Cover Letters

A cover letter is a short, professional letter that you send with your resume when applying for a job. It’s like a persuasive message to the employer, explaining why you’re the right person for the position. The main goal is to show them how well you fit the job and why you’re a great candidate.

The following includes information on creating cover letters as well as a job description and cover letter written specifically for that job description. It’s important to create a cover letter that is tailored to the position for which you are applying. Come to the CCPD for help.

Advance to:

Step 1 – Cover Letter Basics

Your Address

Date

Company Address (optional)

  • Note: If submitting via email, these first three items are unnecessary. Simply cut and paste the rest of your letter into the body of the email, and attach a .pdf version of your resume.

Dear (Mr./Ms./Dr.) Last Name:

Introductory Paragraph

Introduce yourself and clearly state why you are writing. If you have already met, remind them where/when. State how you learned of the organization and job opening. Why do you want to work here? Why do you want this position? Identify any connections you have with the organization. Make it obvious that you know something specifically about the organization to which you are applying.

Middle Paragraph(s)

Sell yourself for the position. What can you offer to the organization? Put yourself in their shoes – what do they want to know about you? What benefit will they realize in hiring you? Highlight areas of your background that would be of greatest interest to the company – but do not simply reiterate your résumé. Give actual experiences; don’t just state what you can do. Include something special or unique about yourself that would benefit the employer.

Closing Paragraph

Reconfirm your interest, thank them, and outline next possible steps. Do not make it sound like you already have the position, but state your contact information and that you are interested in talking further.

Ultimately there are five questions that employers look to have answered as they read a cover letter. Therefore, it is important that you provide answers for each question. You will notice that the answers fit well into the paragraphs described above. The questions include:

  1. What is the purpose of this letter? (Place in Introductory Paragraph)
  2. Why are you interested in this field? (Place in Introductory Paragraph)
  3. Why are you interested in us, in particular? (Place in Introductory Paragraph)
  4. Why should we be interested in you? (Place in Middle Paragraph)
  5. Where do you propose we go from here? (Place in Closing Paragraph)

Step 2 – Cover Letter Checklist

My letter…

  • is unique for this position.!!
  • is neat and organized.
  • is to the point, written the way I would speak.!!
  • is signed (unless it is being submitted via e”mail).!!
  • is addressed to a specific person (name and title).
  • is of appropriate length (3″4 paragraphs is sufficient).
  • has appropriate margins (no smaller than .7 inch).
  • uses the same matching paper and fonts as my resume.
  • notifies the reader of any additional enclosures (example: resume).

My introductory paragraph…

  • tells exactly for what position I am applying.
  • tells how I heard about the position.
  • tells why I am specifically interested in this position.
  • identifies any connection(s) I have with the organization.

My middle paragraph(s)…

  • tell specific examples that sell my skills.
  • tell the employer what I can do for the organization – not what it can do for me.
  • use limited sentences beginning with “I” and “My.”
  • use professional and active language that includes terminology of my field.

My closing…

  • reiterates my enthusiasm for this opportunity.
  • expresses appreciation for the employer considering my application.
  • contains my professional email address and phone number.
  • has been proofread, proofread, proofread! Errors are not professional.

Step 3 – Review with the CCPD

Once you have created your first draft, bring your cover letter to the CCPD and have a staff member take a look. Feedback will be provided to make sure you are articulating your skills and abilities in such a way that the reader cannot help but look at your resume.

Cover Letter Sample 1

123 Stuart Avenue
Kalamazoo, MI 49006

April 26, 2012

Ms. Janet Doe, Director
Office of International Programs
University of Texas
P.O. Box 112
Austin, TX 99999

Dear Ms. Doe:

I was interested to read the article in The Austin Times which addressed the growing international student population at your university. I am moving to Austin next month and am eager to continue my work with international students. I am writing to introduce myself as I would like to be considered for any positions that may be available in the Office of International Programs at the University of Texas.

I will graduate this June from Kalamazoo College with a B.A. in Human Development and Social Relations with a concentration in Intercultural Communications. For the past year I have worked as a Peer Advisor in the Center for International Programs. I have been responsible for 15 international students who have recently moved ot the United States to attend school at Kalamazoo College. In this positions, I provide individual counseling on personal, cultural and immigration issues, as well as organize professional, social and cultural programs. Combining interpersonal and organizational skills, I have been successful at assisting these students in making the transition to the United States. Additionally, during my junior year at Kalamazoo College I spent six months abroad in Thailand studying the effects of modernity on the environment and indigenous cultures of the country. These experiences have formed an excellent foundation on which to build my international student advising careers and I would be most interested in continuing my career at the University of Texas.

