Tips on Writing Cover Letters

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A cover letter is an individualized letter, directed at a specific employer and a specific employment opportunity. The goal of the cover letter is to convince the employer to read your résumé and to select you for an interview.

Points to remember:

• Use standard business format: text lines flush left and standard salutation and closing.
• Address the letter to a particular person by taking the time to research his/her proper name and title. Be sure to have the correct spelling of the contact person's first and last name, company name, full mailing address, city and zip code.
• Be brief. Less than one page is strongly recommended.
• Make it interesting, so that yours will stand out in a stack of letters.
• Review/edit your letter several times for spelling, grammatical and typing errors. (Read the letter backwards and have at least one other pair of eyes review the letter.)
• Use complete sentences and be sure that subjects and verb tenses agree.
• Beware of too many sentences beginning with "I" and change sentences to eliminate an overabundance of "I" statements.
• Print the cover letter on the same paper used to print your résumé.
• This is your first impression. Make it a good one.

Cover letters typically include three main paragraphs. The first paragraph explains why you are writing to them:

• Start with a strong sentence that intrigues the employer to read on and states the position for which you are applying.
• Refer to the person who suggested this company or contact and/or the opening and where you saw it advertised.
• Reflect your knowledge of organization.
• Answer the question, "Why do I want to work for this company?"

The second paragraph explains why they should hire you:

• Address all of the qualifications listed in the job posting.
• Summarize your interests, skills, education, and experience relevant to the position.
• Expand on a particularly important skill or experience listed on your résumé.

The third paragraph provides a closing statement:

• Communicate enthusiasm for the position and the employer.
• Clearly state when and where you can be reached and include your phone number and e-mail address. Be sure that this is a phone number where you will receive your messages in a professional and in a timely manner.
• THANK the employer for their time and consideration in reviewing your résumé.

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