Cover Letters & Resumes (SSS Workshop) February 27th, 2024: Cover Letters

This work is licensed under an Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International

Authors:

Niagara College
Georgian College
Lambton College
Algonquin College

Submitter:

NC Libraries

Basic Cover Letter

First Name Last Name
City, State | (415) 555-5555 | username@usfca.edu | www.linkedin.com/in/username

November XX, 20XX

Name of Recipient
Title 
Company Name
Address

Dear (Full Name of Recipient) or Hiring Manager:

INITIAL PARAGRAPH:

State the reason for the letter, the specific position or type of work for which you are applying, and indicate from which resource (i.e., Career Services Center, news media, friend, employment service) you learned of the opening.

Some examples include:

I am writing to express my interest in the position of _______________. Your advertisement in the ____________ for a ______________ seems to perfectly match my background and experience. I am writing to you at the recommendation of ____________________. In response to your job posting for a __________ on your company’s website, I have attached my resume for your consideration. If you are seeking a talented, motivated salesperson for your outside sales team, I believe my skills and background are a good match for your organization.

SECOND PARAGRAPH:

Indicate why you are interested in the position, the company, its products or services. Demonstrate that you have researched the organization by stating something about their mission, latest products, business ventures, etc. State clearly what you can do for the employer. If you are a recent graduate, explain how your academic background makes you a well-qualified candidate. If you have some practical work experience, point out your specific achievements or unique qualifications. Try not to repeat the same information the reader will find in your resume. Refer the reader to the enclosed resume or application form which summarizes your qualifications, training and experience. Advocate for yourself! Convey enthusiasm!

Some examples include:

My qualifications for the position include . . .
I believe my background in . . .
I have experience/education in the field of . . .

THIRD PARAGRAPH:

In the closing paragraph, indicate your desire for a personal interview and your flexibility as to the time and place. Repeat your telephone number in the letter and offer any assistance to help in a speedy response. Finally, close your letter with a statement or question which will encourage a response.

Some examples include:

I look forward to discussing my qualifications with you further in person . . .
Should you be interested in my qualifications . . .
For an interview, I can be reached at...

Sincerely,

First Name Last Name

(Format courtesy of The University of San Francisco, Career Services Website)

Not every job application requires a cover letter, but if you have the option to include one, it is a great opportunity to share more about yourself and your work history with a potential employer. While the resume is very direct, in a cover letter, you can share and explain more about who you are and what you have done.

What is a cover letter?

• A cover letter is a one-page persuasive writing style business letter submitted with a resume when applying for a job.
• The purpose of a cover letter is to inform a potential employer why you are a great candidate for a job.
• Cover letters introduce you, tell your story, and create a first impression for employers.

A cover letter links your resume to the position

A cover letter is like a research assignment. Start by researching the organization and figure out why you want to work there.  Then, in your cover letter, showcase your knowledge of the organization, highlight your skills, and explain why and how you would be a good fit for the position. Your goal for your cover letter is to convince the employer to interview you.

Your cover letter complements your resume by showing the employer how your experience and interest connect to the position.

REMEMBER: A successful cover letter should:

• Highlight your qualifications: Explain how your skills and experience relate to the employer’s needs for a specific position.
• Showcase your motivation: Express your enthusiasm for the specific position and the organization.
• Reflect your voice and written communication skills: Introduce yourself to the employer: your personality and writing style.

Still not sure what to say in your cover letter?

Answer some of these questions within each paragraph:

• Paragraph 1: 
  Why are you interested in this position/this organization?
  What in the job posting made you think you need to apply?
• Paragraphs 2-3: 
  What experiences (limit yourself to 2-3 events) have you had that connect your skills to the ones listed in the position?
  What made you think you can do this job?
• Paragraph 4: 
  What final point/impression do you want to make to your potential employer?

You have decided to write a cover letter!
What should it look like?

REMEMBER: A cover letter is like a mini-research paper so many of the same formatting rules apply:

• Font: 10 to 12 point Arial or Times New Roman
  Be consistent: Your cover letter and resume need to be in the same font
• Length: 1 page 
• What kind of paper? The same as your resume — a quality bond
• Margins: 1 or 1.25 inches
• Layout: Left justified, beginning no more than 2 inches from the top
• Style: Positive persuasive language, confident but not imposing, concise with supporting detail, written in active verb voice
• E-mail: Use body of e-mail as cover letter starting with salutation

Your cover letter should include 3-4 paragraphs with the following information:

• 1st Paragraph
  • The main purpose of the first paragraph is to introduce yourself and explain why you are writing. You want to grab the employer’s attention: why you are interested in this position and/or why this organization. Use your community: if someone has referred you to the organization (a current employee, friend, family member) include their name in the first sentence.
• 2nd/3rd Paragraph
  • Concisely, tell the employer your story: describe your qualifications for the type of position you are seeking using specific examples from school, work, volunteer, and/or co-curricular experiences. Connect your accomplishments, knowledge, and skills directly to the position, organization and/or field. Avoid repeating facts outlined on your resume by focusing on key concepts.
• Closing Paragraph
  • Summarize or give a final statement of your interest/qualifications. Thank the employer for their time and consideration. Plan to follow up with the employer with a phone call or email.

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