Your cover letter is a way to introduce yourself to a potential employer. Use your cover letter to describe your qualifications, motivation, and interest in the job so that the employer will want to interview you. Do NOT repeat the information already listed in your resume; rather, you want to translate those experiences into the skills honed, knowledge gained, and questions raised that are relevant to the particular job. Think of your cover letter as your chance to explain how your skills and interests, outlined in your resume, fit with the job or internship description, company, and industry.
Cover Letter Format
- Paragraph 1: Identify what job are you applying for, how you heard about the opening; and why you are interested.
- Paragraph 2: Discuss your qualifications for the job and your interest in the organization. Use one or two accomplishments to illustrate the skills and experience you bring to the job.
- Closing paragraph: Express your interest in meeting with the employer to discuss the requirements of the job and your qualifications.
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Sample Cover Letters: |
- Drop-Ins. M-F 1:00-4:00: Have you resume or cover letter reviewed or get any question answered.
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Cover Letter Guidelines:
- Address your letters to a specific person if you can
- Know as much as you can about the industry, company and position to which you are applying.
- Tailor your letters to specific situations or organizations by doing research before writing your letters.
- Keep letters concise and factual, no more than a single page. Avoid flowery language.
- Give examples that support your skills and qualifications.
- Put yourself in the reader's shoes. What can you say that will convince the reader that you are ready and able to do the job?
- Remember that this is a marketing tool. Use lots of action words.
- Have someone proof read your letter.
