Do's and Don't's of a Cover Letter
DO:
- Send a cover letter with every resume you send
- Address letter to a specific person and title
- Type each letter individually
- Limit to 1 page containing 3 paragraphs
- Sign your name
DON'T:
- Address your cover letter to just a title or department
- Be pushy or assuming
- Mass produce you cover letter. Each letter should be written to reflect the position for which you are applying.
Elements of a Cover Letter
A cover letter is a formal document. The following is an example of how your letter should be arranged and what it should include. For assistance with composing a formal letter, you may wish to schedule a session with someone in the Writing Center.
Your Street Address
City, State, Zip Code
Today's Date
Contact Person
Title
Department
Company
Street Address
City, State Zip code
Dear Ms. Doe: (formal greeting)
The opening paragraph should state why you are writing and why you are interested
in the organization. If you are writing a letter of application, you should
name the position for which you arc applying and tell the employer how you
became aware of it. A letter of inquiry should provide evidence of your career-mindedness.
It helps to refer to specific job functions, if not titles. It you were referred
to the employer by someone such as a career counselor, a former employer,
or an aunt, this is also the best place to mention that person's name and
to point out that s/he suggested you write.
The middle paragraph draws attention to your resume and highlights specific skills relevant to the potential employer. Present your motives for seeking employment with t organization and cite achievements, and qualifications related to the position desired. If you have qualifications that arc not noted on your resume, this is your opportunity to discuss them.
The closing paragraph states what you will do next (such as calling to arrange an interview at the employer's convenience) or what you would like the recipient of the letter to do next. An assertive statement explaining what you plan to do and what you hope the employer will do is harder to ignore than a vague request for consideration.
Sincerely,
(Signature here)
Your name typed
Enclosure
(This indicated that your resume or additional materials are enclosed.)