COVER LETTER WRITING
Cover Letter Tips/Sample
Before you start writing a cover letter, you should familiarize yourself with the
document鈥檚 purpose. A cover letter is a document sent with your resume to provide
additional information on your skills and experience.
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The letter provides detailed information on why you are qualified for the job you
are applying for. Don鈥檛 simply repeat what鈥檚 on your resume -- rather, include specific
information on why you鈥檙e a strong match for the employer鈥檚 job requirements. Think
of your cover letter as a sales pitch that will market your credentials and help you
get the interview. As such, you want to make sure your听cover letter makes the best
impression听on the person who is reviewing it.听
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A cover letter typically accompanies each resume you send out. Employers use cover
letters as a way to听screen applicants for available jobs听and to determine which candidates
they would like to interview. If an employer requires a cover letter, it will be listed听in
the job posting. Even if the company doesn鈥檛 ask for one,听you may want to include
one anyway.
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It is very important that your cover letter be tailored to each position you are applying
to. This means more than just changing the name of the company in the body of the
letter.听
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Each cover letter you write should be customized to include:
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Which job you're applying for听(include the job title in your opening paragraph)
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How you learned about the job听(and a referral if you have one)
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Why you are qualified for the job听(be specific)
What you have to offer the employer, and why you want to work at this specific company听(match your skills to the job description and read up on the organization鈥檚 mission,
values, and goals to mention in your letter)
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Career Development