university work cover letter

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University Student Cover Letter Samples & Examples That Worked in 2024

Embarking on the career path, the first step to success is creating a compelling university student cover letter . This powerful tool can unlock doors to internships, jobs, and exciting opportunities within your field of study.

And so, in this guide, we'll equip you with useful tips, real-life examples, and compelling templates, that'll help you get closer to your dream job. Read on and learn about:

• Creating a visually appealing header for your university cover letter
• Researching employers to craft a personalized cover letter
• Writing a compelling introduction as a university student
• Showcasing your best skills and accomplishments as a university student
• Completing your university student cover letter with a strong conclusion
• Finding the best job search resources for university students

1. How to create a visually appealing header for your university cover letter

To begin writing your university student cover letter, your first key step is to create a header.

A cover letter header serves two main purposes: to introduce you to the employer and to give your cover letter an appealing visual structure .

Within your header, you should include:

• Your name and professional title (if you do not have a professional title yet, you can use the title of the job you are applying for and add “Student” at the end)
• Your professional contact information
• The name of the company or organization you are applying to

Here is an example of a well-formatted university student cover letter header

Mason Wilds , Hospitality Management Student (123) 456-7890 | [email protected] | linkedin.com/in/mason-wilds

To: Hilton Head Hotels 1234 Street Address New York, NY

2. How to personalize your university student cover letter

One crucial step to take before beginning to write the body text of your cover letter is to research the employer beforehand. This gives you the opportunity to learn more about them and uncover key details about the company that you can reference throughout your cover letter .

Important information to look for during your research includes:

• Major projects, partnerships, or programs the company is involved in
• The company’s goals, values, and requirements for staff
• The person at the company responsible for hiring and reviewing applications

Using the third piece of information, you can create a personalized greeting that addresses this specific person by name. This lets them know immediately the effort you have put into researching and tailoring your cover letter for them specifically.

Here are 3 examples of personalized cover letter greetings

• Dear Mr. John Applewood,

Dear Hiring Manager John Applewood,

• Dear Mr. John Applewood & the Hiring Department,

3. How to write a compelling introduction as a university student

Next up, you need to begin the body text of your cover letter with a compelling introduction .

To write a strong introduction as a university student, make sure to include:

• A brief overview of your academic experience (most students will have minimal professional experience, making academic experience highly important to describe in a cover letter)
• Your specialized area of expertise (such as the degree you are working toward)
• A concise statement on why you are a great fit for the position

Here is an example of a great introduction from a university student’s cover letter

I am a junior at the University of South Carolina, with two semesters left to complete my degree in Business and Hospitality Management. As I approach my final year of school, I am seeking an internship opportunity with a major hotel chain to hone my hospitality skills and build industry connections. Having earned a spot on my university’s Dean’s List for three consecutive years, I will bring an exceptional work ethic and commitment to excellent service to this position.

Find out your resume score!

4. How to showcase your best skills and accomplishments as a university student

Once your introduction is written and you are satisfied with it, you can move on to writing the remaining body paragraphs of your university student cover letter.

In these body paragraphs, your main goal is to showcase your top skills or accomplishments that are relevant to the job you are applying for. As well as describing these qualifications , you can also use the research you did earlier to reference specific needs of the company and how your skills meet those needs.

Here are 6 examples of skills to describe in a university student cover letter

• Communication (always describe your style of communication)
• Collaboration and teamwork
• Critical thinking
• Time management
• Responsibility

Here is an example of how to describe an accomplishment in a cover letter

As a student at the University of South Carolina, I have served as an Orientation Leader for two years, helping to bring new undergraduate students into the fold and get comfortable in their new surroundings. I recently earned the position of Head Orientation Leader thanks to my overwhelming positive reviews from new students I have mentored. Of the 300+ students I have worked with, 95% gave me a five out of five-star rating at the end of their Orientations.

5. How to complete your university student cover letter with a strong conclusion

The last step to writing your university student cover letter is to craft a strong conclusion . In this conclusion, you should include:

• The best times and days of the week to contact you
• When you are anticipating a response from the employer
• When you plan to follow up with the employer
• A formal sign-off

Here is an example of a strong conclusion from a university student's cover letter

I am honored to be considered for this position and hope to hear from you within the next week regarding this opportunity. You may best reach me at (123) 456-7890 on Mondays through Fridays from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. As I am excited to learn more about this opportunity, I do plan to follow up next Monday morning if I have not heard back about this position.

