The purpose of a cover letter is to briefly introduce yourself, explain the position for which you are applying, and highlight your qualifications enough to peak the employer’s interest to more closely read your resume.
You always want to include a cover letter whenever you submit a resume, even if it is not specifically requested. If you email the resume, use your cover letter as the body of your email and attach your resume as a PDF document.
CONTENT
- It’s important that cover letters are written specifically for each employer. They need to know that you want to work for them, not that you just want a job.
- Research the employer and the organization before you start writing your cover letter. Websites and informational telephone calls are good ways to do this (See our handout on informational interviewing). Utilize this information in your letter to explain why you are interested in that particular company.
- Remember to write down names of anyone you spoke to regarding the position so that you can include them in your cover letter.
- When writing your cover letter, always open with why YOU would be an ideal candidate for the specific job.
- Describe particular experiences and skills, both informal and formal, which would make you a good fit for the position. Refer to CDO sheet of descriptive words. You can also use words from the job description to help guide your letter.
- Be specific about courses, skills, and how they apply to the position. You need to make the connection between your education and the position clear. Be sure to include details from the job description or your research to show your preparation.
- Focus on accomplishments including achievements, awards, and outstanding honors, particularly those that relate to the job to which you are applying.
- Close your letter with a paragraph which indicates your desire for an interview.
- Be sure to state that you will call to make sure your cover letter was received; learn about your status, and arrange an interview.
FORMAT & STYLE
- Keep your cover letter to one page.
- Avoid lengthy paragraphs in your cover letter, two to three simple sentences per paragraph is best.
- Bulleted lists are one way to make specific qualifications prominent.
- Make sure your cover letter is quick and easy to read.
- Use personal pronouns (“I,” “my,” and “our”) in your cover letter, but take care to have varying sentence structures. It’s not the most interesting read if all sentences start with “I” or “my.”
- Be aware that cover letters submitted electronically may have problems with formatting (indents, bold type, italics, etc.) so be sure to keep the formatting simple.
- Typos in a cover letter are easily missed, so be sure to proofread and have someone else look at it too. The staff at the CDO would be happy to review your cover letter. Come to Walk-In Hours or schedule an appointment.
- Put your cover letter in front of your resume and do not staple them.
- Print your cover letter on the same high quality bond paper as your resume.
