Cover Letter Writing Strategies

Header

Consider creating a “letterhead” that matches your resume, setting margins, and typing to check so you present a packet of information that goes together. Please note that some people may prefer a traditional business letter format.

Salutation

Ideally, address your letter to a person. Call and ask to whom to address the letter; ask for correct spelling and title or research on CareerShift (e.g., Dear Mr./Ms./Mx./Dr. LastName). Address to “Hiring Manager for [name of position]:” if you cannot identify a specific person. Avoid “To whom it may concern,” and do not use “Sir/Madam.”

First paragraph should include…

• The job for which you are applying
• How you learned about the position/company
• Attention getting summary of your personal traits and skills that make you a fit for the position and organization
• If a senior, include education and graduation date
• If applicable, include the name of a person who referred you

Consider including a company fact if it is something you have been following, or mention how their mission or value statement is significant to you. However, do not use space to educate them on their organization or position.

Second paragraph should include…

• Three (just a suggestion) skills are listed in the job description.
• Examples of how you have demonstrated selected skills in the past through previous work, volunteer or leadership positions
• Focus on your past successes and outcomes.

This section should expand on what is listed on your resume, so refrain from reiterating your resume or directing them to your resume. They know it’s there.

The third paragraph should include…

• Appreciation of the reader’s time and attention
•  What do you want the next step to be: 1) How and when you will follow up or 2) Your hopes for them to follow-up
• If applicable, share your availability and flexibility in geographic location

Closing

• End the letter with Sincerely, three spaces, and your name. Don’t worry about signatures if you are submitting them online.
•  Have someone else (family, friend, advisor, faculty member, or Career Services staff member) review your cover letter. Computer spell/grammar checks only catch some things. Remember, potential employers take cover letters very seriously.

Many of your communications with potential employers will likely be via email. To utilize email to its full potential, do the following:

• Type the position title in the subject line.
• Check to make sure attachments are attached before sending.
• Don’t include the email address, date, or employer’s address in the email body, as that is transmitted electronically.
• Don’t leave spaces between the closing and the typed name, as there will be no signature.
• Follow-up initial email with a brief email asking if attachments were transmitted and readable. Gracefully let the employer know that you will resend attachments if there is a glitch in the transmission.

• Sending a resume without a cover letter
• Appearing lazy, failing to address the letter to a specific person
• Focusing on what you want from the employer instead of what you can do for them
• Appearing generic, not tailoring how your skills/experience match the specific needs of the job/company
• Allowing misspellings or incorrect grammar/punctuation
• Rehashing your resume
• Rambling, focusing on your whole story instead of just the relevant part—you have the interview to expand
• Use qualifiers such as “I feel” or “I believe,”—and confidently state your skills and what you offer
• Leaving the ball in the employer’s court—say that you will follow up if possible

Use straightforward sentence structure, but avoid starting every sentence with “I” or “my.” The reader should reach the end of your letter thinking, “This person fits the job!” because you used the language from the job description and confidently told them that you are the match.