Cover Letters
A cover letter is one of the most important parts of a job application because it showcases what the resume cannot. It encourages the reader to review your resume by highlighting how your skills and experience could contribute to a particular organization.
Good cover letters illustrate your sense of purpose, your enthusiasm for the position or company, and your ability to help employers meet their goals and needs. Conduct research on the company so your cover letter is tailored specifically to them.
Like your resume, the cover letter should be grammatically correct, with no punctuation or spelling errors. Surface errors can make readers assume you are inattentive or lazy, so proofread your words carefully and then ask a trusted peer or advisor to review the letter, too.
Try to find the name of the hiring manager by calling the company or checking sites like LinkedIn so you can address your letter directly to that person. If you cannot find the hiring manager’s name, begin your letter with “Dear Hiring Manager for [name of position].”
If you’re contacting an employer by email, be sure the subject line of your email is clear and specific. If it’s not, your message may never get opened. Even over email, a cover letter should typically be no longer than a page. Draft your cover letter in a word processing document first to make sure your language, formatting, and length are appropriate.
Many organizations now use Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to review job application materials, including cover letters. Because these systems are looking for relevant key words, be sure that the language you use in your letter matches the terms in the job posting. For example, if the posting indicates a preference for a candidate with "3 to 5 years of project management experience," include the same language in your cover letter. In this example, you could write “I have X years of project management experience working for ABC company.”
As for the tone of your letter, you want to sound assured, enthusiastic, and optimistic. Avoid overly long sentences that may be unclear or confusing to a reader. Action verbs such as conducted, supervised, managed, and produced convey purpose and energy.
Your opening paragraph should state who you are, what specific position you are applying for, and why you are applying. Begin by introducing yourself and giving background information such as your degree and your university. Next, state the position you’re interested in and how you heard about it. Last, explain why you are applying and why you would be a good candidate.
Ex. My name is Reveille, and I recently graduated from Best Dogs Obedience School with a degree in Mascot Performance. I first learned of your opening from my friend and former colleague, Reveille IX. I am writing to apply for the position on your staff as First Lady of Aggieland. I am confident my friendly nature and winning ways with people, honed during my time being a very good dog for my family, make me a prime candidate for this position.
Body Paragraphs
Use your body paragraphs to highlight specific skills and experiences that qualify you for the opportunity. Use concrete examples to explain how your abilities would contribute to the organization and include numbers when possible. For instance, instead of writing that you managed a team, write that you managed a team of 4 student designers. Think of the letter as an opportunity to draw attention to what you want to highlight about your qualifications and experiences. For example, if you overcame a great obstacle, that experience is easier to explain in a cover letter than in a resume bullet point.
Ex. Within my current household, I hold several key positions, including designated barker and everyone’s preferred snuggle puppy. As a snuggler, I earn an average of 45% more daily cuddles than the cat. While earning my degree at Best Dogs Obedience School, I was the focus of our school’s marketing strategy, training my new handlers and leading our pet parades. These experiences taught me how to unite individuals towards a shared goal to BTHO our competitors—a skill I feel would be integral to helping your organization oversee key events such as Aggie football games. In addition, I am not afraid of cannon fire.
Closing Paragraph
Leave your reader with a course of action. Indicate what materials you have attached and offer to provide any additional information (writing sample, portfolio) if you have it available. Thank the readers for considering your application and indicate that you are looking forward to a response. Be sure to include your contact information; you want to make it easy for the employer to contact you.
Ex. I would be honored to work with your organization in its commitment to spreading the core values of Texas A&M University as the next First Lady of Aggieland. For your convenience, I have attached my resume. My glamorous head shots are also available upon request. Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to hearing from you.
Sincerely,
Reveille
(121) 212-1212
Reveille@Weareallgooddogs.com
enc: resume
For more information, visit the Career Center or check out their website—careercenter.tamu.edu
Good cover letters illustrate your sense of purpose, your enthusiasm for the position or company, and your ability to help employers meet their goals and needs. Conduct research on the company so your cover letter is tailored specifically to them.
