Cover Letter Guide
Purpose of the Cover Letter
Cover Letter Basics
Information to Include in a Cover Letter
Cover letters convey three major points:
- To get an employer to read your resume
- To acquaint the employer with your unique skills/experience
- To get you an interview
- To enhance your resume
Cover Letter Basics
- Always goes with a resume
- One-page document (usually 3-4 paragraphs)
- Clear, concise, and specific to position; error free
- Addressed to a specific person-name and title (not "to whom it may concern"; if you do not have a direct point of contact, use "Dear Prospective Employer" or "Dear [title of person]")
- Plan your letter before you write it
- Research the company - know what they want; tell them how you can fit their employment needs
- Have your cover letter critiqued by the Career Center
Information to Include in a Cover Letter
Cover letters convey three major points:
- The job you are applying for, where you hear about the job, and your interest in the position.
- If it is a job you hear about, state the source and the date of advertisement, if applicable.
- Your qualifications.
- Emphasize the qualification that may have been specifically mentioned in the job lead or are necessary for the position to which you are applying. Highlight these qualification by utilizing examples.
- Ways the employer can follow-up with you.
- List your phone number and email in the final paragraph (make sure to use a professional email address and voicemail message).
Your Name
Your Address
Your Phone #
Your Email
Date
Name of Hiring Manager (if applicable)
Job Title of Hiring Manager (if applicable)
Name of Hiring Company
Location of Hiring Company
Reference: Name of Position You're Applying to (& Job ID#)
Greetings (full name of hiring manager),
Paragraph 1: Opening Statement
Explain here the purpose of your letter (show enthusiasm here), how you learned about the role, why you are interested, etc.
Paragraph 2: Summary of Qualifications
Specify here what makes you especially qualified to succeed in the role to which you are applying. For instance, this is where you want to make mention of relevant job experience, courses you have taken, volunteer work completed, and/or acquired technical skills that supports your qualifications.
Paragraph 3: Examples of Related Projects or Accomplishments
This is where you want to provide further evidence of your work ethic or work completed. You can also use this space to explain how you have applied your skills to complete school or work projects related to the job you are applying to.
Final Paragraph: Call to Action
Reiterate your interest and key qualifications for this rote. And indicate when and how the hiring manager can reach you.
Salutation here
Signature here
Your Address
Your Phone #
Your Email
Date
Name of Hiring Manager (if applicable)
Job Title of Hiring Manager (if applicable)
Name of Hiring Company
Location of Hiring Company
Reference: Name of Position You're Applying to (& Job ID#)
Greetings (full name of hiring manager),
Paragraph 1: Opening Statement
Explain here the purpose of your letter (show enthusiasm here), how you learned about the role, why you are interested, etc.
Paragraph 2: Summary of Qualifications
Specify here what makes you especially qualified to succeed in the role to which you are applying. For instance, this is where you want to make mention of relevant job experience, courses you have taken, volunteer work completed, and/or acquired technical skills that supports your qualifications.
Paragraph 3: Examples of Related Projects or Accomplishments
This is where you want to provide further evidence of your work ethic or work completed. You can also use this space to explain how you have applied your skills to complete school or work projects related to the job you are applying to.
Final Paragraph: Call to Action
Reiterate your interest and key qualifications for this rote. And indicate when and how the hiring manager can reach you.
Salutation here
Signature here
A Few Additional Points to Remember...
Demonstrate your communication skills through the cover letter.
Always mention the name of your contact (a familiar name gets attention).
Say something nice about the company you apply to and include your knowledge of the company and their practices.
Use appropriate industry terminology in your writing. You can learn this by researching the field you are considering.
Mention in the letter that you are enclosing your resume and refer them to it's contents.
End by thanking them for their time and consideration of your application.
Personally sign the letter (if sending in the mail).
Experience to consider: projects you’ve worked on as a leader or a member, sports team you either led or joined, your role in student worker positions (research, teaching assistant, work-study or internships).
Use accomplishment statements to support your position as the most qualified candidate for this role (use our accomplishment statement worksheet below to practice).
Focus on highlighting initiatives you’ve spearheaded, new product or program development. You would also want to discuss your leadership ability, communication and creative skills, and team work.
Demonstrate your communication skills through the cover letter.
Always mention the name of your contact (a familiar name gets attention).
Say something nice about the company you apply to and include your knowledge of the company and their practices.
Use appropriate industry terminology in your writing. You can learn this by researching the field you are considering.
Mention in the letter that you are enclosing your resume and refer them to it's contents.
End by thanking them for their time and consideration of your application.
Personally sign the letter (if sending in the mail).
Experience to consider: projects you’ve worked on as a leader or a member, sports team you either led or joined, your role in student worker positions (research, teaching assistant, work-study or internships).
Use accomplishment statements to support your position as the most qualified candidate for this role (use our accomplishment statement worksheet below to practice).
Focus on highlighting initiatives you’ve spearheaded, new product or program development. You would also want to discuss your leadership ability, communication and creative skills, and team work.