You are here: Main Page > Students > Prepare for the Job Search > Cover Letters

Cover Letters

Related Documents

Cover Letter Writing Provides general tips for cover letter writing, including detailing what specific parts of the letter should include. Two samples are contained in this document.

Your cover letter demonstrates that you:

Write well and can attend to details like proofreading;
Took the time to research the employer's company and this specific position;
Have substantial past experience that proves you're qualified for the job.

You're writing the letter to match the employer's specific needs, not to give a complete picture of yourself. To get into the employer's mindset, take the job ad or any written information you have about the position and underline all the parts that describe the ideal applicant. For example:

Successful candidate will work well in a team, analyze customer orders and supplier data sheets, and be a good leader.

In this case, your cover letter would expand on an experience from your resume that tells how you successfully worked with people, as a leader, to accomplish a project that required analysis. If you're having trouble coming up with good examples, try talking about some of your past experiences with an advisor during a drop-in advising appointment.

Some general guidelines for your cover letter:

Do not send a generic, form letter. Customize each letter for each position.
Keep it to one page.
Use block or modified block format.
Maintain a professional, rather than a casual, tone.
Address an individual, not "To Whom It May Concern"—call and ask for a name if necessary.
Use a laser printer and the same high-quality paper as your resume.
Proofread for formatting, grammar, and spelling until your letter is flawless.

For more comprehensive instructions and two sample letters, read the cover letter handout in our document library. If you need help or want someone to read through your letter, come to the Career Development Center for a drop-in advising appointment.