Job Search Correspondence
The Cover Letter
What is a cover letter?
- A letter that accompanies your resume when you are making an initial contact with an employer regarding a position with the organization.
- A letter that, when well-written, will improve substantially your chances of consideration, and that, when poorly written, may seriously damage your chances.
When is a cover letter used?
- Always include a cover letter when responding to employers through postal mail.
- You may include a cover letter when you are responding to online postings.
Why write a cover letter?
- To introduce yourself and state why you are contacting the organization.
- To highlight your qualifications by amplifying those stated in your resume and/or by adding relevant information not mentioned in your resume.
- To give you an opportunity to suggest a possible date for future contact.
- To request information from someone who is knowledgeable in your field of interest.
What is important to include in a cover letter?
- Since each cover letter you write will be written individually for each organization you plan to contact, and since every person's communication style differs, there is not one answer to this question. See suggestions for contents and their order later in this document.
Tips
- Address your letter to a specific individual instead of "Dear Sir or Madam," if possible, or to a title such as "Dear Personnel Director."
- Be specific and concise when discussing your career goal and qualifications.
- Give supporting evidence when stating your skills, using quantifying and/or qualifying adjectives.
- Use the active voice. (Active voice: "I would appreciate the opportunity to talk with you further." Passive voice: "An interview at your convenience is requested.")
- Write in a clear and concise manner and avoid jargon.
- Write in your own style and tone to give a positive and accurate image.
- Address concerns of the individual or organization, if you are aware of them, to create rapport.
- Be attentive to detail. The employer can evaluate you easily as a potential employee based on your writing ability and professionalism. Check and double check for misspellings, typos, erasures and grammatical errors.
Cover Letter Contents
Your Address
City, State, ZIP
Current Date
Employer's Name
Title
Organization
Street Address
City, State, Zip
Dear _______________________ :
The first paragraph should state why you are writing. Include the name
of the position for which you are applying and the source from which you
learned of the opening (newspaper, placement newsletter, professor, etc.).
If you are inquiring about potential opportunities, describe the type of
position you are seeking. Specific statements are far more effective than
vague generalities.
The second paragraph should state the reason you are interested in the
organization. Show from your research why you are impressed with the
employer. (Letters that take this marketing-oriented approach are usually
far more successful than form letters in a "shotgun" style mailing.)
The next paragraph should elaborate on your background and your
qualifications for the position. Expand on important resume entries.
Mention any pertinent facts which do not appear on your resume and are
relevant to the situation. Always make reference to the resume and any
other enclosures.
In closing, ask for an interview or a specific response. If you wish to
keep the initiative, state that you will follow up with a telephone call by
a specific date and be sure to do so! Express your appreciation and include
your telephone number(s) if appropriate.
Yours truly, (or another closing)
(Remember to sign the letter and keep a copy!)
Your Name (typed four lines below closing)
Enc: [Reference enclosure(s), e.g. resume, application]
Cover Letter Resources in University Career Center
- Dynamite Cover Letters
- Cover Letters That Knock 'em Dead
- From College to Career
- The Perfect Cover Letter
- How to Write Successful Cover Letters
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