Many Thanks,

[Applicant Name]

6. Useful resources for job-seeking university students

As a university student standing at the threshold of a professional career, having the right set of resources can truly empower your job hunt. Let's explore the must-haves in your arsenal:

• University career services: Your own university is a potent resource. Career Services offices often provide resume and cover letter reviews, interview preparation, and job placement assistance. Don't overlook these gems.
• Job search platforms: From LinkedIn to Indeed , these platforms teem with job opportunities perfect for recent graduates. They also offer search filters to streamline the hunt and make it less daunting.
• Field-specific job boards: Niche job boards like Idealist (for non-profits) or Dice (for tech) cater to specific fields, making your job search more focused and productive.
• Online portfolios: Platforms like Behance or GitHub , depending on your field of study, allow you to create an online portfolio showcasing your work. This can be a powerful supplement to your university student cover letter and resume.
• Networking events: Attend career fairs, industry conferences, or university alumni events to build your professional network. You never know which connection might lead to a promising opportunity.
• Internship websites: Websites like Chegg Internships or WayUp specifically cater to students seeking internships, often the stepping stone to a full-time job. 

Armed with these resources, you're ready to embark on the exciting and rewarding journey of your job search. Happy hunting!

University Student Cover Letter FAQ

Draw attention to your academic achievements, any relevant coursework, and transferrable skills you’ve developed throughout your academic career. If you have undertaken internships or projects, summarize what you’ve learned from these experiences and how they can bring value to the prospective role.

Aim to keep it concise and engaging. Typically, a cover letter should not exceed one page. Remember, it's about the quality of your words, not the quantity.

While it's fine to have a standard outline, your cover letter should always be tailored to each job application. Personalizing your cover letter for each role can show the hiring manager your genuine interest in their specific opportunity.

It's generally a good idea to include a cover letter when applying for a job. It gives you another platform to sell your skills and show your enthusiasm for the role and company.

Yes, definitely. Extracurricular activities can highlight your team skills, leadership qualities, and dedication. Remember to connect them back to the skills or qualities the job posting is seeking.

Julia Gergelova

Julia is a professional writer, translator and graphic designer. She holds degrees in translation and interpretation, and has international work experience from a number of different countries in Europe as well as China and Panama. Julia formerly taught academic writing and as a graphic designer contributed to outlets such as  The Business of Business . She has a passion for lifelong learning and good coffee.

All student cover letter examples

• Formal Sciences Student
• High School Student
• Humanities Student
• Student Internship
• Natural Sciences Student
• Professions And Applied Sciences Student
• Social Sciences Student

All university student cover letter examples

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University cover letter examples

If you’re applying for jobs at a university, you need a cover letter that will make you stand out amongst all the other qualified candidates.

It’s key that you present yourself in a manner that will persuade the recruitment team to shortlist you for interview, and to help you impress, we’ve put together this detailed guide on how to write a standout cover letter.

We’ll share all our expert advice, along with some university cover letter examples to inspire you.

CV templates 

University cover letter example 1

University cover letter example 2

University cover letter example 3

These University cover letter examples provide you with some guidance and inspiration for writing a cover letter that gets noticed and ensures your CV will get opened.

But if you really want to master the art of writing a winning cover letter , then follow our step-by-step cove letter writing guide below.

How to write a University cover letter

A simple step-by-step guide to writing your very own winning cover letter.

Write your cover letter in the body of an email/message

Type the content of your cover letter directly into the email you are sending, or if you are applying via a job board, directly into their messaging system.

The reason for doing this it to ensure that your cover letter gets seen instantly and you can start connecting with the recruiter as soon as they open your message.

If you attach your cover letter as a separate document, the recipient will have to open up the document, which will slow the process down, or make them less likely to even open your cover letter – which could mean your application gets skipped over.

Start with a friendly greeting

To start building rapport with the recruiter or hiring manager right away, lead with a friendly greeting.

Try to strike a balance between professional and personable.

Go with something like…

• Hi [insert recruiter name]
• Hi [insert department/team name]

Stay away from old-fashioned greetings like “Dear sir/madam ” unless applying to very formal companies – they can come across as cold and robotic.

How to find the contact’s name?

