Purpose of the Cover Letter

A cover letter should accompany each resume that you send. The purpose of the cover letter is to "introduce" your resume to the employer.

Importance of the Cover Letter

The cover letter is particularly important because it highlights your most significant qualities directly applicable to the position for which you are applying. It also serves as a demonstration of your written communication skills to the prospective employer.

Writing the Cover Letter

Before writing the cover letter, make sure you know and understand the employer's needs and requirements for the position. Next, organize information and examples, which demonstrate how your background, training, work experience, and abilities can meet those needs.

          Basic Principles

• Research the employer's organization and personalize each letter. This indicates that you know something about the company and that you are interested in the employer.
• Briefly highlight one or two most significant accomplishments or abilities to show you are an above average candidate.
• Use a polite, formal style, which also demonstrates both self-confidence and respect for the employer. Be clear, objective and persuasive.
• Be positive in the tone of personal descriptions and expectations. Do not call attention to any weaknesses or cause uncertainty about your confidence or ability to do the job.
• Use powerful action verbs to hold the employer's interest and convey a sense of energy and enthusiasm.
• Group similar items together in a paragraph and then organize the paragraphs to relate logically. Use strong topic sentences to tie information together in an organized fashion.
• Close the letter with a plan for follow-up action. Be proactive and ask for an interview to further discuss your qualifications for the position.

• Write to a specific person.
• Send an original cover letter for each job application.
• Demonstrate that you know something about the organization.
• Provide information that reflects the reader's interest. (Relate ways you can meet their needs.)
• Use power words.
• Type or laser-print your cover letter for a professional look.
• Keep it to one page, and use business letter style.
• Realize the reader will view the cover letter as an example of your written communication skills.
• Proofread and sign your letter.
• Make sure the letter is well organized and carefully worded.
• Be honest and sincere. Give an impression of modest confidence.

• Do not use a duplicated form letter.
• Do not overuse the pronoun "I".
• Do not repeat the same material that is in your resume, but DO make reference to your resume.
• Never use company stationery.