Cover Letter

Write a cover letter that sells your strengths and interest.

A good cover letter should state clearly and quickly your reasons for submitting a resume. A concise letter shows focus and strong communications skills.

• Keep it short. The ideal cover letter is between one-half page and a full page, and never exceeds one page. Aim for two to four brief paragraphs.
  
  
• State the position. Clearly indicate the job you are applying for in the first paragraph of the letter, and in the subject line of an email as well if submitted it electronically.
  
  
• Explain why you want the job. Show what you find exciting about the industry, and show enthusiasm and knowledge about the position.
  
  
• Clearly describe your potential contributions. This is the most important element of a cover letter. Write a paragraph outlining one or two specific examples of how your skills and experiences will fit the company's needs.
  
  
• Integrate points, but don't repeat, your resume. When explaining how you will contribute, refer to an experience or skill on your resume.
  
  
• Keep the letter positive. Even if the job is not an exact match with your experience, focus on your transferable skills and accomplishments.
  
  
• Give a follow-up plan. Commit to a follow-up action such as a phone call or e-mail at a given time.
  
  
• Proofread once, and again. Spell-check doesn't catch everything, especially poor use of grammar. Recruiters will often dismiss qualified candidates if there is even one typo. Reread it, and then ask someone else to proof it, too.
  
  TIP: E-mail resumes deserve a cover letter. When e-mailing a resume as an attachment, be sure to treat the e-mail note as a cover letter
  as well, using the three-paragraph format.
  
  Make the most out of three paragraphs.  A cover letter allows you more flexibility to highlight and expand upon your experience than a resume.
  Following this three-paragraph format will help you write a cover letter that sells. 
  
  First paragraph:
  • Tell the reader why you're writing and how you discovered the position.
  • Indicate your respect for or knowledge of the firm, its accomplishments, history, products or leaders.
  • Briefly summarize who you are and why you want to position.
  
  Second paragraph:
  
  • Using concrete references to your previous or current position, tell the employer how you will perform in this new position.
  • Add relevant details that explain what you bring to the job.
  • Avoid stating specific salary requirements. If the posting requests salary information, offer a wide range.
  
  Third paragraph:
  
  • This is the shortest paragraph of the letter.
  • Use this opportunity to thank them for reading your letter, and information on how they can reach you.
  • Express your strong interest in an interview, and state that you will follow-up to discuss a face-to-face meeting.