COVER LETTER: CONTENT
Although parts of your cover letter may be useful for several different job/internship positions, always create a new cover letter for each opportunity.
Guidelines:
- Your cover letter should begin with the date, name of contact person, that person's title, organization, address, phone, and fax. End the cover letter with your name, address, phone, and email.
- The cover letter should present clear and accurate information that highlights the academic background and experience you have to offer the organization.
- Personalize each cover letter by including something specific about the organization and/or its products or services.
Opening Paragraph:
- indicate your reason for writing
- the position or type of work for which you are applying
- how you learned of the position
- BRIEFLY summarize the qualifications that you have for the opportunity you are seeking (this piece of information may be part of a catchy opening sentence)
Body Paragraph:
- explain how your academic/work background has prepared you for the position
- state the skills/strengths you will bring to the job that parallel those needed to fill the position
- paint a picture of your skills and qualifications by giving EXAMPLES -
examples should show how you've utilized key skills and how those skills transfer into the prospective position
Closing Paragraph:
- refer the reader to the enclosed resume
- indicate your desire for a personal interview
- close with a statement indicating you will follow-up (see FOLLOWING UP)
- list phone numbers, day and times you can be reached
- thank the contact person for their time
** Should you get an interview, review what you wrote in your cover letter and resumeso you can be well prepared to answer questions.
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