Create A Cover Letter

• What position are you applying for or hoping to apply for?
• Why are you interested in the position?
• What skills or attributes do you bring to the position and organization?
• What specific accomplishments have you achieved which demonstrate these skills and attributes, and make you a good match for the position?
• Why do you want to work for this organization?

Basic Rules for Effective Cover Letter

• A cover letter should be one page long for most positions
• Use a single spaced format
• Your cover letter should be printed on the same paper used for your resume, and can utilize the same format (choice of font, size, margins, etc. )
• Address the letter to a person with hiring authority - avoid sending it "To Whom It May Concern" (call the organization in advance and politely ask for this information if possible)
• Do not include salary requirements unless specifically requested
• Use the correct jargon and technological terminology to indicate your ability and expertise
• Demonstrate an understanding of the company's current issues, as well as current trends in the industry
• Catch the reader's attention by matching your knowledge, skills and experience to the employer's needs
• Conclude with a strong closing action statement that "compels or ensures follow-up action"
• Proofread - it MUST be error free

Cover Letter Formats

 

Full Block (pdf)

Square Block (pdf)

Modified Block (pdf)

Semi-Block (pdf)

What to Include in a Cover Letter

A cover letter consists of an introduction, body paragraphs, and a concluding paragraph. The body can be split into two parts, such as education and experience, depending on the experiences you want to highlight. As long as everything is presented in terms of what you can do for the employer, NOT what the employer can do for you, the exact number of paragraphs is not critical.

Introductory Paragraph

• Identify the specific position you are applying for and how you learned about the position
• If the application is unsolicited (there is not a position currently posted), then ask if a position is available
• Do your research, and communicate something that is uniquely associated with that person or organization - the reader will know you have invested time and energy in doing your homework and researching the company
• State enthusiastically that you believe you are a good match for the position

Educational Paragraph

• Emphasize the elements of your educational experience that most relate to the job requirements
• Discuss related coursework, research, and projects
• Extracurricular activities may be included if related, especially if they involve leadership positions
• Verbalize how you can put your classroom experience to work for the company

Experience Paragraph

• Present a direct match between your qualifications and the job description requirements
• You can emphasize your broad background that has given you many different skills and experiences, or how one particular job helped you develop many exceptional skills
• Describe projects you completed, or how you participated as the member of a successful team, using more detail than space allows in your resume
• Even extra-curricular or volunteer experiences can be included - just because you were not paid for an experience does not mean you did not enhance your skill base
• Verbalize how you can put your unique experiences to work for the company

Concluding Paragraph

• Refer the reader to your enclosed resume
• Politely request an interview and/or response to your letter
• State how you can be most easily reached, and include your phone number and email address with the dates that you are available (this can be particularly helpful if you are relocating in the near future)

Avoid these common cover letter mistakes:

• Spelling or grammar mistakes
• Including the wrong address or name
• Use of overly aggressive, boastful, or obnoxious tones
• Being self-centered rather than employer-centered
• Lack of organization or flow - it should read out loud easily and seamlessly
• Does not mention accomplishments or goals/expectations
• Does not includes adequate contact information
• Produced on cheap, unattractive paper
• Document is longer than one page

Cover Letter Examples

Cover Letter for an Internship (pdf)

Cover Letters answer the following questions:

1. What skills or attributes do you bring to the position and organization?
2. What specific accomplishments have you achieved which demonstrate these skills and attributes?
3. Why are you interested in the position?
4. Why do you want to work for this organization?

Tips & Suggestions:

• Appearance, perfect spelling and proper grammar are key
• Address the letter to the person with hiring authority
• Catch the reader's attention by matching your knowledge, skills and experience to the employer's needs
• Define your next steps

Simple Cover Letter Formula

First Paragraph

• State your purpose - why are you writing?
• Name the position you are seeking
• Mention source of lead, referral, location of advertisement
• Capture attention

Middle Paragraphs

• Highlight related experience, education and activities
• Emphasize accomplishments and relevant skills using specific examples
• Present a direct match between qualifications and the job description requirements

Closing Paragraph

• Use a strong and confident close
• Restate the solid match (your credentials = the position)
• Refer to your enclosed resume
• Request application materials
• State your follow-up plans
• Ask for the interview