A customized cover letter should accompany each resume
sent in response to a job opening. Like the resume,
it should be carefully written and formatted, so as
to make the best "first impression" possible.
The cover letter enables you to point out how your
experiences, education, and goals relate specifically
to the company and position for which you are applying.
From the onset, your emphasis needs to focus on what
you can do for the company, not what they can do for
you.
Consider that your cover letter is the first "writing
sample" your prospective employer will read. Take
the opportunity to write clearly, consisely and convincingly.
Always remember, your cover letter:
- should be addressed to a specific person.
- must be typewritten, in business format, and FREE OF ERRORS!
- should not repeat what is in your resume.
THE STRUCTURE OF THE COVER LETTER:
First Paragraph
Why you have chosen this employer
- Establish
a bond between you and the employer by describing
why you are a fit with the company.
- State
your purpose of writing, such as the specific position
you are applying for.
- Indicate
how you learned about the job opening.
- Talk
about the employer in a positive, specific way.
The Body
Why the employer should choose you
This is your "selling paragraph"
- Elaborate
on your interests in, or knowledge of the job, company,
products or services.
- Discuss
your qualifications and attributes that you think
would be of greatest interest to the employer, taking
into account the position you are seeking.
- Point
out related experience and special training. (This
is not only work experience, but can include internships,
in-depth class projects, volunteer experience, etc)
Closing Paragraph
What the next steps are
- Make
a specific request for a meeting with the employer.
- Indicate
that you will supply any additional information needed.
- ALWAYS
thank the employer for his/her time and consideration.
When writing your letter, keep the following things
in mind:
- Do
not make the letter a copy of your resume; it is a
supplement geared to that specific organization.
- Keep
letters short, but thorough (1 page).
- Make
sure your letter is well organized and error free.
- Avoid
overly long paragraphs that might be uninviting to
the reader.
- Use
action verbs to describe your qualifications.
- Do
not forget to ask for an interview.
- Make
sure to use paper and envelopes that match your resume.
Avoid frequently made errors:
- Using preprinted form letters rather than individually typed letters.
- Overlooking one or more spelling, typographic, or grammatical errors.
- Using overly formal language, rather than writing as if you're having a conversation with the reader.
- Typing on "erasable" paper which smudges easily when it's handled.
- Lack of organization. Falling to have an attention getting opening, a persuasive middle section, and/or a motivating ending.
- Double-spacing a letter so that it takes two pages to cover what could be said in one.
- Lack of graphic appeal. Typed too high on page, margins too narrow, unclean typewriter keys, sloppy erasures, and so forth.
- Paragraphs too long. Uninviting to reader.
- Forgetting to sign letter, indicating lack of attention to detail.
- Using one or more initials rather than a first name, projecting coldness and leaving reader ignorant of whether a response should go to a "Mr." or "Ms."
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To get additional help in writing cover
letters, contact Career Services and work with a counselor.
University of Hartford • Career Services • GSU 309
200 Bloomfield Ave • West Hartford, CT 06117
tel: 860-768-4287 • fax: 860-768-5141 • email: career@hartford.edu
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