Cover Letter Guide
An effective cover letter can make you stand out among applicants for a job; the cover letter is
a crucial first step within the hiring process. It is this first step where the hiring manager makes
the decision on whom to interview. Unlike the resume that formally lists education and
accomplishments; a cover letter lets you express how your strength & personality fit into
prospective organization. To maximize your opportunities to be considered for an interview
take a moment to learn the strategies that will get your letter read:
 Purpose of the cover letter
A cover letter states how you heard about the job and why your qualifications are a great
match for the employer’s job requirements. It should highlight your relevant education,
skills, experiences and should clarify the “match” between you, the position and the
organization. Always send a cover letter with your resume, even if one is not required.
Ideally, the goal of the cover letter is to lead to an interview and beyond. In essence, the
cover letter preliminarily answers the question, “Why should the employer hire you?”
 Cover letter strategies
 Keep it short and to the point, preferably one page.
 Focus on the needs of the employer and how you would solve their problems.
 Display knowledge of the company/organization.
 When responding to a position with a vague job description, call the organization to see
if they can provide more detailed information about the job. Be prepared, you could end
up talking with the person doing the hiring.
 Briefly state your strengths that apply to the employer’s desired skills and qualifications.
One way to do this is to dissect the job description and select three to five primary
duties and qualifications the employer is seeking. Fold a piece of paper and draw a line
in middle from the top to the bottom. On the top left side, label the column “Desired
Skills/Qualifications,” and on the top right side, label the column “My Past/Current Skills
Applied.” Write examples of how you meet those qualifications. This will help you
“connect the dots” on why you are the best-qualified person for the job. Doing this will
not only strengthen your cover letter, it will help you in your interview preparation, too.
 Proofread your letter to ensure it is free of typos and poor grammar.
 Customize the cover letter to each employment/internship opportunity.
 How to write a cover letter?
 Address your letter to a person by name, preferably the person with hiring authority.
Phone for this information if necessary. If you can’t get a name and title, address the
letter as indicated in the ad or use something like: “To Human Resources,” “To the
Search Committee,” or “To the Hiring Manager
 Try to keep your letter to one page unless applying for academic, research or fellowship
positions. Cover letters typically have 3 paragraphs:

Paragraph One -opening paragraph that introduces you,
• States how you learned of the position
• And why you are interested in their position and organization;
“I am writing to apply for the clinician position posted on the ABS website “
•

Add one sentence that mentions one thing about the company/organization that
attracts you to them. This shows the employer that you’re interested in the job
and took the initiative to learn about them.
Paragraph Two –Market yourself.
• Don’t simply restate the information in your resume.
• Acknowledge the skills required for the position (based on the job description)
and highlight the skills/experiences that you bring to the job that parallel those
needed to succeed in the position;
“My qualifications are a great match for your organization.” At XYZ
organization, I … Then, at ABC organization, I ... followed by DEF
organization, where I…

Paragraph Three- closing paragraph where you thank them for their time and
consideration of your application.
• State that you will follow-up with them to ensure that they received your
application materials
•
And make it easy for them to contact you should they have any questions by
again listing your phone number and e-mail address.
“I believe with my academic background and professional experience I am a
good match for so-and-so position. I look forward to meeting with you to
further discuss my qualifications in person. I have enclosed my resume. Thank
you for your time and consideration.”
 Use business letter format with your name and contact information in the upper left
corner followed by the name and contact information of the person to whom you are
sending your resume and cover letter. Use the same paper and font as your resume.