Resume Resources

Overview | Function of the Document | Parts of a Resume | Cover Letter

What is a cover letter?

Whenever you mail your resume to a potential employer, it must be accompanied by a letter commonly known as a cover letter. There are two versions of the cover letter:

A Letter of Application is used when you are applying for a specific job, which is currently available.

A Letter of Inquiry is used when you are inquiring whether or not an employer has a job opening available which would utilize your skills. These letters are effective in uncovering the "hidden" job market.

Purpose of a cover letter

A cover letter’s purpose is to inform the employer of your interest in a particular position. This is your opportunity to introduce yourself, give your sales pitch and propose further action all in one. Your letter must attract the employer’s attention. It is important to address the qualifications that the employer stated in the job description. Highlight how you meet or exceed these requirements.

Research the Company

Some basic research will help you to learn about a company so you can show how you will fit into their organization and its goals. To research an organization, go to their web site, read directories, trade journals, magazines and books related to your field or the specific company. Call the company and request that they send you any literature pertaining to their organization. Do some informational interviewing to create contacts in the field.

• Address your letter, whenever possible to an individual responsible for hiring. Be sure to use this person’s correct title. (This information can be obtained by telephoning the organization and asking the receptionist for the name and title of the person in charge of hiring for a specific position.)
• Tailor your letter as much as possible to the target reader and industry.
• Select carefully those elements from your background which qualify you for a position.
• Focus on your strengths. Never apologize for the qualifications you lack.
• Be brief, concise and to the point. Be positive and emphasize your qualifications but not arrogant.
• Seek the advice of someone skilled in grammar and punctuation. Poor sentence structure and spelling errors could eliminate you from consideration.
• Talk more about what you can do for the prospective employer than what they can do for you.
• Use concrete examples to demonstrate your claims about yourself.
• Don’t say anything negative about your employment situation or your life in general.
• Don’t ramble--cut to the chase.
• Don’t mention salary requirements or geographic restrictions. It can screen you out. Discussion of these topics should wait until after you have the job offer.

Make an appointment with one of our Career Specialists for assistance in writing or critiquing your cover letter.

View two sample cover letters:

1. Sample Cover Letter (Microsoft Word Document, 21KB)
2. Sample Cover Letter (Microsoft Word Document, 21KB)