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Cover Letter Guidelines
Like your resume, your cover letter is an important self-marketing tool, and is the first impression you will make on a potential employer. The purpose of a cover letter is to demonstrate a fit between you and the company/position, to show that you can contribute to the organization as a whole, and to convince the employer to offer you an interview.
| Cover Letter Components & Samples |
| First Research! |
| Research yourself, the company, and the position before you write--see the following table for more research tips |
| Cover Letter Components |
--Use our Components of a Cover Letter Template to get started--
Heading: Applicant & Employer Mailing information
Paragraph 1: Introduction--why are you applying
Paragraph 2: Skills, education, experience, training, achievements, etc.
Paragraph 3: Why you are the best fit for the company/position
Closing: Provide contact information
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| Samples and Templates |
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| Helpful Hints |
- Attend an Advising& Career Center Resume and Cover Letter Workshop.
- Focus on what you can contribute to the employer-not what they can do for you.
- Don’t exaggerate--be honest and positive.
- Proofread! Have at least three different people proofread your letter.
- Keep a copy of every letter you send.
- Customize each letter for the specific company/position.
- Make an Appointment with the Advising & Career Center if you would like additional help or for someone to look over your Cover Letter draft.
- See our Resume and Interviewing Guidelines for more employment tips
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| Research Tips |
A good cover letter demonstrates knowledge about the specific company and position. Show that you are familiar with company history, recent events, or, at the very least, that you know what the company does. Keeping up on current events, reading trade journals, and browsing the company website will provide all kinds of information you can use in your cover letter and later in an interview |
| Research the Company |
- What does the company do?
- How do the goods/services they provide impact you personally?
(Company values vs. your values.)
- Who does the hiring--to whom should you address your cover letter?
- What opportunities are available for training, advancement, and career growth?
- Do you want to work for this company? Why?
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| Research the Position |
- What will you do?
- How will you do it?
- What skills/ tools will you need?
- How does the position contribute to the organization as a whole?
- Where is the position located?
- What hours will you work?
- What are the benefits, salary range, etc?
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| Research Your Own Abilities |
- Can you do the job?
- Do you have the necessary education?
- Do you have experience in the field or any related experience?
- Use the Choices Career Profiler to learn more about yourself.
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