Addressing the recruitment contact by name is an excellent way to start building a strong relationship. If it is not listed in the job advert, try to uncover it via these methods.

• Check out the company website and look at their  About page. If you see a hiring manager, HR person or internal recruiter, use their name. You could also try to figure out who would be your manager in the role and use their name.
• Head to LinkedIn , search for the company and scan through the list of employees. Most professionals are on LinkedIn these days, so this is a good bet.

Identify the role you are applying for

Once you’ve opened up the cover letter with a warm greeting to start building a relationship, it is time to identify which role you want to apply for.

Recruiters are often managing multiple vacancies, so you need to ensure you apply to the correct one.

Be very specific and use a reference number if you can find one.

• I am interested in applying for the position of *University position* with your company.
• I would like to apply for the role of Sales assistant (Ref: 406f57393)
• I would like to express my interest in the customer service vacancy within your retail department
• I saw your advert for a junior project manager on Reed and would like to apply for the role.

See also: CV examples – how to write a CV – CV profiles

Highlight your suitability

The sole objective of your cover letter is to motivate recruiters into to opening your CV. And you achieve this by quickly explaining your suitability to the roles you are applying for.

Take a look at the job descriptions you are applying to, and make note of the most important skills and qualifications being asked for.

Then, when crafting your cover letter, make your suitability the central focus.

Explain why you are the best qualified candidate, and why you are so well suited to carry out the job.

This will give recruiters all the encouragement they need to open your CV and consider you for the job.

Keep it short and sharp

It is best to keep your cover letter brief if you want to ensure you hold the attention of busy recruiters and hiring managers. A lengthy cover letter will probably not get read in full, so keep yours to around 3-6 sentences and save the real detail for your CV.

Remember the purpose of your cover letter is to quickly get recruiters to notice you and encourage them to open your CV, so it only needs to include the highlights of your experience.

Sign off professionally

To finish off your cover note, add a professional signature to the bottom, stating your important contact details and information.

This not only provides recruiters with multiple means of contacting you, but it also adds a nice professional appearance to the cover letter, which shows that you know how to conduct yourself in the workplace.

Include the following points;

• A friendly sign off – e.g. “Warm regards”
• Your full name
• Phone number (one you can answer quickly)
• Email address
• Profession title
• Professional social network – e.g. LinkedIn

Here is an example signature;

Warm regards,

Aaron Smith Customer service professional 075557437373 [email protected] LinkedIn

Quick tip : To save yourself from having to write your signature every time you send a job application, you can save it within your email drafts, or on a separate document that you could copy in.

What to include in your University cover letter

Your University cover letter will be unique to your situation, but there are certain content guidelines you should stick to for best results.

To attract and entice recruiters, stick with the following key subjects in your cover letter – adapting them to fit your profession and target jobs.

• Your professional experience – Employers will be keen to know if your experience is suitable for the job you are applying to, so provide a good summary of it in your cover letter.
• Your qualifications and education – Highlight your most relevant and high-level of qualification, especially if they are essential to the job.
• The positive impact you have made – Employers love to hear about the benefits you can bring to them, so shout about anything impressive you have done, such as saving money or improving processes.
• Your reasons for leaving – Use a few words of your cover letter to explain why you are leaving your current job and ensure you avoid any negative reasons.
• Your availability – Let recruiters know when you can start a new job . Are you immediately available, or do you have a month notice period?

University cover letter templates

Copy and paste these University cover letter templates to get a head start on your own.

I am excited to apply for the Lecturer position in the Politics Department at Sheffield University, bringing with me a wealth of experience and a passion for International Relations, Political Philosophy, and Critical Theory. With an MA and PhD from the University of Leeds and 6+ years of teaching experience, I possess the skills to design engaging lectures, mentor students, and conduct impactful research.

In my current role as Assistant Lecturer at the University of Edinburgh, I have designed a popular course on the politics of identity and social movements, demonstrating my ability to innovate new and well-received modules. My research on the intersections of power, identity, and social movements was presented at the International Political Science Association Conference and published in the Journal of Politics. During my tenure as a Teaching Assistant, I introduced a seminar series on essay structure and technique, which received positive feedback and contributed to a significant 12% increase in exam scores. My dedication to fostering inclusive classrooms and research, as evidenced in my publications on intersectionality and politics of representation, aligns with the values of your department.

