Your cover letter summarizes and explains your resume and materials when applying for opportunities.
Crafting a well-written and tailored cover letter allows you to express your enthusiasm for a specific position and demonstrate how your skills align with the needs of the employer, making a compelling case for why you are the perfect candidate.
Resources
Writing Cover Letters
Master the art of writing impactful cover letters and unlock the key to capturing the attention of employers and standing out from the competition.
Getting Started
Cover letters for known positions are sometimes called letters of application or letters of interest.
Cover letters used in direct marketing or in networking are called letters of inquiry.
What to Include
- A summary and a few specific examples regarding how your education, experiences, skills and qualifications fulfill the position requirements.
- Connect at least one example to the research you have completed regarding the organization and refer to your resume for more examples.
Quick Tips
- While not always required, it’s better to include a cover letter if you’re not sure
- As a writing sample, a cover letter must be well written and free of grammatical errors
- Formats vary whether it’s on paper, attached online, or embedding it in your email
- Learn more about how to write effective cover letters in our additional resources