Career Services | Cover Letters
Cover letters should be used when applying for any position. It is an opportunity to introduce yourself and your résumé to a potential employer. It is expected that you will write a cover letter even if it is not mentioned in the advertisement.
Purpose of a Cover Letter
- Introduction of your résumé
- An opportunity to emphasize what you can contribute to the organization or company
- An explanation for sending your résumé as well as provide additional information not included in your résumé
- Adds a professional touch
- Apply for specific positions or to inquire about possible openings
- An opportunity to highlight your skills and your writing ability
Tips for Preparing a Cover Letter
- Use good quality bond paper, standard business-size (8 ½ x 11). If you wish to use a color, select light beige, ivory, off white, gray or light blue. Avoid using business stationary or "pretty" stationary. The paper used for the cover letter and résumé should match.
- Personalize the letter as much as possible. Do research so that you can write to a particular person. In the first paragraph, introduce yourself and explain your purpose or reason for writing. In the next paragraph(s) tell why you are interested in the position, how you are qualified and how the recipient can help you achieve your goal. In the final paragraph, identify your next move and express your thanks.
- Utilize contacts to your advantage by mentioning them in a cover letter if they were in any way involved in suggesting a particular employer. Solicit advice from your contact about the form and content of your letter.
- Always type the letter and use conservative typestyles. Make your letter look professional.
- Structure the letter so that it seems to be written directly to one employer for whom you really want to work. Avoid using a form-like format that seems to be mass-produced in any way. Strive for personalization.
- Keep the letter concise. It should be no more than five paragraphs of three to five sentences each. The entire letter should be one page or less so that the reader can scan the entire letter, including the signature, in a glance.
- Be brief and end by requesting an interview, not the job.
- Always proofread your letter for spelling and grammatical errors. Use a writing style that is comfortable to you and avoid flowery or stilted phrases and clichés. Write and re-write it until it says exactly what you want and conveys the impression you would like to create – make every word count. A neat, articulate and well-written cover letter is the first step in making an effective first impression that hopefully encourages the reader to want to learn more about you by closely reading your résumé.
Sample Cover Letter Contents
Boise State Career Center
Current Date
Employer's Name, Title
Department/Division
Organization/Business Name
Street Address
City, State, Zip Code
Dear Mr./Ms./Dr./Individual's Name:
Introduction: Concisely state purpose for writing and the position for which you wish to be considered, including how you learned of the opening, if appropriate. You might also state your immediate job objectives along with any long-term goals that are in line with this particular position and/or employer. Your college training (major or degree, expected graduation date or date degree granted, name of university) could be listed here along with any relevant work experience. Open strong to encourage the employer to read further – the goal of the introduction is to attract attention.
Body: The body should show the employer that you have the background, training and qualifications that she/he needs for an addition to the staff. You should let the employer know that you want to work for his/her organization and why. Point out your key assets that are relevant to the position for which you wish to be considered. Keep in mind the employer's needs rather than your wants. Highlight your experiences as they relate to the qualifications listed in the job description.
Describe what you know about the organization: products, services, locations, growth area, history, etc.
Your accomplishments can be stressed in the next paragraph of the body. Don't repeat what's on the résumé word for word but show specific examples from your background, experience and education. The examples should demonstrate work-related abilities such as problem solving, contributing as a team member, time management and social skills, as well as how they can benefit the employer.
The third paragraph of the body may be used to detail your interests and may include self-descriptive words. Again, try to match your interests with those you think the employer will need or appreciate; however, be honest and portray an accurate picture of yourself. (Note: you may directly refer the employer to the résumé, which is sent with this letter, in one of the body paragraphs. It can also be mentioned that the résumé is a brief summary of your background and that you would like to discuss your background personally.)
Close: Ask for an interview in a positive, straightforward manner. Effective closes should never exceed four sentences. You should be assertive, but at the same time convey the impression that you realize the employer must do the inviting. Keep an advantage by maintaining the opportunity for contact – ask for more information and/or an application. Indicate you will call for an appointment or that you will stop by the office, or that you plan to be in the area on a given date and would like to arrange an appointment for that date. Also state that you can be reached at (e-mail and/or telephone number). Finally, thank the employer for her/his time and consideration.
Sincerely,
(Signature)
Typed Name
Enclosure (optional)
