Letters
Letters
The two most common letters you will use for your internship, co-op, or full-time job search are the cover letter and thank you letter. When carefully crafted and customized for each reader, these letters can be the determining factor in your selection as a candidate to interview and hire.Cover Letter
A cover letter accompanies your resume when you send it to an employer by e-mail or U.S. mail. It is not necessary to use a cover letter when you hand deliver your resume - at a career fair or during an interview. The cover letter is your introduction and sales pitch. Its goal is to quickly capture the interest of the reader by effectively matching your qualifications to their needs. There is no such thing as a general cover letter- a cover letter is specific and targeted to the job. Draw upon your self-knowledge and employer research to highlight relevant skills, interests, and experiences. Convey energy and enthusiasm for your field, their industry, and the specific position.While a resume provides a quick overview of everything you have done and accomplished over the years, a cover letter highlights only one or two skills or experiences in detail that are related to the position for which you are applying.
Tips for Cover Letters
- One page
- Quality paper (match resume)
- Professional appearance (match resume)
- Address to a person (when possible)
Example Format
Your Address
City, state, zip
Date
Their name
Title
Organization
Address
City, state, zip
Dear Mr./Ms./Dr./ last name:
Paragraph 1: This paragraph is brief; 1-3 sentences. Tell the reader why you are writing. State the specific position for which you are applying. (If unknown, describe the type of work you seek). Mention how you heard about the opportunity or the organization. If the position is out of town, state your interest in their location.
Your goal: Make an immediate connection with the reader.
Paragraph 2: This paragraph is longer, 3-8 sentences. It may be split into two paragraphs, if needed. Show your knowledge of the employer by matching your background with their needs, as discovered through your research. Highlight relevant skills, experiences, interests, and personal qualities that present your qualifications in the best light. If you have the benefit of a job description, show you meet their requirements. Convey energy and enthusiasm for your field and their opportunity.
Your goal: Show you are the ideal candidate for the position.
Paragraph 3: This paragraph is brief, 1-2 sentences. Close by stating your genuine interest in working for them and in obtaining an interview at their convenience. Thank the reader for their time and consideration. Include your e-mail address and phone number in case the cover letter gets separated from your resume.
Your goal: Convey your sincere interest and appreciation.
Sincerely,
(Signature)
Your typed name
Enclosure
Thank You Letter
The thank you letter is your expression of appreciation. It follows an interview (within 24 hours) when you would like further consideration as a candidate. It is your opportunity to reiterate key points in your interview or background and restate your genuine interest in the position. It also follows conversations with those who have generously offered their time and expertise to help you with your job search. Thank you letters show strong follow up skills and may be e-mailed, sent via U.S. mail, or handwritten.Tips for Thank Yous
- Two paragraphs
- Address to a person
- Meaningful subject line (if sent as an e-mail)