elearning student working online A powerful cover letter accompanying your résumé is one of your best marketing tools. It communicates your value to the employer and paves the way for your résumé. The secret to writing a successful cover letter is to focus on a particular outcome — to schedule an interview and/or portfolio review.

This is your opportunity to introduce yourself and make a positive impression on the employer. Thoroughly read the job description and research the company. From the first paragraph, match your skills to their needs. Try to create a letter that will catch the reader's eye and make you stand out from all the other applicants.


Characteristics of Weak Cover Letters
  • It is not addressed to a specific person.
  • Applicant does not know if any positions are available.
  • Nothing in the letter develops and expands on the résumé.
  • States that a résumé is enclosed, and if the employer likes what he/she sees, he/she can give the applicant a call.
  • It implies that the job seeker will wait by the phone hoping that the employer will call.

Characteristics of Strong Cover Letters
  • It is addressed to the specific person in charge of hiring for the department the applicant is interested in.
  • It shows initiative and knowledge of employer (what they do, samples of their work, etc.).
  • It points out specific skills and experience that relate to the employer's needs. It also expands and draws attention to areas noted on the résumé.
  • It initiates the next step. The last paragraph states how the applicant will contact the employer to discuss the opportunities available and schedule an interview and/or portfolio review.

Format For Cover Letters
Your name
Street address
City, state ZIP
Phone number
E-mail address

Date

Name of potential employer
Title
Company
Street address
City, state ZIP

Dear (name of potential employer):

First paragraph: Why are you writing?
Begin by stating your purpose — the specific position you are applying for, how you heard about the job and if someone referred you. Say something particular to the job or the company to which you are writing.

Second paragraph: Why should they hire you?
Creatively summarize your qualifications for the position — education, experience, skills — and how they directly relate to the position you are applying for. Explain why you are interested in the position and why you are the best candidate for the job. Give specific examples of projects that you have worked on that show you know what you are doing. Show that you know the organization/company. Be confident, not arrogant. Keep this paragraph concise — write between five and eight sentences.

Third paragraph: Initiate the next step
Refer the reader to the items you have enclosed (résumé, list of references, samples of your work, etc.) Then say something like, "I will contact you the week of _______ to discuss the opportunities within your company." Thank the reader for their time and consideration.

Sincerely,

Sign it!

Type your name


Sample Cover Letters