Cover Letters
Your cover letter is a way to say, “Here’s why you should hire me.”
Even if you already have a connection with a potential employer, it is time for you to personalize your professional experiences as they relate to a particular job opportunity. The cover letter is a way for you to make that connection and show the potential you have to contribute to the organization.
Before you start writing the letter, read through the job posting a few times to get a sense of what the organization is looking for. If you are not very familiar with them, research further on their website, Google and social media to find out about their history and what is current news.
Then, plan out your approach to your letter.
Opening
- Briefly introduce yourself.
- State where you found out about the opportunity.
- Explain why you are interested in the opportunity.
Middle
- Provide two or three examples of your experience/accomplishments/skills and highlight how they relate to the opportunity.
- Similar to the writing of your resume, provide them with measureable results. If you saved money or time by XX%, give an overview.
Closing
- Express your interest again in the position and how you feel you are a match for what they are looking for.
- Tell them how to contact you via phone and email.
- Thank them for considering you for the position.
Do
- Read the job description and research the company.
- Focus on your career accomplishments and highlights.
- Address the letter to an individual when possible. If you are not able to determine this information from the job description or the organization’s website, contact Human Resources.
- Provide specific examples of your relevant experience and skills to the position.
- Proofread for spelling and grammar and have someone else review your cover letter.
Don’t
- Forget to include your contact information. Just because it is listed on your resume and on your header for the cover letter, you want to include your contact information in the closing paragraph.
- Send a form cover letter. You should be specific and personalize each letter for each position you apply to.
