What is a cover letter?

A cover letter is a document you include with your resume when applying for a position. You include a cover letter whether you are applying for a specific position or sending a resume "cold" to an organization that is not currently advertising. Never send a resume without a cover letter (unless the position specifically requests a resume only).

Your cover letter gives you an opportunity to briefly tell a future employer a little more about yourself, your reasons for applying for a job or internship, and the specific qualifications that make you a great match. Sample cover letters can be found below.

Samples

We've included two samples to help you get started but we strongly encourage you to look at several more. (You will need Adobe Reader to view these samples) You can find more samples in the resume and cover letter books located in the Career Area (Second Floor Ponzio Center) or look online. (If you need help finding good cover letter examples online, contact Career Services.)

Basic Tips

• Stay focused: Limit yourself to three or four paragraphs and never exceed one page
• Be direct; Come to the point about what you are seeking
• Avoid vague, flowery language
• Balance professionalism with personal warmth and friendliness
• Tell the employer why you're a great match for the position:
  Identify at least one thing about yourself that goes beyond the basic job requirements and makes you a standout candidate
• Mention why you are particularly attracted to this organization/position
• Remember that your cover letter and resume may be reviewed separately. Therefore:
  Both pieces must contain all of your contact information and other demographic information
• Both must emphasize your strengths and must "sell" your qualifications to the employer
• Both should be on the same high quality paper and should look like they belong together (use the same format/fonts/letterhead style as you do for your resume)

Content & structure

Like resumes, cover letters vary tremendously. However, here is a typical structure you can use as a guide:

First Paragraph:

• State why you are writing. Come right to the point in the first sentence and include the name of the position you are applying for
• Mention how you heard about the position. Or, if you are not responding to an ad, you may want to state what attracted you to this particular organization. Be specific (and complimentary) here ("I've been reading in the paper about the success your school is having with its integrated reading and writing curriculum. I would love to be involved with this progressive program.")
• Express your enthusiasm for the position or organization

Paragraph two & possibly Paragraph three:

• Briefly discuss the qualifications, experience, and education that make you a great candidate for this position
• Discuss how the specific experiences you have had will help you in this position. If possible, try to cover all of the general requirements that the organization is seeking
• If you didn't already do this in Paragraph 1, mention one or two positive things that you know about the organization and reflect your appreciation of those qualities

Third or fourth paragraph:

• Refer the employer to your resume for further highlights of your qualifications
• Request the next step: mention that you look forward to an interview, inform the employer that you will be calling soon to follow up
• Thank the employer for considering your application

Closing:

• Skip a space/line then type "Sincerely", skip four spaces/lines, then type your name. Sign the letter above your typed name
• Type "Enclosures" to alert the reader to your resume and other attachment.