I am available for an interview at your earliest convenience to discuss how my qualifications and commitment to diversity and equity align with your department’s vision.

Best wishes,

I hope you’re well. With a varied 30-year academic career and specialist experience in 18th-century literature, literary theory, and critical race studies, I am thrilled to apply for the position of Professor of English Literature at UCL.

Through my PhD research and 12+ years of teaching experience at The University of Manchester, I have honed my ability to design and deliver engaging lectures and seminars while effectively mentoring students. My original research on race and gender in 18th-century literature has garnered recognition from Lit Today and LHB Journal, including a successful research project on the reception of African American literature in the UK. My monograph on the same subject received acclaim in Women’s Writing Journal. In my previous role as Senior Lecturer, I designed a highly requested course on the history of the novel which attracted 65% of students in its first year, showcasing my innovative approach to course development. Additionally, in 2021 I organised an international conference on race and literature that attracted scholars from 38 countries and engaged 800 undergraduate students.

I am available for an interview at your earliest convenience to discuss how my qualifications and dedication can contribute to the progressive academic excellence at UCL.

Kind regards,

Simone Rickard

Dear Martin,

I hope this email finds you well. With a 25+ year career at UCL, including a PhD in the history of women’s rights and the feminist movement, I am excited to apply for the esteemed position of Program Director, bringing with me a wealth of experience and dedication to advancing the field of Women’s History.

As the current Program Director of Women’s History at UCL, I successfully spearheaded the development of a new undergraduate program in Women’s History Studies, becoming the most popular history class in recent cohorts. I have also cultivated partnerships with external organisations, such as the British Library and the Tate, to create interpretive exhibits showcasing influential women throughout history. My dedication to fostering an inclusive learning environment is evident in my implementation of a 1-2-1 mentorship program for women interested in pursuing careers in history. My ability to design and deliver engaging curriculum materials, mentor students, and secure funding through grant proposals makes me the ideal candidate for this role.

I am available for an interview at your earliest convenience to discuss how my qualifications and commitment to advancing the study of Women’s History align with your institution’s mission.

Osei Johnson

Writing an impressive cover letter is a crucial step in landing a job working at a University, so taking the time to perfect it is well worth while.

By following the tips and examples above you will be able to create an eye-catching cover letter that will wow recruiters and ensure your CV gets read – leading to more job interviews for you.

Good luck with your job search!

Academic Cover Letters

What is this handout about.

The long list of application materials required for many academic teaching jobs can be daunting. This handout will help you tackle one of the most important components: the cover letter or letter of interest. Here you will learn about writing and revising cover letters for academic teaching jobs in the United States of America.

What is an academic cover letter?

An academic cover letter describes your experiences and interest as a candidate for a specific position. It introduces you to the hiring committee and demonstrates how your academic background fits with the description of the position.

What do cover letters for academic teaching jobs typically contain?

At their most basic level, academic cover letters accomplish three things: one, they express your interest in the job; two, they provide a brief synopsis of your research and teaching; and three, they summarize your past experiences and achievements to illustrate your competence for the job. For early-career scholars, cover letters are typically no more than two pages (up to four pages for senior scholars). Occasionally, a third page may make sense for an early-career scholar if the application does not require a separate teaching statement and/or research statement. Digital versions of cover letters often contain hyperlinks to your CV or portfolio page. For some fields, cover letters may also include examples of your work, including music, popular articles, and other multimedia related to your research, service, or teaching available online. Typically, letters appear on departmental or university letterhead and include your signature. Above all, a strong cover letter presents your accomplishments and your familiarity with the institution and with the position.

How should I prepare to write my academic cover letter?

Like all writing, composing a cover letter is a process. The process may be as short as a few hours or as long as several weeks, but at the end the letter should present you as a strong candidate for the job. The following section has tips and questions for thinking through each stage of this writing process. You don’t need to answer all of these questions to write the letter; they are meant to help you brainstorm ideas.

Before you begin writing your cover letter, consider researching the institution, the department, and the student population. Incorporating all three aspects in your letter will help convey your interest in the position.

Get to know the institution. When crafting your cover letter, be aware of the type of institution to which you are applying. Knowing how the institution presents itself can help you tailor your letter and make it more specific.

