COVER LETTERS

COVER LETTERS

In almost every case, you should submit a cover letter with your resume when applying for a job or internship. Cover letter should include the date, an address "block" with the name/organization/address/City State Zip of the person you're writing to.  Include a "subject" line to clearly state why you're writing (ie: the job/internship title you're apply for). Include a professional greeting (ie: Dear Ms. Smith).

Cover letters are brief yet informative; no more than one page.

Purpose of a Cover Letter:

To sell your qualifications to the reader

To introduce yourself to an organization

To create the first impression of your ability to communicate

To motivate the employer to review your resume

Important facts:

Composed of 3 parts: 1) Opening: explains who you are and why you are writing.  2) Main Body: lists two to three relevant accomplishments, experiences, skills, etc. that gives the reader good reason to interview you.  3) Closing: expresses a desire for future communication.

Reflect some evidence of your knowledge regarding the business or organization; research, informational interviews, LinkedIn connections, etc.

Address the letter to a person (double check spelling and title), unless absolutely impossible. Try calling Human Resources or receptionist for information, too.

Brag about yourself and your achievements. You can be confident when sharing your qualifications, skills, interests, and personal attributes.

Demonstrate writing ability and communication skills (thank you, liberal arts)! The job description and company website will let you know what skills and key words they are looking for, so use them!

Highlight about yourself and your achievements. You can be confident when sharing your qualifications, skills, interests, and personal attributes.

Before submitting a cover letter or resume:

A) use spellcheck to catch obvious errors

B) have someone other than you proofread your cover letter and resume

C) convert documents to a PDF file

It is a good idea whenever you send a resume to accompany it with a cover letter. The purpose of a cover letter is to introduce yourself, personalize your resume, and to get yourself an interview. It allows you to emphasize your skills and/or abilities that relate to the job for which you are applying.

The person to whom you address the cover letter should be carefully chosen. If possible, try to get the name of the person best qualified to evaluate your skills and most interested in hiring you - the decision maker. If your only choice is the human resource department, make sure to address the cover letter to a specific individual in that department, or address your cover letter to the hiring committee (Dear Hiring Committee) if you know that you are going to be interviewed by several people.

Every cover letter you write will be more effective if you specifically tailor it to the position that you are applying for. Use simple, direct language and keep it to one page. The tone of the letter should be positive. There should be no grammatical or spelling errors. Be sure your letter draws a connection between the needs of the current job opening and the skills you can bring to the job.

A good cover letter demonstrates your writing skills and shows you have researched your field and that particular employer.

Downloadable Templates / Forms