Cover Letters
Typically, a cover letter is attached to the front of your resumé. Your cover letter should be specific to the position for which you are applying, relating your skills and experience to those described in the job posting. You can include short stories or experiences in your cover letter that exemplify why you would be a good candidate for a particular job position.
Cover letters are used to help the employer get to know you better than what is listed on your resumé. Remember, the purpose of a cover letter isn’t to reiterate what is already on your resumé; it is to provide additional information the employer may not see or know about you from the resumé.
Employers most likely won’t even consider a candidate whose qualifications are not evident at first glance. Your cover letter is your first opportunity to make a good impression and point out your qualifications. Similar to your resumé, this is your chance to impress the employer and show them how you can best contribute to their organization!
Cover letters take some time and effort and it’s not always easy, but it’s important. First, look at the job posting and pull out the criteria the employer is seeking. These words can usually be found in the job description and may include qualifications such as the ability to work well with others, be organized, outgoing, etc. After reading the job description, list the skills and experience you have that relate to the particular job criteria.
Cover letters should:
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Catch the reader’s interest by detailing your qualifications
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Avoid listing or regurgitating what is already on your resumé
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Provide evidence that you surpass the other candidates
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Emphasize that you are a good fit with the organization’s objectives
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Focus on what you can do for the company, not what the company can do for you
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Compliment the company’s successes
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Make it clear that you understand the mission and company culture
The following website can also provide additional information on writing cover letters. They include different formats and distinguish cover letters by career and education level: www.jobsearch.about.com/od/coverlettersamples/a/coverlettsample.htm
The layout of your cover letter is important. Make sure it is easy to read and it looks professional. It’s important to:
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Properly space the layout of the cover letter
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Put spaces between the heading, the greeting, each paragraph, the closing, and your signature
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Single space your letter and leave a space between each paragraph
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Left justify your letters
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Use black text color with a simple font like Arial or Times New Roman, Font size 12
The layout of your cover letter is important. Make sure it is easy to read and it looks professional.
It’s important to:
-
Properly space the layout of the cover letter
-
Put spaces between the heading, the greeting, each paragraph, the closing, and your signature
-
Single space your letter and leave a space between each paragraph
-
Left justify your letters
-
Use black text color with a simple font like Arial, Verdana, or Times New Roman
Activity: Write a sample cover letter for your ideal position.
Example