Cover Letters
Upon completion of the resume, students will start working on a cover letter. Information about cover letters can be found on the Cover Letter page of the Career Center website.
Cover letters are important because they tell employers the type of position you’re seeking and exactly how you’re qualified for it. Your cover letter can also explain things that your resume can’t.
What is a cover letter?
A cover letter is a one-page document that, along with your resume, is sent with your job application. A cover letter is your chance to tell a potential employer why you’re the perfect person for the position and how your skills and expertise can add value to the company. The letter should be professional but personable, and serve as a sort of introduction.
A lot of job seekers today wonder if a cover letter is still appropriate to send with your resume—and the answer is yes! Even if an employer doesn’t ask for a cover letter, it couldn’t hurt to send one. In fact, it can help you get someone’s attention in a different way, and it can be a great way to display your enthusiasm for the job and company.
Basic Elements of a Cover Letter
The following should be included in the cover letter:
- Greeting – Address your cover letter to the proper person.
- Opening – Write a personable, inviting opening paragraph that notes which position you are applying for and how you learned of the job opening.
- Achievements and Skills – Highlight your past achievements as they relate to the job you’re applying for. Emphasize additional relevant skills and certifications which show you meet the job requirements.
- Closing: Briefly recap your strengths as a candidate, why you want to work for the organization, a call for action or next steps, and your contact information.
Create a letterhead using Microsoft Word that will be used in writing your cover letters. You will need to provide your contact information within the letterhead. Be creative but professional. Use the header and footer sections of the Microsoft Word document. After creating the letterhead be sure to save it and upload a copy to the Shared Google drive into the folder I created for you.
Create a cover letter for a position being advertised or a company you wish to work for.
Be sure to upload your cover letter to the Shared folder on the Google Drive.
Template for writing your cover letters:
Use the same letterhead format you did for your resume or include the following in a header of your cover letter:
Your Name
Street Address
City, State Zip Code
Phone Number
Date
Individual’s Name
Job Title
Name of Organization
Street Address
City, State Zip Code
Dear Mr./Ms. ________________________________:
First Paragraph: State the reason for writing. Name the specific position or type of work for which you’re applying. Mention how you learned of the opening.
Second Paragraph: Explain why you’re interested in working for this employer and specify how you fit this position. Don’t repeat the information on your resume. Include something special or unique about yourself that will benefit the employer. Remember, the reader will consider this an example of your writing skills.
Third Paragraph: Mention that your resume is enclosed and indicate your desire to meet with the employer. You may want to suggest alternate dates and times, or simply advise them of your flexibility to meet. Include day and evening contact information. Include a statement or question that will encourage the reader to respond. Be sure to communicate your plan to follow up. You might state that you’ll be in the area on a certain date and would like to set up a meeting, or you’ll call on a certain date to set up a meeting. Finally, thank the employer for his/her time.
Sincerely,
(Your Signature in blue or black ink)
Your name
Enclosure (or attachment if sending by email).
Links to sample cover letters
Assignment
Search for a job opening that resembles something you may want to pursue once you have completed your career training. Create a PDF file (ask me how) that has the job opening and job description. Drag that PDF file into the file folder I created for you on the Shared Google Drive. You may use any job search tool to find a job you would be interested in. Write a cover letter applying for that specific job.