Crafting a Convincing Cover Letter
A cover letter is a brief letter that introduces your resume to the company or organization to which you are applying. Your cover letter should emphasize:
- Why you want to work for that particular organization?
- Why you would be a good fit.
An effective cover letter engages the reader and encourages him or her to invite you for an interview. A resume should always be accompanied by a cover letter. It serves as the first sample of your writing ability and attention to detail.
What to Include in your Cover Letter:
Formatting
- Address your cover letter to a named individual, whenever possible.
- Make it brief - one page or less, with ample margins.
- Each paragraph should have no more than one to three sentences.
- Use an adequate font size – no smaller than font size 10.
- Include pertinent personal data: name, address, email and phone number.
- Proofread for spelling or grammatical errors.
Content
- State why you are writing and for which position you are applying for.
- Reflect your attitude, personality, and communication skills. Demonstrate energy and enthusiasm for the position. Show you have done your homework.
- Highlight and expand on key information from your resume. Do NOT simply repeat the details that are listed.
- Sell your unique qualities and inform the reader why you should be chosen. Target your skills, interests and experience to the needs of the organization.
- Encourage the reader to take a closer look at your resume.
Writing Style
- Be clear and concise.
- Use powerful action verbs and phrases to describe your skills, interests, and abilities.
References
Career Services, Virginia Tech, ‘Cover letters: type and samples’, http://www.career.vt.edu/JOBSEARC/coversamples.htm
MIT Career Office, ‘Cover Letters’, http://web.mit.edu/career/www/guide/coverletters.pdf