Job Location and Development
(Non Work Study Job Opportunities)

Cover Letter

Most employers may ask that you send a cover letter along with your resume when applying for a job.   

What is a cover letter? 

The cover letter is an introduction and a sales pitch.  It tells the potential employer how well you communicate, what your experiences and qualifications are; a clue into who you are and how detail oriented you are.

Before writing your cover letter, research the company to which you are applying. Then your letter should refer to specifics about the employer's business and reasons why you are interested in working there.

As a job seeker, you shouldn’t overlook the importance of a cover letter. If written strategically, a cover letter increases your chances for consideration, and provides an opportunity to highlight your individuality.

Below you will find some tips for writing a cover letter. 

Cover Letter Tips 

TIP  1: Keep it short

• Cover letters are generally one page.  

TIP  2: Divide your cover letter into sections 

• The first section is the introduction.  Tell the employer who you are, why you are sending your resume, which job you are applying for and how you heard about the position. 

• The second section is the pitch.  Tell the employer why you should be hired.  Emphasize your qualifications, skills, experiences that are relevant to the position that you are seeking.

• In the third section include in your paragraph why you want to work for them.  What is it that you can offer them?

• The fourth section is the closing.  Let them know that you will follow-up with a phone call (about 3-4 days after the letter’s arrival) to ensure they received your resume.  (Make sure to do so).

TIP 3: Customize it

• It should be customized to the situation and potential employer.

• You should note parallels between your own skills and those required for the position.

TIP 4: Add a Closing

• Be sure to thank the employer for considering you for the position.

• End your cover letter with “Sincerely” or “Respectfully” before signing your name.

TIP 5: Keep a copy

• Always keep a copy of your cover letter so you can follow up appropriately. If you get called for an interview, you don’t want to forget the information you have included in your cover letter.

Tips for E-Mailing Cover Letters

TIP 1:  Make sure your cover letter is the body of the letter

• Your cover letter should be the body of the e-mail and the resume should be included as an attachment.

TIP 2:  Make sure you refer to the job title in the Subject line of the e-mail

• Don't assume the job you are applying for is the only job posting the employer has.  Be very specific in referring to the job title.  Some employers may want you to refer to their job codes. Be sure to read the job description and qualifications thoroughly so as not to miss anything important. 

TIP  3:  Mention the program used for the attachment

• In your cover letter, mention the program you used to create your attachment. ("I've enclosed a resume written in Microsoft Word 2000.") If the person reading the e-mail cannot open the attachment they will contact you directly and advise you of an alternate way to send it.

TIP  4:  Make sure the attachment can be opened

• With any resume file you're attaching, open it first to make sure it's updated, error free, and the version of your resume you want to send. Sending a virus is tantamount to sealing your job-doom.

Tip  5:  Check the formatting

• When formatting the cover letter, stick to the left-justified headers and 4” wide test lines in your paragraphs.  You never know when the address you’re mailing to has a small e-mail page format that will awkwardly wrap text around the screen.

Tip  6:  Save a copy of your e-mail

• Save a copy of whatever you send by including your own e-mail address in the "BCC" field or by making sure a copy goes to your "Sent mail" folder. This allows you to resend the letter if a problem pops up.  

Tip  7:  Check everything over before sending out the e-mail

• Lastly, don't fill in the "to" field with the recipient's e-mail address until you've finished writing and editing the cover letter and resume. This prevents you from accidentally sending it before it's ready.

Musts for Cover Letters (Hard Copy)

• Is it concise (no more than 1 page)?

• Did you use the same clear, professional font that you used for your resume?  Make sure it is typed, not handwritten.

• Is it an original – not a copy?  Make sure it is NOT a form letter and not photocopied. 

• Did you use the same high quality paper as the resume? 

• Is it addressed to a specific person?  If not, try calling the company and asking whom the hiring manager or human resources manager is. 

• Does it look professional?  Are your margins even?  Use 1” margins all around. 

• Have you checked it for spelling, grammar and punctuation?  Have someone else proof it. 

• Did you make sure that your qualifications match up to those that the employer is looking for? 

• Did you remember to thank the employer for considering you for the position? 

• Did you sign your name? 

• Did you save it so that when the employer calls, you can refer back to it?

NOTE:  Do NOT staple your cover letter to your resume

Musts for Cover Letters (E-Mail Version) 

• Is it addressed to a specific person?  If not, try calling the company and asking whom the hiring manager or human resources manager is. 

• Does it look professional? Did you use the left-justified headers and 4” wide test lines in your paragraphs? 

• Have you checked it for spelling, grammar and punctuation?  Have someone else proof it. 

• Did you make sure that your qualifications match up to those that the employer is looking for? 

• Did you remember to thank the employer for considering you for the position? 

• Did you make sure you typed the e-mail address correctly? 

• Did you make sure you referred to the job title in the Subject line of the e-mail? 

• Did you open the file you are attaching to make sure it’s error free? 

• Did you save it so that when the employer calls, you can refer back to it? 

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