Cover Letters

The cover letter or letter of application is an introduction to the resume, generating interest on the part of the employer and leading them to want to learn more about you.  

Creating a Cover Letter

For specific positions, your cover letter should be tailored to each individual employer and reflect your interest in the organization or position advertised. A professional cover letter should be printed with no errors, on paper matching your resume in a business format. Click here for instructions to create a cover letter and more information about the structure of writing a cover letter.  

Tips to Write an Effective Cover Letter

• Research the organization and use what you learn to address why you are qualified to work with this employer. 
• If you have a job description with required and preferred qualifications or a job description, use your cover letter to show how you meet the requirements for the position.  
• Use specific examples. Instead of “I’m a people person” provide details, “During my internship in the Career Development enter, I developed and used strong counseling and customer service skills.” 
• Avoid starting every sentence with “I”. Try and incorporate variety into your sentence structure. 
• Employers use cover letters as evidence of your written communication skills. Errors in spelling and grammar are not acceptable.  

• Keep your letter short and simple. It should not exceed more than one page.  
• Do no use contractions.  
• Use the same header as your resume. 

For more comprehensive information, examples, and resources check out the Job Search Handbook. Cover letter samples start on page 43.