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Cover Letters

What is a Cover Letter?

Your cover letter is one of the marketing tools in your job application process: it helps employers to interpret your background as represented in your resume as it provides additional/specific/relevant information on your skills and experience and why you are qualified for the job you are applying for.

Even if a cover letter is not required, it is always better to include one: it shows you put some extra effort into your application.

Like your resume, it should be tailored to the position you are applying for.
Most importantly, it has to be unique and represent you: always write with your OWN words and proofread, proofread, proofread!

We will help you write your cover letter: Contact us to schedule an appointment.

What should your Cover Letter look like?

It should be short (one page maximum), attractive, relaying a positive message and calling for action.

What should you include in your Cover Letter?

Contact Section:

* How the employer can contact you (use the same as on your resume).
* List the name of the Hiring Manager (if you have it), Title, Company, Address

Salutation:

* You have a Contact Person and you know the gender: Dear Mr./Mrs./Ms. + Last Name
* You have a Contact Person but you are unsure about the gender: Dear + First Name + Last Name
* You don’t have a Contact Person: Dear Hiring Manager OR Dear Sir or Madam

Body – First paragraph:

Start telling your story and explaining who you are, what position you are applying for, where you found it, why you are interested.
Include the name of a person if you were referred.

Body – Second paragraph:

You want to convince the reader that you are the ideal candidate.
Describe what you have to offer. Make strong connections between your qualifications/experience and the job requirements. Focus on the most important factors that make you the ideal candidate (follow the job requirements).
Convey confidence.

Body – Third paragraph:

Conclusion of the letter: thank for being considered, call for action (suggest a follow-up).

Closing:

Choose a professional closing: Sincerely/ Regards/ Best regards/ Respectfully.

Signature:

Your First Name and Last Name

Additional Resources:

Contact us if you need assistance writing a cover letter.
Your Complete Guide to Writing a Cover Letter (The Muse)
How to write a cover letter (Indeed, May 2021)
Five Cover Letter Tips from the Experts (Forbes, September 2021)
Bad Cover Letter Examples (and How to Fix Them) (Indeed, December 2021)
Career One Stop — Cover Letters
How to Tailor Your Cover Letter for Each Position
Get Your Cover Letter Noticed
How to Write an Entry-Level Cover Letter with Examples
Cover Letter Tips & Advice (YouTube)