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WRITING A COVER LETTER A cover letter is a professional introduction that accompanies your résumé and is an opportunity to provide further explanation and illustrate your personality. The goal is to explain the purpose for your communication and persuade the reader to follow up with you for more information or to schedule an interview. As the skillset and qualifications for each job varies, it's important to tailor a cover letter to each position to explain why the company should consider you as a candidate.
COVER LETTER GUIDELINES • • • • • • •
Review the company literature, website, job posting, etc. to determine the company’s values and identity, and include your accomplishments and skills that align with the company. Describe three to five relevant examples or accomplishments that highlight your skills and abilities to demonstrate why you are the best fit for the position. Use the job description as your “cheat sheet." The examples used throughout your cover letter should be relevant to what is stated in the job description. Do not repeat word-for-word what is on your résumé. Keep it to one page and in a professional format. The longer the letter, the less likely it will be read. Type the cover letter and remember to sign it if you are sending a hard copy. Proofread, proofread, and proofread! Have someone else proofread it, and then proofread it again.
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Source: (Callahan)
