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Cover Letter

You’ve updated your resume, and now it’s time to write that cover letter. A cover letter is a document that may be required as part of your application for an internship or job. The objective is to introduce yourself, showcase your qualifications, and express your enthusiasm for the position. While your resume provides a summary of your experiences, the cover letter allows you to draw specific connections between your experiences and the position posting, in addition to demonstrating your communication skills. A compelling cover letter can set you apart from other applicants and help you secure that interview!  

Step one: Research the company and position requirements

Before you start writing, you should understand the company and the skillset that the employer is seeking.

  • Review the job description closely, making note of minimum and preferred qualifications and any keywords used throughout the posting 

  • Investigate the company's website, social media profiles, and news articles to understand its mission, values, and recent achievements  

  • Consider networking or informational interviewing to gain insights from current or former employees about the company

Step two: Structure and format

Structure and formatting play an essential role in crafting a cover letter, as they provide clarity and organization to your message. A well-structured cover letter with appropriate formatting demonstrates attention to detail and enhances readability. 

  • Choose a fonts that is professional and easy-to-read (e.g. Times, Calibri) in a legible size (typically 10-12 point)  

  • Include your contact information at the top of the letter (e.g., name, email, and phone) 

  • Begin with a formal salutation addressing the recipient; the recipient is typically the hiring manager or person managing the posting 

  • Organize your cover letter into distinct sections: introduction, body paragraph, and closing statement  

  • Keep the length of your cover letter to one page 

  • Review sample cover letters for inspiration as you get started (Link to sample cover letters here) 

Step three: Engaging introduction

The cover letter introduction serves as your first impression to the employer, grabbing their attention and establishing your interest in the position.

  • Briefly introduce yourself and state the position for which you are applying 

  • Share a brief summary of your background and experience, focusing on the skills and qualifications that make you a suitable candidate for the role  

  • Express your enthusiasm about the opportunity and how it aligns with your career goals 

  • Keep the introduction concise and to the point, avoiding excessive details or repeating information already mentioned in your resume 

Step four: Showcasing your qualifications

The body paragraph is the space to provide detailed information about your qualifications, experiences, and achievements that are relevant to the position. It allows you to demonstrate how your skills and accomplishments are connected to the job posting.  

  • Include key words, qualifications, or skills from the job posting as they relate to your experience 

  • Showcase your major accomplishments and skills  

  • Demonstrate your value and explain how you can contribute to the position 

  • Use concise, action-oriented language and quantify your accomplishments whenever possible. 

Step five: Conclusion

The conclusion paragraph serves as a closing statement and reinforces your interest in the position. 

  • Reiterate your enthusiasm for the position and company 

  • Convey confidence in your ability to excel in the role  

  • Express gratitude for the consideration of your application and invite the employer to further discuss your qualifications 

  • End the conclusion with a professional closing, such as "Thank you for your time and consideration" or "I look forward to the opportunity to further discuss how my qualifications relate to this role.” 

Step six: Proofread and edit

Before you submit your application materials, it’s important to carefully proofread and edit. We also encourage you to meet with a career coach and/or a peer tutor at the Writing Commons to review materials before submitting.  

  • Carefully review for grammar, spelling, or punctuation errors 

  • Edit for conciseness, removing any unnecessary repetition or wordiness 

  • Ensure content flows logically  

  • Convert your document to a PDF before uploading