Thank you for taking the time to review my resume. I can be reached via email at beth.bradley@kzoo.edu and/or by phone at 248.555.1010. I will call you the first week of June to see if we can arrange a mutually convenient time for a personal interview. I will be moving to Austin at the end of June and would be delighted to meet with you shortly thereafter. I look forward to speaking with you soon.

Sincerely yours,

[Insert signature here]

Elizabeth Bradley

Job Posting Sample

Below, the job posting sample and corresponding cover letter connect the graduate’s qualifications to the position requirements, demonstrating a good fit for the position.

Whirlpool – Coordinator, University Relations

Description

Are you a born multi”tasker with a passion for talent? Do you thrive in a fast”paced, project management oriented organization? If so, Whirlpool’s University Relations department is looking for a talented individual who can assist the organization in the execution of a cutting edge campus recruiting strategy as well as drive the new hire and intern on”boarding process. This role requires a quick thinker who is excited about bringing in great campus talent to help
Whirlpool fulfill their entry”level talent needs. The University Relations Coordinator will be responsible for supporting and helping to grow the campus recruitment and selection process for full”time and intern hiring needs as well as support the Whirlpool new hire on”boarding process, and summer internship program. Other job responsibilities will also include:

  • Work with University Career Centers to schedule campus interviews and information sessions
  • Partner with Campus Organizations and Whirlpool Diversity Networks to schedule development workshops and social activities
  • Deliver all communication to campus candidates
  • Coordinate background checks, candidate travel and community tours
  • Maintain Whirlpool’s Applicant Tracking System and Metrics associated with University Relations Recruitment and On-boarding
  • Drive the coordination of the Corporate Orientation program in the Twin Cities

Qualifications

  • Bachelor’s Degree in Human Resources, Management, Communications or related degree
  • Experience in human resources, staffing or administrative support strongly preferred butnot required
  • Ability to prioritize workload, multi”task and organize projects
  • Strong communication and interpersonal skills; project management skills a plus
  • Strong PC skills with all Microsoft Office, Internet and database applications
  • Demonstrated ability to handle confidential and sensitive information
  • Ability to travel occasionally

Cover Letter Sample 2

Below, the cover letter sample corresponds to the previous job posting example, connecting the graduate’s qualifications to the position requirements and demonstrating a good fit for the position. Are you using key words from the job description? Many companies are using databases to scan for key words, so make sure you are using the organization’s language.

7054 Minor Road
Kalamazoo, Michigan 49008

December 15, 2012

Ms. Gilda Johnson
Manager, Human Resources
Whirlpool Corporation
2000 North M-63
Benton Harbor, MI 49022

Dear Ms. Johnson:

I am thrilled to apply for the position of University Relations Coordinator at Whirlpool recently advertised on your website. The position is a very close match for my educational background in Human Development and Social Relations and my human resources experience.

As a Staffing Intern at Aerotek in Benton Harbor, I effectively screened, interviewed and placed qualified candidates into entry-level positions throughout southwest Michigan. I was responsible for conducting background checks, tracking placements, and managing the metrics and weekly reports used to evaluate the team’s recruiting strategies. Among Aerotek’s many corporate clients, I particularly enjoyed working with Noureddine Aquas, Technical Department Manager at Whirlpool corporate, to assist him with the successful
placement of a temporary Technician. Through this connection I developed a great respect for Whirlpool’s corporate culture, the dedication to teamwork, high-quality products and effective communication.

As a member of K-Crew, our student admissions team at Kalamazoo College, I give tours of campus to prospective students and their parents. Through this work, I have developed my public speaking, relationship building and communication skills. I enjoy helping people feel welcomed and informed and would love the opportunity to organize workshops, social activities and tours. Collectively, these experiences have confirmed my dedication to pursue Human Resources as a career path.

I am confident that my professional and educational background, complemented by a personable disposition, would be a great asset to Whirlpool. Although the attached résumé outlines my accomplishments, a personal interview will further illustrate why I am an excellent fit for the position. Thank you for your time and
consideration. I look forward to speaking with you soon.

Sincerely,

[Insert signature here]

Jeremiah Perkins

Printable Cover Letter Guide

Are you looking for a printable version of this interviewing guide? Feel free to download the printable Cover Letter Guide (460 KB PDF Document)