Work search tools

Cover letters

Anytime you send out a résumé or application form, you should also include a cover letter. Even if not mentioned in a job advertisement, you should always include one. A cover letter introduces you—and your résumé—to a potential employer. A cover letter is just as important as your résumé and can provide supporting facts and examples your résumé may not.

A cover letter is very important: with it, you have the opportunity to draw the reader's attention to specific qualifications. Your cover letter is an invaluable marketing tool. You can emphasize what you have to contribute to a company or organization. Your résumé highlights your past employment and education while your cover letter highlights specific examples you think will convince your reader that you are enthusiastic about the position applied for, that you have the work ethic to succeed, and that you are a team player who can fit will within the organization.

A cover letter is also a reflection of your written communication skills. Take care in writing your cover letter to organize your thoughts and to express yourself clearly and appropriately.

You should write a separate cover letter for every position to which you are applying. It's a sign of laziness to send generic cover letters that are not tailored to a specific job or company. A detailed, targeted cover letter will impress a potential employer more than a general one.

Remember the following:

• Never send a résumé or application form without a cover letter.
• If a job advertisement lists a reference number or a competition number, be sure to include this in your cover letter.
• Address your letter to the person who can hire you. In some cases, a job ad will instruct you to direct your application package to a specific person. Other times, it will simply ask you to send it to the Human Resources Department. If, through research and networking, you can find out who is responsible for the hiring decision, address your letter to that person. Be sure the name is spelled correctly and that you have used the correct title (i.e. Ms, Mr. or Dr.)
• Always use the first paragraph to grab the reader's attention by giving reasons you are qualified for the position.
• Recruiters are looking for enthusiasm, knowledge, and focus. Without going overboard, show that you know something about the company and the industry to which you're applying. Make it clear you know the company and that you are excited about the possibility to work in such an organization.
• Be concise. Use simple language and uncomplicated sentences. Avoid long words and phrases. Write in your own words. Your letter is a reflection of you and of your writing skills. It should not read as though it came out of a book.
• Avoid telling employers that your résumé is enclosed/attached. This wastes space and it is also self-evident.
• Take initiative. Request action or an interview. In your cover letter, indicate when you will be following up (by phone or e-mail) to arrange it. Then, follow up. You will greatly increase your chances of getting job interviews if you call employers after writing rather than waiting for them to call you. Do not be overly aggressive, however. If you are too persistent, you may be perceived as a nuisance.
• Your cover letter should not exceed one page. It should use the same font and paper as on your résumé. Avoid ink jet or dot matrix printing. These—and photocopies—are not acceptable. Use laser printing.
• As with your résumé, your cover letter should have your identifying information at the top. This is particularly helpful if, for some reason, your cover letter becomes separated from your résumé.
• Sign your letter using black ink.

Writing Your Cover Letter

In your first paragraph, tell the reader why you are writing:

• you selected this particular employer as part of your targeted job search
• you saw an ad in a newspaper/on a Web site
• you missed them the day they did on-campus recruiting
• you are researching potential career opportunities
• you read about them in a newspaper/trade journal/magazine or other publication

The middle paragraphs should highlight what you have to offer. Try to remember employers' behaviors and needs: summarize and highlight key skills and competencies with this in mind. This means you've analyzed the employer's needs as well as your skills, accomplishments, and education. This analysis means you can now write your cover letter and match yourself to the organization: link your interests, background, career goals and achievements to the organization's needs and culture.

Your closing paragraph should be succinct and should state, in one or two sentences and using assertive language that you would like to discuss your qualifications in person. After all, your goal is to land an interview:

I look forward to meeting you in person to discuss
how I can meet your needs in the upcoming months.

In the case of an unsolicited application, the following may be more appropriate:

I will call you early the week of August 2 to
discuss a mutually convenient appointment time.