How to Write a Cover Letter
See our sample ID job ad and responding coverletter or download the pdf.
The Basics
A successful cover letter can help you to personalize and set the stage for your résumé. It can fill in the blanks of your résumé for the particular position for which you are applying. Hopefully, your cover letter will generate excitement in the reader and gain you an interview.
Do NOT use a form letter. Avoiding this common mistake can set you above the competition. Time spent researching and finessing your letter can show the employer your written communication skills; your knowledge about the needs of the organization; highlight your ability to contribute; and show why you are the right fit for the job. The cover letter, like the résumé, gives you the opportunity to tell the employer about your training, accomplishments and education as they relate to that organization. Make sure you spend time investigating both the company and the position for which you are applying.
Structure
A cover letter need not be longer than three or four paragraphs. The first and last paragraphs can be as short as one sentence. Don't repeat the résumé, but give an overview of your capabilities and show why you're a good candidate for the job. The best way to distinguish yourself is to highlight one or two of your accomplishments or abilities. Be sure it's clear from your letter why you have an interest in the company. Many candidates apply for jobs with no apparent knowledge of what the company does.
Addressing the Letter
Your contact information (hopefully you've got a letterhead design), then the date, then name, title, company, and address of the reciepient. Use Mr., Mrs., or Ms. X. If you're unsure of a woman's marital status, use Ms. Try your very hardest to find a name. If you can't find a name, you may skip the salutation all together, not the address block, though.
Don't Philosophize
"Dear Mr. X: Finding the right person for the job is often difficult, costly; and at times disappointing. If you are in need of a reliable individual for your management staff I have the qualifications and dedication for the position." No one wants to read that.
Opening Paragraph
State the position for which you are applying. If you have a contact there, make sure you make reference to it in this paragraph. If you are responding to an ad, say so. Express enthusiasm for the work done by the company, and briefly state why you're a great fit for the job.
Body Paragraph(s)
This is where you explain your qualifications and create excitement and interest in you as a candidate. Stress your accomplishments; relevant education; job related skills and abilities and show your interest in the position and employer. Use action verbs in your sentences—preferably many of the verbs used in the advertisement . The less passive you are the better, for example, don't say "I have learned" if you can instead say "I have [led, accomplished, programmed, created, etc.]" The first example implies you have discussed something, the second explains that you have actually done it.
If possible, show how you not only meet but exceed their requirements—why you are a superior candidate. Mention any noteworthy accomplishments, high-profile projects or performances, instances where you went above and beyond the call of duty, or awards you've received for your work. If you're responding to a job ad, give examples of how you've demonstrated the skills and qualities for which the employer is looking. It's not your résumé--think of the résumé as a list, and the cover letter as a conversation.
If this is a letter for a positon in higher education as a performer and professor, you'll need two paragraphs. One covering your qualifications as a performer, one covering your qualifications as an educator. If the ad stresses one over the other, that's the paragraph that should come first.
Closing Paragraph
This is where you ask for the interview. If appropriate, give specific dates when you will call to follow up. Sign it with "Sincerely," and your actual signature if you're submitting a paper letter.
Want help with your materials? E-mail Michele Plante to make an appointment.