Cover Letter

The CDO created Developing Your Cover Letter, which contains helpful hints and examples, many of which are reproduced below. You can download the Cover Letter Guide in Adobe PDF Format.

As with résumés, our career counselors are available to meet with and go over cover letters. Just schedule an appointment online!

The following are suggestions for writing your cover letter:

1. Write your letter in proper business format.
2. Length should never exceed one page.
3. Try your best to address the letter to an individual. If you do not have the name, you can use “Dear Organization Representative:” as an inclusive statement.
4. Pay attention to details. Use the same header and font from your résumé.
5. Align all letter text to the left. It will look simple, polished, and professional.
6. Let it reflect your voice. It shouldn’t sound or read like one of our samples.
7. Be specific. Back up your skills with detailed information.
8. Proofread for spelling and grammar errors. Then, have someone else read through it.
9. Send as a PDF. This will ensure everything looks the way you intended it to. Never trust that the recruiter has the same font or version of Word.

Introductory Paragraph

Keep this section short! State the position you are applying for, how you learned of the opportunity, what you respect about the organization and ask for consideration based on the related skills and experiences you have to offer. If you are applying through a contact, be sure to mention the contact’s name in the first few sentences. Express your interest in both the company and the position, and mention something unique about the organization that prompted you to apply. Be careful about disclosing interests that might appear too self-serving; instead, use research that’s of equal interest to you.

Your Qualifications (Middle Paragraphs)

In one or two paragraphs, establish the connection between the organization’s needs and your background and skills. This brief summary should emphasize what you have to offer, not what you want from them, and why what you have to offer matters to THEM. Try not to restate your résumé; instead, expand upon your educational, leadership and work experiences that relate to the position for which you are applying. Make a stronger impression by limiting your focus to one or two of your experiences, and by providing specific results.

Conclusion

Restate your interest in the organization and position and end your letter by initiating the next step – your commitment to action. Request an interview, or tell the reader that you will contact him/her soon in order to schedule a mutually convenient time to meet. It really is OK to follow through with a potential employer; it shows your initiative and enthusiasm for the job. Finally, thank the reader for his/her time and/or consideration.