What is a Cover Letter?
A Cover Letter is a document you attach to a job application that expresses your interest in the position you are applying for. Your cover letter goes hand-in-hand with your resume and helps you secure an interview. Your cover letter should show the application reviewer that you understand what the position entails, why you're interested in the position, and that you've researched the employer. You should write a new cover letter for each job you apply to, but all cover letters should be made up of the following components:
- The heading and salutations
- Three body paragraphs
- The signature
Format and Appearance
The style and formatting of your cover letter should match your resume. You should use the same font and font size on your cover letter as you do on your resume. Your cover letter should not be longer than one page. Like with your resume, your cover letter should contain zero grammatical errors.
The Heading and Salutations
Copy and paste your heading from your resume onto the top of your cover letter
Include the date that you sent your cover letter in at the top
Address the person reviewing your application by name if you know it. If not, you can write "To Whom it May Concern" or "ATTN: Human Resources Department."
Include the date that you sent your cover letter in at the top
Address the person reviewing your application by name if you know it. If not, you can write "To Whom it May Concern" or "ATTN: Human Resources Department."
Body Paragraphs
Paragraph One
Introduce Yourself
Indicate what position you are applying for
Explain why you are applying for the position
Tell the employer how you heard about the job
Paragraph Two
Be specific about why you're interested in the position and show your enthusiasm
Briefly summarize some of your best qualifications to do the job
Link your skills to requirements in the job description
Paragraph Three
Indicate that you've attached your resume
Declare your interest in an interview
Offer to provide additional documentation, such as a list of references
List your preferred method of contact
Thank your reader
Introduce Yourself
Indicate what position you are applying for
Explain why you are applying for the position
Tell the employer how you heard about the job
Paragraph Two
Be specific about why you're interested in the position and show your enthusiasm
Briefly summarize some of your best qualifications to do the job
Link your skills to requirements in the job description
Paragraph Three
Indicate that you've attached your resume
Declare your interest in an interview
Offer to provide additional documentation, such as a list of references
List your preferred method of contact
Thank your reader
The Signature
If you're turning in a paper application, type and sign your name (in pen) at the bottom of your cover letter
If you are turning in your application electronically, see if your computer will let you scan in your signature (some newer computers have the ability to do this)
If you are hand-writing your signature, be sure to do it in cursive
If you are turning in your application electronically, see if your computer will let you scan in your signature (some newer computers have the ability to do this)
If you are hand-writing your signature, be sure to do it in cursive
Other Resources
See some example cover letters here! These cover letters go hand-in-hand with the sample resumes listed in the "Resume Building" section.
You can also take your cover letter to your College Adviser for help!
You can also take your cover letter to your College Adviser for help!