Cover Letters

Vital to every job application, the cover letter introduces your resume and connects your background and qualifications to the job you want. A persuasive cover letter describes your “why” in a professional manner.

Your goal is to write a letter that hooks the reader’s attention and propels your application to the next step of the hiring process. The letter should highlight your interest in the position along with your professional talents and written communication skills. The more you tailor your letter to the position and the employer, the more your message will resonate with the recruiter/hiring manager.

Format

• Match personal contact information with that of the resume and place it at the top of the letter
• Match font style with that of the resume
• Use 0.7-1 inch margins and balance white space with content
• Left justify and single space paragraphs; double space between paragraphs
• Include date sent and the contact’s name, title, organization name, and address
• Limit letter to one page
• Save and submit as a PDF

Cover Letter Tips

• Write a customized cover letter for each job application. Be sure to include the correct company name in your letter!
• Research the organization to identify the appropriate contact and use that specific name and title in the letter if possible. Otherwise use a descriptive title (e.g., “Dear Director of College Relations” or “Dear Hiring Team”). Do not use “To Whom It May Concern.”
• Print the desired job description and highlight key qualifications that you possess. Then underline employer needs that your skills, interests, and values can address. Use these factors to outline the letter.
• Tailor the letter to the employer’s specific wants and needs, as indicated in the job description.
• Use keywords from the industry and/or job description to reflect relevance and to showcase your knowledge of and research on the field.
• Identify the one thing you want the recruiter to remember after reading your cover letter. What makes your application stand out?
• Stay concise, clear, and focused; include only information relevant to the role or the employer.
• Use action verbs and phrases to describe the impact of your work.
• Focus on strengths and abilities, personal attributes, and recognition.
• Check spelling, but do not solely rely on spell-check tools—frequently confused words like peak or pique will not trigger a spell-check alert.
• Double check spelling, especially individual and organization names.
• Read your draft aloud for grammar.

Download the Cover Letter template as a Word document .