Cover Letters - Office of Academic & Career Services

There are two types of cover letters--those that draw the reader in and entice him or her to read your resume, and those that eliminate you from the running before your resume gets read.

The cover letter serves as the introduction to your resume. No resume should ever be sent without one. While your resume can remain the same for every company to which you apply, the cover letter should be created separately and individually for each position for which you express interest. Your career objective should be included in the cover letter. By including it in the cover letter, you can tailor the objective to the advertisement to which you are responding or to the "hot tip" you received through your professional network.
Studies indicate that your cover letter has a life expectancy of about eight seconds, so it must be brief yet informative. The letter should have three recognizable parts: the opening, which explains why you are writing ("I'm responding to your advertisement..."); the main body, which lists two or three of your major accomplishments and gives the reader good reason to interview you; and the closing, which expresses a desire for future communication. Be sure your letter draws a connection between the needs of the current job opening and the skills you can bring to the job.
While the experience of the applicant in the sample on the next page is undoubtedly different from your own, you can adapt the format shown here to suit your individual career search needs.

General Outline for a Cover Letter (Sample)

	Applicant's Address Applicant's Phone Number Date of Letter (Centered)
Use the complete title and address	Employer's Name and Title and Address
If possible, address it to a particular person by name	Salutation: Opening Paragraph: State why you are writing, name the position or type of work for which you are applying and mention how you heard of the opening or organization.
Make the addressee want to read your resume. Be personable and be enthusiastic Be brief and specific; your resume contains details	Middle Paragraph(s): Explain why you are interested in working for this employer and specify your reasons for desiring this type of work. If you have had relevant work experience or related education, be sure to point it out, but do no t reiterate your entire resume. Emphasize skills or abilities you have that relate to the job for which you are applying. Be sure to do this in a confident manner and remember that the reader will view your letter of application as an example of your writing skills.
Top and bottom margins should be equal	Closing Paragraph: You may refer the reader to your enclosed resume (which gives a summary of your qualifications) or whatever media you are using to illustrate your training, interests and experience. Have an appropriate closing to pave the way for the interview by indicating the action or steps you will take to initiate an interview date.
Always sign letters	Sincerely,
If a resume or other enclosure is used, note in letter	(Your signature) Your name typed Enclosure