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Transition Career Preparation Center

Coverleter

Cover Letter

How to Write a Winning Cover Letter

By: Jeffery Guillermo

The cover letter, the piece of paper that provides a “cover” for your resume, may be the most important piece of the job search. If this is written well, you will succeed in teasing the employer into thoroughly reading your résumé. If your cover letter is not up to par, your materials may end up in the nearest recycling bin.

To prevent this from happening to you, here are the basics:

  • The cover letter should be one page long.
  • It should contain all of your necessary information in case your résumé becomes separated: name, address, phone number and e-mail address.
  • Address the letter to a particular person, and include that person’s job title. A single phone call will probably find this information. If tracking a name down is impossible, use “Dear Sir or Madam.”
  • The intro should contain the position you are applying for, how you heard about it, your school, your major/degree and what is/was your graduation date.
  • The body should be your sales pitch. Lead with a strong sentence. Tell your employer about why you are the best person for the job, and why you would fit seamlessly with the organization. Share your accomplishments. If you have an interesting, compelling and relevant story, share it. Use words that provide vivid imagery to the reader.
  • All your text must be impeccable. Your grammar must be perfect. Refer to The Elements of Style by William Strunk Jr. and E.B. White if you have to. If a sentence sounds wrong, it probably is.
  • Request an interview.
  • Thank the reader for his/her consideration of your application. Tell the person that you are looking forward to hearing from them.
  • Sleep on it. Before sending out the letter and résumé, get a good night’s sleep and re-read it in the morning with fresh eyes. Better still, ask someone with professional experience to give it a read.
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