A cover letter is a document that accompanies your resume and introduces you and your qualifications to a potential employer. A good cover letter makes the hiring manager want to learn more about you, read your resume and possibly invite you for an interview.

The same steps apply for writing a good cover letter as they do for writing a resume. You should always tailor your cover letters for the specific position and company you are interested in. Then naturally, the first step is to do research about the company and the job so you can customize your materials to their needs.

 

Writing Your First Cover Letter

When you are ready to write your first cover letter, Optimal Cover Letter allows you to write and manage your content on line. You'll also want to become familiar with the parts of a cover letter by reviewing the basic cover letter contents and looking at some sample cover letters, both provided below. 

There are many ways you can see if your cover letter is competitive including using the Cover Letter Checklist. You can also bring it to the Center with your resume to have it critiqued and/or you can meet with a coach to discuss the suggestions. It is always helpful if you can bring a job posting with you so the coach can help you customize your cover letter to the posting. 

Another effective way to see if your resume meets industry standards is to send it to an alumnus in a specific industry via VU Connect, a database of alumni who have volunteered to provide information and referrals to students.

 

Basic Cover Letter Contents

There are four main sections of a cover letter: Salutation, Introduction, Body, and Closing.

Salutation

Although many internship/job postings do not list a contact name, it is very important that you try to identify the specific individual to whom to address your cover letter. If you do not have a contact name, conduct some research in  or call the company and ask. The calling script to the right offers a suggestion on how to contact a company to get this information.

Sometimes you will see postings that indicate "No Calls Please." In this case, you will often have to be more creative. Look for recent news articles on the company and identify individuals listed, conduct a Google or LinkedIn search, or ask friends if they know anyone in the organization. Contact these individuals and ask for an informational interview with them. While you are speaking to the contact, ask if that person could help you identify the individual to whom you should address your cover letter.

If you have exhausted every means of identifying the name of the individual to whom you should address your cover letter, then address the letter to the "hiring manager" or "employer." This should be an absolute last resort.

Once you have identified the person's name for your salutation, you can begin your introduction.

Introduction: State the Purpose of the Letter

Your introduction must both state the purpose of your letter and grab the attention of the reader. State the specific position for which you are applying, or identify the field in which you are seeking employment. Grab the reader's attention by stating achievements that the reader would find interesting or by mentioning a mutual acquaintance's/friend's name if appropriate.

Body: Express Interest and Sell Yourself

Express your motivation for applying or inquiring. State your compatibility with the company/job description without simply rehashing your resume. Give specifics about what interests you in the job/organization and show how your experiences and skills fit the qualifications requested. Identify two or three of your "key selling points" that are related to the opening or organization. What are two or three skills or achievements that will set you apart from other candidates? Remember, you are competing against others who are as qualified, if not more qualified, than yourself. Indicate you have the desire to succeed and the ability to perform well.

Closing: Express Intentions and Thanks

Show consideration for the reader. State when you will make contact concerning an interview. Include your phone number and email address. Thank the reader.Close with "Sincerely," "Cordially," or "Respectfully." Always include "Enclosure" or "Attachment" [electronic] at the bottom if you are sending any other information, such as your resume.

 

Cover Letter Checklist

A cover letter introduces the recipient to the contents of your resume. Here is a checklist you can use to optimize its impact.

COVER LETTER CHECKLIST	YES	NO
The introduction paragraph indicated the specific position or field I am seeking.
If I read only the first sentence of each paragraph, I get the message of the cover letter.
My purpose for sending the letter to the reader is clear.
My introductory paragraph motivates the reader to continue.
I demonstrate interest in the organization/field.
I address specific skills, experiences, or education that the organization/field is seeking.
My cover letter "flows" smoothly. Similar skills are grouped in the same paragraph.
I have thanked the reader.
My contact information is included (phone # and email address).
I have indicated my next step
My cover letter comes off as personal, warm, and professional.
I have used active voice and action verbs.
My sentences are easy-to-read, with varied structure and length
My cover letter is in a business letter format.
There are no spelling or grammatical errors in my cover letter.
I have signed my cover letter.

Cover Letter Samples

Environment & Sustainability Sample
Internship Sample
Resident Advisor Sample
Secondary Education Sample
AMC Sample
Consulting Sample
Engineering Sample
Finance Sample
Healthcare Sample
Public Policy Sample

Need help?

The staff of the Center for Student Professional Development are eager to support you in identifying and pursing professional opportunities. Our career coaching staff and peer career advocates are available for individual and group coaching appointments and professional development programs.

It is through the coaching relationship that you will maximize your opportunities and fully leverage Center resources to meet your professional development needs.

To get started, stop by the Center for a Coaching Assessment during Coaching Express. This 20-minute session with a Career Coach gives you a chance to have your resume critiqued, get answers to your questions, or develop an action plan for next steps.

Visit our News and Events page to see Coaching Express times and locations.

For more information about any of our services, contact our office today!

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