A cover letter is a document sent to an employer expressing your interest in a position while simultaneously highlighting the qualifications you possess that would be beneficial for your desired job.
What type of information should I include in the cover letter?
In short, a cover letter should clearly state your contact information, your purpose for applying, a summary of the skills you possess that fits the demands of the position you are seeking, as well as a closing statement.
What is the difference between a CV and a cover letter?
A cover letter should not repeat information typically found on your CV; instead, it should emphasize the skills and experiences that are relevant to the position you are applying for. In short, it answers the following questions:
- Are you qualified for the job?
- Do you have any experiences in this line of work?
- Are you a good fit for the company atmosphere?
Cover Letter Guidelines
A cover letter is a formal document accompanying a resume, serving as an introduction to potential employers. It plays a crucial role in informing employers about your relevant skills, abilities, and experiences pertaining to the job. Given that each letter should be customized for specific employers, thorough research is essential to identify the unique aspects of the organization. Keep in mind that the cover letter reflects your individual "voice," requiring a well-written composition that conveys enthusiasm for both the organization and the position. In the case of email submissions, the cover letter should be attached.
Appearance
- Maintain a one-page length, utilizing a professional business letter format.
- Employ a professional font like Times Roman, Arial, Calibri, or Garamond, with a generally accepted font size of 12, matching that of your resume.
- Save your cover letter in PDF format for ease of readability.
- Ensure all documents, including resume, cover letter, networking, and thank-you letters and emails, project a sense of professionalism.
Content
- Tailor your cover letter to the specific employer by conducting thorough research on how your skills align with their needs.
- Whenever feasible, address the cover letter to the individual responsible for the hiring process or decision-making. Avoid generic salutations like "To Whom It May Concern," "Dear Sir or Madam," or "Dear Personnel Director." If necessary, address it to "Dear Recruiting Manager."
- Maintain a cover letter free from spelling, grammatical, and typing errors. Consider having someone else proofread it whenever possible.
Resources (OER)
Cover letter samples