Career DEVELOPMENT - Cover Letters

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT COVER LETTERS

A good cover letter can "sell" an employer on the idea of reading your resume and giving you an interview.  Cover letters should always accompany a resume and should always be tailored to the employer you are sending it to.

Cover letters are designed to introduce you, your skills and your experiences.  The cover letter should reflect your knowledge of the company and specifically address the skills and experience the employer is seeking.  A successful cover letter will show the employer how you can meet their needs.  It should answer the question, "Why should I hire you?" It should grab the employer's attention and point out why you, above all other applicants, should be contacted for a personal interview. 

GUIDELINES FOR WRITING A GOOD COVER LETTER

Appearance

• Type the cover letter.
• Use high quality stationery (white, beige or ivory) that matches the resume paper and the envelope.

• Be brief, professional and positive.
• Keep the length of the letter to one page.

• Address the cover letter to a specific person. Avoid using such general salutations as Dear Sir or Madam, To Whom It May Concern, Dear Administrator, Dear Prospective Employer and Dear Committee.

First Paragraph

• Have a strong positive opening statement that is personalized to catch the recipient's interest. State what position you are applying for and why you are interested in the position.
• Show interest in the firm by making reference to something you know about it.

Second Paragraph

• Summarize your most important skills and experiences. Select one or two specific accomplishments in your experience that are particularly relevant to the position, and draw attention to them in your letter. The key is to show the employer "why you are qualified".  You can refer to your resume for further details but never reiterate passages from your resume word for word.
• Let your letter reflect your individuality, but avoid appearing aggressive, familiar, cute or humorous.

Third Paragraph

• Maintain the initiative by stating that you will call to see whether an interview can be arranged and thank them for considering you.

Cover Letters: Example One, Example Two

Is follow-up necessary after an interview?