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Cover Letter
Introducing...YOU!!
The cover letter is an important component because it introduces you to the employer and gives a “voice” to your resume. It presents the opportunity to reveal your personality and fit for the position while highlighting the skills and experience you bring to the position.
Your cover letter should…
- Positively catch the recruiter’s attention.
- Indicate your interests and why you should be considered.
- Call attention to or highlight your skills, experience and qualifications.
Did You Know?
- Along with your resume, you should also tailor your cover letter to each position?
- When emailing your cover letter as the body of your email, you should still maintain the formal letter format?
Quick Tips
- Do not exceed one page.
- Address the letter to a specific individual…do the extra legwork to find this information out.
- Use standard business-letter formatting.
- Get their attention.
- Use a positive tone and convey confidence.
- State the position you are applying for.
- Address the needs of the company and how you meet those needs.
- Your cover letter and resume should coordinate.
- Demonstrate your enthusiasm.
- Spell out acronyms at the first occurrence with the acronym in parentheses:
- University of North Dakota (UND)
- College of Business and Public Administration (CoBPA)
- You do not need to spell out the full compound for well-known acronyms (such as HTML, CD-ROM, AIDS, CPR, Scuba, ATM) unless it would be useful to the reader.
- When spelling out the acronym, capitalize the first letter when it refers to a name or proper noun.
- Correct: Utilized digital scanning (DS) technology to…
- Incorrect: Utilized Digital Scanning (DS) technology to…
Cover Letter Content
Your Street Address
City, State Zip Code
Date
First Name Last Name
Title
Name of Organization
Street Address
City, State Zip Code
Dear Mr. or Ms. Last Name:
1st paragraph: State the reason for the letter, position you are applying to, and how you heard about the position by naming the publication/website/etc.
2nd paragraph: Express your interest in the position and company. Indicate your knowledge of the company by showing how your background/experience relates. Focus on what you can do for the employer
3rd paragraph: Why you? Why should the company consider you for an interview? This is where you can spotlight the specific skills and experience you bring.
4th paragraph: Refer to any attachments and indicate that you would like the opportunity to learn more about their opportunities. Indicate that you would be happy to provide additional information if needed and how to reach you. Thank the reader for their time.
Sincerely,
First Name Last Name
Enclosure
Cover Letter Sample
Your Street Address
City, State Zip Code
Date
First Name Last Name
Title
Name of Organization
Street Address
City, State Zip Code
Dear Mr. or Ms. Last Name:
In May 20##, I will be graduating from University of North Dakota with a Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical Engineering. I am writing to express my interest in the JOB TITLE position as advertised online on your website.
This opportunity would allow me to contribute to your team as well as gain experience within a successful company focused on [providing excellent service]. I understand and appreciate how important [work/industry/company name] is to the community. Reading about your company values and culture aligns well with my skill in [name skills/describe how your experience would help the company.]
I know my educational coursework and prior work experience has prepared me for this role and I am ready to make a lasting contribution. [more about why to choose you over the competition].
Please refer to my resume for a detailed account of my education and experience. I look forward to visiting with you about this opportunity. I can be reached at PHONE or EMAIL. Thank you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
First Name Last Name
Enclosure