter!

• Cover Letter Template #1 – First Job
• Cover Letter Template #2 – Existing Work Experience

No Prior Work Experience? No Problem! 

If you’re applying for your first job, you likely don’t have any formal work experience. Using one of our templates and brainstorming other relevant experiences is a great start! Here are some questions to get you started as you think about what you can include in your first cover letter:

• Are you involved with any clubs, sports, or other extracurricular activities? If so, how long have you participated? Do you have any specific role or leadership responsibilities? Writing about your experience in extracurriculars can help employers understand that you’re someone who is motivated, enjoys taking on new challenges, and can work as part of a team. In your cover letter, these skills can be connected to the job you’re applying for and why you’re interested in it. 
• Have you ever volunteered in your community? Experience volunteering can be connected to your desire to serve customers through high-quality customer service in your cover letter. 
• Do you support family or friends with childcare through babysitting, or help people with pets or house sitting? These experiences show that you’re someone responsible and reliable–a crucial skill in any job.
• What awards or achievements have you received for academics or other community involvement? Don’t be afraid to give yourself props for your achievements! You can make the connection between the awards you’ve received and your belief that you can succeed in the job you’re applying for. For example, if you received an award for perfect attendance at school, make sure to let a potential employer know that you are someone they can count on!

The Importance of Customizing Each Cover Letter You Write

It’s important to know that every cover letter you submit should be personalized to the job you’re applying for. 

For example, your cover letter to be a barista at Starbucks should specifically outline your desire to be a barista, your relevant skills and experience that would make you a great barista, and your connection to Starbucks’ mission and values. 

We recommend drafting a basic cover letter that outlines all of your work experience, skills, and qualifications, and then customizing it for each position you’re applying for. 

We Will Review Your Cover Letter!

Finished drafting your cover letter and want a second opinion? Send it to us for a free review! We’ll have it back to you within a week with personalized, actionable feedback.

Do you have any job-related questions? Connect with a Get Schooled Advisor.

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