Using Cover Letters

Cover letters are one page documents that you send with your resume when applying for a position. They are meant to introduce yourself and explain in detail why you’re a good fit for the position.

Cover letters also allow you to discuss your previous work experience in more detail. Ideally, a cover letter fills in all the places that your resume cannot.

Typically, a cover letter follows this type of format:

1. Introduce yourself.
Who you are and where you’re from (if you’re applying in a different town or state).

2. Mention the job that you are applying for, or the kind of job you’re looking for.
An example would be, “I’m writing to apply for the Human Resources position you’ve recently advertised for.” This is when you can let the employer know how you found out about the open position.

3. Match your skills and past work experience with the skills and experience needed for the position.
Explain why you’re a good fit for the job in ways that your resume will not. If you are lacking some experience, or some skills needed for the job at hand, explain how the experience and skill set you do have will translate, or how you intend to use them for the position you’re interested in.

4. Encourage the reader to read your resume.
Although you have explained some of your past work experience in your cover letter, invite your potential employer to look at the bigger picture.

5. Close with a call to action.
You’ve submitted a resume and cover letter, but what do you want out of it? If you want an interview, or to hear from them, say so. Simply request a meeting, phone call or interview. Show them that you’re being proactive, that you’re seriously interested and want to progress further.

Be sure to address your letter to the hiring manager and company you’re looking to apply with. Include their name, their position or name of the company, and their contact details. Also, remember to include your contact information – even if your resume contains these items. Your email address should make a professional impression, using one with your name is a great idea. Don’t use the email address you created as a teenager, like *[email protected]*.

In total, your cover letter should be one full page. It’s only meant to be a summary of your resume and skills, so while you would like to explain everything in detail, keep it short.

For more questions on how to make the most of your cover letter, please reach out to your Recruiter.