Job Search Preparation

• Résumés
• Cover letters
• References/recommendations
• Developing leads & networking
• Interviewing
• Blogs, podcasts, & videos
• Career web sites

Cover letters

A cover letter should accompany each résumé you send to an employer, whether via postal mail, fax, or e-mail. The purpose of a cover letter is to introduce yourself to a potential employer and to persuade the recipient to invite you for an interview.

The cover letter is often the first written contact with a potential employer and it can leave an important first impression. Write the cover letter with the employer in mind, demonstrating skills that are relevant to the position you are seeking. Cover letters follow a standard business letter format. Keep your writing clear and concise and limited to just a few paragraphs that fit on one page.

• Standard business letter format
• Example
• Additional resources
  

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Standard business letter format

The cover letter should follow a standard business letter format. Address the letter to a specific person – never send a cover letter "to whom it may concern." Keep your writing clear and concise and limited to just a few paragraphs that fit on one page. As you do with a résumé, proofread to eliminate any grammatical or spelling errors. Use the following guidelines to compose a cover letter.

1. First Paragraph - Why you are writing
2. Middle Paragraphs - What you have to offer
3. Concluding Paragraph - How you will follow-up

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Cover letter example

The following is an example of the layout and contents of a cover letter:

Your Name Your Address Your City, State, Zip Code Your Phone Number Your E-mail Address Date Name Title Organization Address City, State, Zip Code Dear Mr./Ms. Last Name: First Paragraph: Explain why you are writing, naming the position that is open. If someone who has referred you to this opening is a mutual contact, include his or her name. Keep your message clear and concise. Middle Paragraphs: Create a desire for the recruiter to ask you for an interview. Customize your abilities and experience to show a connection to the needs of the company. Expand on your résumé, including an example or two that demonstrate your fit with the company. Final Paragraph: Explain how you will follow up; it is your responsibility to follow up as you have stated. Say when you will make contact again (generally within one week). Thank the recipient for giving you consideration. Sincerely, Your Signature (if sending by fax or postal mail) Your Typed Name

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Additional resources

The Good Library contains sources for advice on writing cover letters. In the library catalog type cover letters in Browse and choose “subject.”


CareerBuilder.com (scroll down for several articles about cover letters)