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Cover Letters
A cover letter is an opportunity to introduce yourself, showcase your writing abilities, and create a compelling application package to show how you're the right candidate for the role. It is a chance to show your personality, strengths, goals, and values.
Important things to remember about a cover letter:
- This serves as a writing sample — make sure you are putting your best foot forward. If you're unsure about your grammatical abilities or writing quality, we encourage you to visit the writing center.
- Your cover letter should be about attitude and your resume should be about aptitude. Your cover provides an opportunity to compliment your resume, not reiterate.
- Focus on the WHY — Why you? Why this job? Why this company?
- Be sure your cover letter is no more than a page. A properly crafted cover letter should be exactly one full page.
- Your resume and cover letter should look like a part of the same application package — use similar formatting, font, and creative design.
- Double check – when you are sending out multiple cover letters it is easy to get your documents confused. Double check youre sending the right cover letter to the right person and company.
- Save as PDF Always.
- Do not address your letter "To Whom It May Concern", if you are unsure of who to submit your materials to, simply greet with "Dear Hiring Manager:"
You are welcome to have your cover letter reviewed at our Career Studio between 2:00pm - 4:00pm Monday - Thursday in the Career Development Center or by appointment with your career coach on Handshake.
Here are some samples and resources to get you started: