Cover Letters

Cover Letters

What is a cover letter?

A 1-page letter that you send in with your resume when applying for a job. It is meant to introduce yourself to the hiring manager.

A cover letter...

• Introduces your job application and resume. 

• Makes you seem like a real person who would fit in with the company’s culture.

• It’s your first chance to impress!

"Whatever you are, be a good one."

Abraham Lincoln

The cover letter is the first thing a future employer will see.  Because a job application and resume are easily readable, a cover letter is used to showcase your personality and show why you stand out above the rest.

A good cover letter has...

• an opening statement that introduces you to the reader

• a main body  that reveals your skills, personality and interest in the position

• a closing statement asking to arrange an interview.

Open Ended

What does a good cover letter include?

A good cover...

• Talks about what it is in the job or organization that fascinates or 

  intrigues you.

Multiple Choice

True or False: Nothing is more impressive than a candidate who knows something or even a lot about the business they are applying to.

• True

• False

Tips:

• Try to find a contact person and address the letter appropriately.

• Make sure the name is spelled correctly.

• The more personal your letter is, the better.

tips continued...

• Research the history and sprinkle in some cool historical facts into your letter.

• Keep it short. 3 paragraphs or half a page is good.

• Close strong.  

• Finish by saying how your experience or worldview fits with the job.

final tips...

• Write the cover letter in the body of the e-mail so that there is something about you in the e-mail.

• If you have to attach it to a database, attach it as a PDF so you can be sure that formatting is not compromised.

Fill in the Blank

A Note on Greetings:

It is always best to address your letter to a specific person.

If that information is unavailable, use “Dear Hiring Manager,” “Dear Recruiter,” or “To Whom It May ___________,”

Fill in the Blank

A Note on Closings:

“Sincerely” and “Regards” are the two safest options for a cover or business letter.

“_____ ____” with the first letter capitalized is another suitable option if you are requesting something in the letter, or you just want to thank the recipient for his/her time.

Open Ended

What To Put After the Closing

Follow the closing with a comma, a space, and then your name, e-mail address and phone number.

Practice writing this now.

"I never lose. I either win or learn."

Nelson Mandela