Cover Letters
Write the perfect professional letter that accompanies your résumé and other job application materials.
What Is A Cover Letter?
A cover letter is a professional letter that accompanies your résumé and other job application materials. This is a chance to introduce yourself and build a case for your candidacy. Use the letter to draw the employer's focus to the most important and relevant parts of your résumé.
Should I Write a Cover Letter?
Read the job posting and application requirements to find out if a cover letter is required or optional. Even if it's optional, it's still a great idea as it gives you the chance to introduce yourself and demonstrate your excellent writing and communication skills.
When applying via email
Unless the application specifies to send the cover letter as an attachment, put your cover letter content (minus address blocks) into the body of the email and reference your résumé as an attachment. Edit the letter to reduce the length, keeping it at a better length for email.
How Do I Write a Cover Letter?
A cover letter should:
- follow standard business letter formatting and conventions (see template).
- demonstrate that you are qualified for the job and passionate about the opportunity.
Cover Letter Tips
| Research and Tailor | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Don't send a generic letter to every job | Research each company and tailor your letter to reflect your knowledge of that company's mission and work. Use the job description as a guide for which qualifications to focus on. | ||
| Address a Specific Person | |||
| Don't use "To Whom It May Concern" | When possible, address your letter to a specific recipient. If you can't identify the appropriate recipient, address it to the "Hiring Manager" or another entity as appropriate. | ||
| Focus on Strengths | |||
| Don't mention weak or missing qualifications | Focus on where you are strongest. Build a compelling argument for why your education, experience, and skills more than meet their desired qualifications, and how your passion aligns with their mission. | ||
| Emphasize Benefit to Employer | |||
| Don't focus too much on personal benefits | While you want to convey your passion and excitement, be careful to not overdo it on how this job will personally benefit you. Balance the personal benefits with how your education, skills, and experience will be a benefit to the company. | ||
| Edit and Proofread | |||
| Don't send without editing | Edit your letter so it is focused and brief, and proofread to eliminate any spelling or grammatical errors. Ask a friend or mentor to proofread your letter as well. | ||
Cover Letter Template
Your Name
Street Address
City, State, ZIP
phone number
email address
Today's date
Recipient's Name
Company Name
Street Address
City, State, ZIP
RE: Name of the position for which you are applying.
Salutation,
The first paragraph is your introduction. State the name of the job you are applying for and how you heard about it. This helps eliminate any question of which job posting you are interested in. Introduce your case for why you should be their top candidate: what makes you most qualified for and most passionate about this opportunity? Use the next paragraph to support this claim.
The second paragraph is evidence for your claim in the first paragraph. Take 2-4 qualifications from their job description and demonstrate how you meet or exceed these qualifications using specific examples from your education and/or experiences. Focus on what you bring to the table, not on what you lack.
The third paragraph should address how your goals align with their mission/goals. Show that you've done your research by referencing what about their mission excites you. End this paragraph simply and directly; show gratitude for the opportunity to apply and state your interest in learning more.
Professional Closing,
Your Name
Need More Help?
Need help with your cover letter? Schedule an appointment with the Vocatio Center below.