Cover Letters

Basics

A cover letter is a letter of introduction that you submit with your resume when applying for opportunities. The cover letter works in tandem with your resume; while your resume presents relevant data and facts about your skills and experience, a cover letter is a narrative, whose purpose is to highlight and expand upon your most relevant experiences that align with the requirements of the position. The cover letter is also a chance to share your knowledge of, and interest in, the employer and to move to the next step in the hiring process: a job interview.

A cover letter should be no longer than one page, and ideally 3 or 4 paragraphs. You should include an opening and closing paragraph in addition to the main content. Your name and contact information should match what is on your resume, and we recommend using business professional format, with the date and employer’s contact information at the top, under your header.

Letters should be tailored for each position (no generic letters or templates!) and be addressed to an individual. If no name is available, then address it to the Hiring Manager, Search Committee, or Internship Coordinator (or something similar).

Keep in mind: there is no such thing as a good general cover letter. Each job or internship you apply for requires a demonstration of how your qualifications fit with a specific company or organization, and should reflect the attributes the employer is seeking for a specific role. It’s an opportunity to connect the dots for the employer and show why you are a great fit for them.

Before You Begin

Research! Be sure you understand the employer, the position, and how your skills, education, and experience align with what they need. Carefully re-read the job description to identify the required qualifications and scour the company/organization website and LinkedIn pages to understand the culture. Search online for articles, reviews, or press releases related to the organization and its activities. Your cover letter should convey that you understand what the company is about and that you understand the position.

Identify the main qualifications the employer is seeking. Consider how your courses, academic projects, internships and jobs, volunteer experience, and extracurricular activities relate to the responsibilities and qualifications for the job. Jot these down.

Choose 2 or 3 of the most relevant examples from your experiences that match the qualifications for the job.

Demonstrate to the employer that you’ve done your research by connecting the position to your skills and experience. For example: “It’s my understanding that you’re seeking candidates who possess strong writing and editing skills. My internship at a publishing house enabled me to develop those precise skills through...”

End on a positive and enthusiastic note. Remember to thank them for their time and reiterate how excited you are about the possibility of working with them.