Writing Your Cover Letter

Students will determine what content should be in a cover letter.



Students will learn to write a cover letter using a sample template.



What is the purpose of a cover letter?


A cover letter is a method of introducing yourself to the company for whom you would like to work. If you do not make a clear and positive first impression, you might be eliminated from a position without even speaking with the employer.



Writing a cover letter often seems like a particularly daunting task. However, if you take it one step at a time, you'll soon be an expert at writing letters to send with your resume.

A cover letter typically accompanies each resume you send out. Your cover letter may make the difference between obtaining a job interview and having your resume ignored, so, it makes good sense to devote the necessary time and effort to writing effective cover letters.

A cover letter should complement, not duplicate your resume. Its purpose is to interpret the data-oriented, factual resume and add a personal touch. A cover letter is often your earliest written contact with a potential employer, creating a critical first impression.

Do not design a form letter and send it to every potential employer (you know what you do with junk mail!).

Effective cover letters explain the reasons for your interest in the specific organization and identify your most relevant skills or experiences (remember, relevance is determined by the employer's self-interest). They should express a high level of interest and knowledge about the position.



In general, your letter will either be a letter of application or a letter of inquiry depending on whether or not you are writing to apply for an open position. A letter of application will include specific details about the position for which you are applying; whereas a letter of inquiry is asking the employer to consider you for any existing or future positions that suit your experience.