Resumes And Cover Letters With Samples Page 6

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Cover Letters: The First Impression
An employer’s first impression of you is often your cover letter, so it must engage their attention quickly and
convince them to take the time to read your resume. Your cover letter needs to show what makes you a great
fit for the position. It is not sufficient to say you have the skills required for the position or are interested in it.
First, research the field and organization. Go beyond the website—use press releases, journal/news articles,
annual reports, Google, LexisNexis, and informational interviews with alums and others. Knowledge of the
organization shows your initiative and enthusiasm for working there.
Review the job description; notice the skills sought and field-specific terms used. Identify specific examples
from your resume that demonstrate how you’ve used the skills the employer wants. Stress accomplishments
and results rather than simply listing your day-to-day responsibilities.
Whenever possible, address your letter to an actual person, not "To Whom it May Concern." Phone or
email to get the recipient’s name and title if it’s not included in the position description. If you can't get a
name, use a title such as "Dear Director" or "Dear Internship Coordinator."
The cover letter is a sample of your writing and communication skills. It must be clear, concise, and free of
spelling, grammar, or punctuation errors. Keep it simple. Dense, academic language or slang are
inappropriate—this is a business letter.
Tailor each cover letter. Employers may receive dozens or even hundreds of applications for any given
position. Careful research, relevant examples, and specific reasons why this position and this organization
interest you will help distinguish your application.
Framing Your Story: Questions to Guide Your Cover Letter
Use the following to generate content for your cover letter. Though it need not answer every question, a
great letter will address many of these items and show you’ve considered the others:
Why are you interested in this position? This organization? This field/industry?
For what position are you applying?
What do you know about the organization, its work, clients/customers/products that especially
interests you?
What do you feel distinguishes this organization from its peers?
What specific skills and knowledge is the employer seeking for this position?
How have your prior experiences influenced your interest in this position/organization/field?
In what ways have your accomplishments during your prior experiences (extracurricular, volunteer,
work, other) prepared you to excel in this position?
What aspects of your academic experience will help you succeed in this position?
Compared to other applicants, how might you be uniquely qualified for the position?
How will the organization benefit from hiring you?
Having difficulty answering any of these questions? Revisiting the job description, further research, and
clarifying your skills and interests may help.
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Parent category: Letters