What Is a Cover Letter?

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What is a Cover Letter?

• Chance to introduce yourself and explain what position you’re interested in
• Additional information on your skills and experience
• Highlights and expands on certain traits or accomplishments that would be unique or ideal assets for the particular job

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The goal is to connect the dots for the employer.

Relating your strengths to the demands of this position.

General Guidelines

• Less than a page; be concise! 
• Use the same font as you used on your resume
• DON’T use a “one size fits all” letter

• customize the letter for the company / role (they’ll know if it’s a canned letter)

• DON’T just repeat what’s on your resume
• DO make your case for what you have to offer and why you want to offer it to the organization
• DO explain yourself in your own words, be honest and genuine

Details to Remember

• Proofread! The cover letter is your first chance to show your attention to detail
• Never use slang or abbreviations, this is a document representing you as a professional
• Make sure your contact details are up to date so the HR or Hiring manager can reach you
• Don’t use “To Whom it May Concern”, research who you should be addressing it to
• End with an ACTION line, tell them how you’re follow up

What should you write about?

• Research the company, include specific information about your interests to work there
• Never apologize for lack of experience, state why you want to learn and grow professionally, and how you’ll apply it!

Technical Guidelines

• If emailing make the cover letter the body of your email
• Make sure to FOLLOW INSTRUCTIONS accurately at all costs!
• If only one document can be uploaded make your resume and cover letter ONE document

• Make sure to save the documents with your name in the title and description of what you’re sending

• EX: “John Smith, ABC Company”
• Or include “UConn MS BAPM 2015”

COVER LETTER TEMPLATE #1

Traditional

Date

Individual's Name
Individual’s Job Title
Name of Organization
Street Address
City, State Zip Code

Re: Position Title or Reference #

Dear Mr./Ms. _____________: ([if you are unsure of gender, omit salutation and write full name]:

First Paragraph: State the reason for writing. Name the specific position or type of work for which you're applying. Mention how you learned of the opening. Include the name of a mutual contact, if you have one as well as any other interaction with representatives from the organization (career fairs, information sessions, etc.). Be clear and concise regarding your request. Your goal is to convince the reader that they should grant the interview or next step.

Second Paragraph: Explain why you're interested in working for this employer and specify how you're PERFECT for this position. Don't repeat the information on your resume. Include something special or unique about yourself that will benefit the employer. Remember, the reader will consider this an example of your writing skills. What can you offer to the employer? Explain the relevant skills you have developed for the job, whether that is through coursework, activities, or work experience. Make strong connections between your abilities and the employer's needs. Remember, you are interpreting your resume, not repeating it. Try to support each statement you make with a piece of evidence. Avoid generic reasons that are taken right from the organization’s website.You can use several shorter paragraphs or bullets rather than one large block of text so that your letter is easy to read.

Third Paragraph: State that you are interested in an interview or further discussing this opportunity. If you need to explain anything out of the ordinary on your resume, this is the place to do it. You might mention that if you do not hear anything from the potential employer in two to three weeks’ time that you will call as a follow-up to see where they are in their hiring process. Finish by thanking them for their time and consideration.

Sincerely,


(Your Signature, signed or typed)

Your Name
Contact Information