A cover letter is a one-page document that complements your resume and shows the employer how your experiences and skills relate to the position you’re applying for. Combined with your resume, an effective cover letter will show why you are a good fit for the position and will convince a hiring manager to invite you for an interview. Cover letters are not required for every job application, but you should plan to submit one whenever possible.
Prepare to write your cover letter
You’ve likely already researched the career while building your resume. A cover letter should be specific to both the employer and the job you are applying for. You will also need to determine which of your experiences are most relevant and articulate why you are a good fit for the job.
Research the job
- Deconstruct the job description for the key qualifications and responsibilities.
- What themes do you notice in the posting? Repeated verbs, keywords, and tasks may show what the hiring manager may look for in your letter.
Research the employer
- Review the organization’s website, mission, recent news articles, and social media.
- Get into the employer’s mindset. What is their organization’s culture? What are they looking for in an applicant?
- Network to learn more about the employer. Ask them about the organization.
Reflect on yourself
- Which experiences or skills are most relevant (or transferable) to this position?
- Are there specific experiences you want to describe in more detail than your resume will allow?
Customize your cover letter
Draft your letter using your self-reflection and research on the employer and position to address these key points:
- Why are you interested in the position?
- Why are you interested in the employer?
- Why are you a strong applicant, and how have your past experiences prepared you for this role?
Don’t have directly relevant experience? No problem! Identify how your skills and experiences are transferable to the job you’re applying for and use a few examples from courses, jobs, volunteer, or student organization roles to show you’re prepared for the new role’s responsibilities.
Before submitting your application, let it sit. Then, reread and edit.
- Always proofread your letter before submitting it to an employer.
- Ask someone else (like a career coach!) to read your letter.
- Save your file as: Last Name, First Name, Cover Letter
How to address your cover letter
Address the cover letter using the Hiring Manager’s first and last names whenever possible. If you can’t find a name, “Dear Hiring Manager” or “Dear Hiring Team” work well. Avoid using “Dear Sir or Madam” or “To Whom It May Concern.”
Formatting essentials
- Match the font and heading format with your resume
- 10-12 pt font
- One page
- Single spaced
- 0.5-1” margins
- Left-align paragraphs
- Blank line between paragraphs
- Add your digital signature, if possible, at the end of the letter
Resources
See examples of cover letters from former CBS students.