Cover Letters

Please copy any of our material for your own use!

What makes a great cover letter?

The cover or application letter is an important tool in the job search process. The cover letter is the first page with the resume as the second. The purpose of combining the cover letter and resume is to spark the employer's interest and to be invited for an interview or informational meeting. To write an effective cover letter you need to take time to research and write an original letter. You should tailor each letter to be specific to each employer and reflect your knowledge of the employer's needs. Researching the organization and opportunity before you write will make this task much easier.

• Probably the most important thing to do is get the particular individual's name who will be doing the hiring. Then write your cover letter to that specific person. Don't use, "To Whom It May Concern" unless you absolutely can't find the name.
• If you don't have it:
• Go to the company's web site on the Internet or
• Call the receptionist.
• Get the details on the job AND the company. The more details you know about the opportunity, the more specific you can make your cover letter. You are more likely to stand out in the resume crowd if you include information specific to the company you and are able to give details of your experience specific to the job you are applying for. Be sure your cover letter appears "custom" to the potential employer.
• How can you benefit the company if you are hired? Give a specific task you accomplished in the past and how your skills can help the company. Don't write a generic phrase like, "I have several years experience in Social Services and am looking for another company with opportunities that will benefit my growth." How about somthing like, "I have been employed with Morrison Social Services in Anytown, Minnesota for seven years. In that time, I have had extensive experience with all aspects of Social Services including prioritizing paperwork and services to those in need. I am confident I can utilize my skills to help you in your transition to your new building on Freedom Street."
• Include the title of the specific job you are responding to or seeking.
• List a few accomplishments directly related to the position applying for without getting too wordy or detailed. This may be a good area to use bullets.
• Be brief! Five fairly short paragraphs should be sufficient. Too much information can loose the reader's attention.
• Use fonts that are easy to read. Be sure it is visually appealing. You want the standard margins on each side.
• Invite the reader to contact you. "I believe an in-person meeting or interview would be a great way to discuss the requirements and expectations you may have for this position. I would appreciate it if you would contact me at your earliest convenience. I have also enclosed my resume detailing my achievements for your review.

I can be reached at myemail@example.com or (555) 555-5555. I am very flexible.

• Follow-up! After a certain period of time, the reader should have received your cover letter. Contact the person by phone if possible. If not possible, send another short letter along with your contact information.

Remember, the goal of the cover letter typically is to get the reader to want to read your resume and contact you for a meeting. Employers make a decision about a resume within 10-20 seconds. A well written cover letter and resume will significantly increase your chances of getting in the door. You are advertising yourself to others, put a great effort into it!

How should "e-cover letters" be done?

Also see

• cover letters
• job descriptions
• resumes
• thank you letters

Got a job description, resume or other suggestion? We welcome suggestions!

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