Cover Letter

Sample Cover Letters

Cover Letter Resources

Tips & Structure

The purpose of a cover letter and resume package is to motivate the employer to take action and invite you for an interview. This may mean that you include similar information on both documents, but the way you talk about that experience and background should be different. Write a new and unique cover letter for each job description, and target your cover letter to a specific person at the company, if possible. Use information from the job description as well as industry keywords as you describe your qualifications. Identify and highlight 3-5 skills to show the employer how you are an exact match for their needs; outline how you learned or honed those skills in previous positions or academic endeavors plus how you can use them in the employer’s organization.

Email Cover Letters

If you are asked to email a resume attachment without a cover letter, use the body of the email as a cover letter. You may copy and paste the information from a word processing document as long as you do not have to attach a cover letter with the resume. If, however, you are required to submit both a resume and cover letter, your email should be different. In those situations, your email should be a short, concise version of your cover letter, outlining the position for which you are applying and why as well as 2-3 brief reasons why you are a good fit for the job or internship. Remember to indicate that there are attachments to the email and end by thanking the person for their time.