Cover Letters

Presented by Clark University Career Services

 What is a Cover Letter?
An effective cover letter:
• inspires an employer to read your resume.
• illustrates your knowledge of the organization.
• emphasizes how your experience meets the
employer’s needs.
• demonstrates communication skills, attention to
detail, and enthusiasm.
• does NOT restate your resume, but provides
examples of your skills and qualifications for the
position.
 Cover Letter Basics
• Research the organization.
– You will be able to write an effective cover letter after
researching the organization and determine why you want to
work there.
• Write a targeted letter to each organization
– address it directly to the appropriate person using his/her title. If
no name is given, call the organization to acquire the name of
the Director of Human Resources or the Hiring Manager.
• Use action-oriented words similar to those in your
resume to emphasize accomplishments.
– include key words and specific skills the employer listed in the
position description.
• Avoid starting sentences with “I” or “My” as this can
be misinterpreted as self-centeredness.
 Format
Your Street Address
City, State Zip Code

Date of Writing

Specific Name (Mr. John Doe)

Specific Title (Director, Human Resources)
Company/Organization
Street Address
City, State Zip Code

Dear Mr. or Ms. ________: (never use “To Whom it May Concern"; "Sir or
Madam”)
 Opening Paragraph
• Specifically state which position you are applying for.
– “Please consider me as a candidate for the Assistant Editor
position advertised in the April 14th edition of The Boston
Globe.”

• Mention how you learned of the organization and include

any contacts within the organization.
– “Through Clark University Career Services’ office, I learned of
this position. I can offer The Boston Globe: strong
communication, time management, and problem solving skills as
well as experience editing weekly publications.”
 Middle Paragraph(s)
• Explain why it is reasonable that you are pursuing the opportunity by
relating pertinent information about your background.
• Two paragraphs may be used if you have enough relevant
experience to highlight.

– “Currently I am completing my B.A. in English at Clark University. My

academic coursework includes a concentration in Women's Studies as
well as several creative writing courses. As my resumé indicates, I have
completed internships in both publishing and journalism. I am confident
that I possess the interpersonal, organizational, and technical skills
required of this position.”

– “As a full-time student I effectively balanced my coursework, a part-time

work-study job, and the duties of a Resident Assistant. I have the
proven ability to juggle multiple tasks, manage my time, and maintain
enthusiasm for any project I take on.”
 Closing Paragraph
• Respectfully request an opportunity to discuss
your qualifications further.
– “I welcome the opportunity to meet with you to
discuss how my qualifications will contribute to the
Assistant Editor position.”
• Indicate when you will be available and how you
can be reached.
– “Please contact me at …”
• Thank the employer for their time and
consideration.
– “Thank you for considering me for this position.”
Your street address
Your city, state, zip code

Month, Day, Year

Mr./Ms./Dr. Name
Title
Name of company/organization
Company address
City, State, Zip code

Dear Mr./Ms./Dr. Last Name:

Paragraph 1: Answers “Why am I writing?”

Identify the position and the company
Indicate how you learned about the position
Request the employer’s consideration
Introduce basic information about yourself

Paragraph 2: Answers “Who am I, and why should you hire me?”

Contain a brief summary of your personal data and work experience.
Relate your skills, experiences, and qualities that would benefit you in this position

Paragraph 3: Answers “What is my next step?”

Refer the reader to your enclosed resume
Reiterate your interest in the position
Specify how you will follow up

Sincerely,
Your signature

Your name
Telephone number
Email address