Proper Professional Form
Your cover letter should follow a professional business letter format. Include the company address and the date.Like your resume, the cover letter should be grammatically correct, with no punctuation or spelling errors. Surface errors can make readers assume you are inattentive or lazy, so proofread your words carefully and then ask a trusted peer or advisor to review the letter, too.
Try to find the name of the hiring manager by calling the company or checking sites like LinkedIn so you can address your letter directly to that person. If you cannot find the hiring manager’s name, begin your letter with “Dear Hiring Manager for [name of position].”
If you’re contacting an employer by email, be sure the subject line of your email is clear and specific. If it’s not, your message may never get opened. Even over email, a cover letter should typically be no longer than a page. Draft your cover letter in a word processing document first to make sure your language, formatting, and length are appropriate.
Content and Style
While you can create a standard outline to use for cover letters, you will want to tailor the specifics of each letter to that specific job opportunity. Demonstrate detailed knowledge of the organization, whether that be its company structure, policy, or recent achievements. Identify two or three of your skills that best match the position and describe how those skills will benefit the organization. Bolster your description of your two or three most relevant skills through examples that demonstrate not only that you are proficient but that you can deliver results. Remember to stick to a few skills rather than filling the letter with a general list of all your achievements. Consider picking skills that can’t be easily described in a resume, particularly soft skills such as your organizational talents or flair for public speaking.Many organizations now use Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to review job application materials, including cover letters. Because these systems are looking for relevant key words, be sure that the language you use in your letter matches the terms in the job posting. For example, if the posting indicates a preference for a candidate with "3 to 5 years of project management experience," include the same language in your cover letter. In this example, you could write “I have X years of project management experience working for ABC company.”
As for the tone of your letter, you want to sound assured, enthusiastic, and optimistic. Avoid overly long sentences that may be unclear or confusing to a reader. Action verbs such as conducted, supervised, managed, and produced convey purpose and energy.
Format
Opening ParagraphYour opening paragraph should state who you are, what specific position you are applying for, and why you are applying. Begin by introducing yourself and giving background information such as your degree and your university. Next, state the position you’re interested in and how you heard about it. Last, explain why you are applying and why you would be a good candidate.
Ex. My name is Reveille, and I recently graduated from Best Dogs Obedience School with a degree in Mascot Performance. I first learned of your opening from my friend and former colleague, Reveille IX. I am writing to apply for the position on your staff as First Lady of Aggieland. I am confident my friendly nature and winning ways with people, honed during my time being a very good dog for my family, make me a prime candidate for this position.
Body Paragraphs
Use your body paragraphs to highlight specific skills and experiences that qualify you for the opportunity. Use concrete examples to explain how your abilities would contribute to the organization and include numbers when possible. For instance, instead of writing that you managed a team, write that you managed a team of 4 student designers. Think of the letter as an opportunity to draw attention to what you want to highlight about your qualifications and experiences. For example, if you overcame a great obstacle, that experience is easier to explain in a cover letter than in a resume bullet point.
Ex. Within my current household, I hold several key positions, including designated barker and everyone’s preferred snuggle puppy. As a snuggler, I earn an average of 45% more daily cuddles than the cat. While earning my degree at Best Dogs Obedience School, I was the focus of our school’s marketing strategy, training my new handlers and leading our pet parades. These experiences taught me how to unite individuals towards a shared goal to BTHO our competitors—a skill I feel would be integral to helping your organization oversee key events such as Aggie football games. In addition, I am not afraid of cannon fire.
Closing Paragraph
Leave your reader with a course of action. Indicate what materials you have attached and offer to provide any additional information (writing sample, portfolio) if you have it available. Thank the readers for considering your application and indicate that you are looking forward to a response. Be sure to include your contact information; you want to make it easy for the employer to contact you.
Ex. I would be honored to work with your organization in its commitment to spreading the core values of Texas A&M University as the next First Lady of Aggieland. For your convenience, I have attached my resume. My glamorous head shots are also available upon request. Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to hearing from you.
Sincerely,
Reveille
(121) 212-1212
Reveille@Weareallgooddogs.com
enc: resume
For more information, visit the Career Center or check out their website—careercenter.tamu.edu