COVER LETTER WRITING
Cover Letter Tips/Sample
Before you start writing a cover letter, you should familiarize yourself with the
document’s 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’t simply repeat what’s on your resume -- rather, include specific
information on why you’re a strong match for the employer’s 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 yourÌýcover letter makes the best
impressionÌýon the person who is reviewing it.Ìý
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A cover letter typically accompanies each resume you send out. Employers use cover
letters as a way toÌýscreen applicants for available jobsÌýand to determine which candidates
they would like to interview. If an employer requires a cover letter, it will be listedÌýin
the job posting. Even if the company doesn’t ask for one,Ìýyou 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.Ìý
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Each cover letter you write should be customized to include:
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Which job you're applying forÌý(include the job title in your opening paragraph)
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How you learned about the jobÌý(and a referral if you have one)
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Why you are qualified for the jobÌý(be specific)
What you have to offer the employer, and why you want to work at this specific companyÌý(match your skills to the job description and read up on the organization’s mission,
values, and goals to mention in your letter)
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Career Development