• Where is the institution located?
• Is it on a quarter-system or semester-system?
• What type of institution is it? Is it an R1? Is it an R2? Is it a liberal arts college? Is it an HBCU? Is it a community college? A private high school?
• What is the institution’s culture? Is it teaching-focused or research-focused? Does it privilege experiential learning? Does it value faculty involvement outside the classroom? Is it affiliated with a specific religious tradition?
• Does it have any specific institutional commitments?
• How does the institution advocate for involvement in its local community?
• What are the professional development opportunities for new and junior faculty?

Learn about the department. Knowing the specific culture and needs of the department can help you reach your audience: the department members who will be reading your documents and vetting you as a candidate.

• Who is on the search committee? Who is the search committee chair?
• What is the official name of the department?
• Which different subfields make up the department?
• Is it a dual appointment or a position in a dual department?
• How does the department participate in specific types of student outreach?
• Does the department have graduate students? Does it offer a terminal Master’s degree, Ph.D., or both? How large are the cohorts? How are they funded?
• Does the department encourage or engage in interdisciplinary work?
• Does the majority of the department favor certain theoretical or methodological approaches?
• Does the department have partnerships with local institutions? If so, which ones?
• Is the department attempting to fill a specific vacancy, or is it an entirely new position?
• What are the typical course offerings in the department? Which courses might you be expected to teach? What courses might you be able to provide that are not currently available?

Consider the students. The search committee will often consider how you approach instructing and mentoring the student body. Sometimes committees will even reserve a position for a student or solicit student feedback on a candidate:

• What populations constitute the majority of the undergraduate population?
• Have there been any shifts in the student population recently?
• Do students largely come from in-state or out-of-state?
• Is there an international student population? If so, from which countries?
• Is the university recruiting students from traditionally underrepresented populations?
• Are students particularly active on campus? If so, how?

Many answers to these questions can be found both in the job description and on the institution’s website. If possible, consider contacting someone you know at the institution to ask about the culture directly. You can also use the institution’s course catalog, recruitment materials, alumni magazine, and other materials to get answers to these questions. The key is to understand the sort of institution to which you are applying, its immediate needs, and its future trajectory.

Remember, there is a resource that can help you with all three aspects—people. Reach out to your advisor, committee members, faculty mentors, and other contacts for insight into the prospective department’s culture and faculty. They might even help you revise your letter based on their expertise. Think of your job search as an opportunity to cultivate these relationships.

After you have done some initial research, think about how your experiences have prepared you for the job and identify the ones that seem the most relevant. Consider your previous research, internships, graduate teaching, and summer experiences. Here are some topics and questions to get you started thinking about what you might include.

Research Experiences. Consider how your research has prepared you for an academic career. Since the letter is a relatively short document, select examples of your research that really highlight who you are as a scholar, the direction you see your work going, and how your scholarship will contribute to the institution’s research community.

• What are your current research interests?
• What topics would you like to examine in the future?
• How have you pursued those research interests?
• Have you traveled for your research?
• Have you published any of your research? Have you presented it at a conference, symposium, or elsewhere?
• Have you worked or collaborated with scholars at different institutions on projects? If so, what did these collaborations produce?
• Have you made your research accessible to your local community?
• Have you received funding or merit-based fellowships for your research?
• What other research contributions have you made? This may include opinion articles, book chapters, or participating as a journal reviewer.
• How do your research interests relate to those of other faculty in the department or fill a gap?

Teaching Experience. Think about any teaching experience you may have. Perhaps you led recitations as a teaching assistant, taught your own course, or guest lectured. Pick a few experiences to discuss in your letter that demonstrate something about your teaching style or your interest in teaching.

• What courses are you interested in teaching for the department? What courses have you taught that discussed similar topics or themes?
• What new courses can you imagine offering the department that align with their aim and mission?
• Have you used specific strategies that were helpful in your instruction?
• What sort of resources do you typically use in the classroom?
• Do you have anecdotes that demonstrate your teaching style?
• What is your teaching philosophy?
• When have you successfully navigated a difficult concept or topic in the classroom, and what did you learn?
• What other opportunities could you provide to students?

