Cover Letter Writing

A well-crafted cover letter can help your application stand out, offering unique content not featured on your resumé. Cover letters allow you to communicate your interest in the role and the contribution you can make to the organization.

Cover Letter Guidelines

  • Each cover letter must be an original.
  • Follow the same design as your resumé, using the same type of paper, layout, font and header.
  • Address your letter to a specific person, such as the department manager. If you are unable to obtain a person’s name, you may address the letter to a position title.
  • Be specific about your qualifications, identifying your skills and training.
  • Keep your letter to one page in length using proper business letter format.
  • Do not overuse the word ‘I’ or begin every sentence with ‘I.’
  • Limit the length of your paragraphs to keep the employer’s interest.
  • Highlight experiences you have, not what you may be missing. Do not be negative or apologetic for experiences you don’t have.

Characteristics of an Effective Cover Letter:

  • Targeted to the job, industry, and employer.
  • Demonstrates your suitability by showing that you know and understand your qualifications as they relate to the job.
  • Shows the employer you understand how you will contribute to the organization.
  • Focuses on what you will do in the future, not just what you have done in past jobs.

Cover Letter Formula

Introductory Paragraph:

  • States the name of the position to which you are applying.
  • How you learned of the opportunity.
  • One or two key qualifications that they are looking for to grab the employer’s attention.
  • Enthusiastically describes your interest in the position/organization.

Body Paragraphs

  • Two to three paragraphs.
  • Demonstrates that you know the key components and functions of the job.
  • Presents your relevant and transferable skills and connects them to the job you’re applying to (future-focused).
  • Features unique information and does not repeat everything that is on your resumé.
  • Showcases your best qualifications but does not address every requirement from the posting.

Conclusion

  • Summarizes two to three distinctive points relating your experience.
  • Connects the experience to the job and states how you can contribute.
  • Thanks the employer and indicates next steps: request an interview with confidence!

Cover Letter Checklist

  • Is it targeted to the job or industry?
  • Does the cover letter mention and refer to skills/qualifications in the job posting?
  • Is it neat and organized?
  • Is there a clear introductory paragraph, two to three body paragraphs, and a conclusion?
  • Is the introduction exciting and enticing?
  • Is there a consistent format and aesthetics between the cover letter and resumé?
  • Are there proper salutations?
  • Does it read well? (i.e., does it flow?)
  • Is it error-free? (grammar)
  • Does it overuse “I”?
  • Does it just claim skills or articulate evidence of how you’ve showcased that skill?
  • Does it use connecting statements? After you demonstrate a skill, did you relate it to the job you are applying for?


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