Cover Letter Basics
OBJECTIVE
A cover letter accompanies each resume you send to an employer. The main purpose of a cover letter is to introduce you in such a way as to generate interest in your background and qualifications. Keep it brief but include information that gives the reader some insight about you. Make sure you express confidence and enthusiasm in your letter. Remember that your cover letter can be as important as your resume in securing that important first interview.
FORMAT AND ADDRESS
Cover letters are written in traditional business letter format. Date the cover letter the day you plan on mailing it out. Address your cover letter by name to the hiring partner or recruiting coordinator. If you do not know who the hiring person is, call the employer and ask to whom you would send a resume or you may check with Career Services to see if we have this information ion file. Your cover letter should be printed neatly on paper that matches your resume and should be consistent with the format and style of your resume.
MAIN PARAGRAPHS OF A COVER LETTER
Opening Paragraph: Tell why you want a particular position with that particular employer
Your opening paragraph should tell the employer who you are and what type of position you are seeking. It should also give reasons why you have chosen this particular employer (if it was a referral, make sure you say so). Cover letters take time to write. You need to review your own background, research the employers, and struggle with the words in order to make the cover letter unique and effective. Highlight your strengths relative to the employer’s needs. Mass production of cover letters has not proven to be an effective method for most job seekers.
Body Paragraph: Emphasize your abilities
This section of a the cover letter is usually one or sometimes two paragraphs which are used to highlight the abilities and experiences which are going to appeal to this specific employer. For example, if you have an undergraduate degree in accounting and are on the business transaction track in law school, provide this information in your cover letter and explain how your background and coursework make you uniquely qualified for the position you are seeking. If you are a first year, you can also explain here that first year law students do not receive grades until the summer following their first year. Always take the “what-in-it-for-them?” approach. Put yourself int e employer’s shoes and make every word count.
Closing Paragraph: Request an interview
Remember, the purpose of your cover letter and resume is to get your foot in the door for an interview. If you are going to be in the employer’s city at a particular time, say so. You can even offer to call the employer to set up an interview during your visit. Make sure you provide the employer with your contact information. Offer to provide any additional information that they may need. Don’t forget to thank them for their time and consideration in reviewing your application.
AFTER IT IS WRITTEN
Proofread. Perfection in grammar, spelling, and neatness truly counts. This is the first writing sample the employer will see from you; you want to make sure it looks perfect. You can try reading it out loud; this can help you to catch some mistakes. Bring your cover letter to the CSO and take advantage of another set of eyes. We can offer suggestions based on feedback we have received from hiring partners and successful candidates.
Double check the name. Make sure the name and address on the letter match the name on the salutation and the name and address on the envelope. If there is any doubt about the spelling check the employer’s webpage or the yellow pages for confirmation.
Paper/Printing. Your cover letter should be printed on paper that matches your resume.
Copies. Keep a copy of the correspondence you send out for your own records so you know what you sent and to whom and when you sent it.
Record dates/Follow up. Keep a record of the dates you sent out letters and resumes, and mark down on your planner/calendar when you need to follow up. Generally you should call to follow up somewhere between 10 days to two weeks after you send your application materials.
