Any time you send a resume or application to an employer, you should include a cover letter. Whenever you’re not face-to-face with an employer, your cover letter is your introduction.

The Overview

  • Write a separate cover letter for every position.  The best cover letters are customized for the employer receiving them.
  • Don’t just talk about YOU. Your resume talks about you. Demonstrate you’ve done your employer research and show them how you’re the best candidate for THEM. This means talking about THEM and how you’re a fit for what they need/want.
  • Demonstrate professional, simple and direct writing style while also expressing personal interest and excitement.
  • As with your resume, your cover letter is a writing sample.  Proofreading for grammatical and spelling errors, typos, and content/style is just as important.  Mistakes can wreck your chances of moving forward.
  • Think of your cover letter like a response to a personal ad- you’re connecting your interests and experiences with the other person- being genuine, conveying interest, and showing that you understand what’s important to them and sharing their values.  You don’t have to tell them your life story- you’re telling them enough to convince them they want to invite you to an interview and learn more.

The Details

  • Your resume and cover letter should match in both style and appearance.
  • Fold them together and mail in a matching envelope or, because employers are increasingly scanning resumes, send your cover letter and resume unfolded in a large envelope.
  • If you’re e-mailing your resume as an attachment, it’s not necessary to also attach a cover letter. The e-mail message itself serves as a cover letter. Write it accordingly.
  • Address the letter to a specific individual.

Want to see an example? Check these out!

Sample Cover Letter Format

Sample Cover Letter

I’ve got a draft of a cover letter but I’d like someone to look at it for me. I’d like to make an appointment with a career advisor.