Internships/Summer/Other Experiences. Brainstorm a list of any conferences, colloquiums, and workshops you have attended, as well as any ways you have served your department, university, or local community. This section will highlight how you participate in your university and scholarly community. Here are some examples of things you might discuss:

• Professional development opportunities you may have pursued over the summer or during your studies
• International travel for research or presentations
• Any research you’ve done in a non-academic setting
• Presentations at conferences
• Participation in symposia, reading groups, working groups, etc.
• Internships in which you may have implemented your research or practical skills related to your discipline
• Participation in community engagement projects
• Participation in or leadership of any scholarly and/or university organizations

In answering these questions, create a list of the experiences that you think best reflect you as a scholar and teacher. In choosing which experiences to highlight, consider your audience and what they would find valuable or relevant. Taking the time to really think about your reader will help you present yourself as an applicant well-qualified for the position.

Writing a draft

Remember that the job letter is an opportunity to introduce yourself and your accomplishments and to communicate why you would be a good fit for the position. Typically, search committees will want to know whether you are a capable job candidate, familiar with the institution, and a great future addition to the department’s faculty. As such, be aware of how the letter’s structure and content reflect your preparedness for the position.

The structure of your cover letter should reflect the typical standards for letter writing in the country in which the position is located (the list below reflects the standards for US letter writing). This usually includes a salutation, body, and closing, as well as proper contact information. If you are affiliated with a department, institution, or organization, the letter should be on letterhead.

• Use a simple, readable font in a standard size, such as 10-12pt. Some examples of fonts that may be conventional in your field include Arial, Garamond, Times New Roman, and Verdana, among other similar fonts.
• Do not indent paragraphs.
• Separate all paragraphs by a line and justify them to the left.
• Make sure that any included hyperlinks work.
• Include your signature in the closing.

Before you send in your letter, make sure you proofread and look for formatting mistakes. You’ll read more about proofreading and revising later in this handout!

The second most important aspect of your letter is its content. Since the letter is the first chance to provide an in-depth introduction, it should expand on who you are as a scholar and possible faculty member. Below are some elements to consider including when composing your letter.

Identify the position you are applying to and introduce yourself. Traditionally, the first sentence of a job letter includes the full name of the position and where you discovered the job posting. This is also the place to introduce yourself and describe why you are applying for this position. Since the goal of a job letter is to persuade the search committee to include you on the list of candidates for further review, you may want to include an initial claim as to why you are a strong candidate for the position. Some questions you might consider:

• What is your current status (ABD, assistant professor, post-doc, etc.)?
• If you are ABD, have you defended your dissertation? If not, when will you defend?
• Why are you interested in this position?
• Why are you a strong candidate for this position?

Describe your research experience and interests. For research-centered positions, such as positions at R1 or other types of research-centered universities, include information about your research experience and current work early in the letter. For many applicants, current work will be the dissertation project. If this is the case, some suggest calling your “dissertation research” your “current project” or “work,” as this may help you present yourself as an emerging scholar rather than a graduate student. Some questions about your research that you might consider:

• What research experiences have you had?
• What does your current project investigate?
• What are some of the important methods you applied?
• Have you collaborated with others in your research?
• Have you acquired specific skills that will be useful for the future?
• Have you received special funding? If so, what kind?
• Has your research received any accolades or rewards?
• What does your current project contribute to the field?
• Where have you presented your research?
• Have you published your research? If so, where? Or are you working on publishing your work?
• How does your current project fit the job description?

Present your plans for future research. This section presents your research agenda and usually includes a description of your plans for future projects and research publications. Detailing your future research demonstrates to the search committee that you’ve thought about a research trajectory and can work independently. If you are applying to a teaching-intensive position, you may want to minimize this section and/or consider including a sentence or two on how this research connects to undergraduate and/or graduate research opportunities. Some questions to get you started:

• What is your next research project/s?
• How does this connect to your current and past work?
• What major theories/methods will you use?
• How will this project contribute to the field?
• Where do you see your specialty area or subfield going in the next ten years and how does your research contribute to or reflect this?
• Will you be collaborating with anyone? If so, with whom?
• How will this future project encourage academic discourse?
• Do you already have funding? If so, from whom? If not, what plans do you have for obtaining funding?
• How does your future research expand upon the department’s strengths while simultaneously diversifying the university’s research portfolio? (For example, does your future research involve emerging research fields, state-of-the-art technologies, or novel applications?)

Describe your teaching experience and highlight teaching strategies. This section allows you to describe your teaching philosophy and how you apply this philosophy in your classroom. Start by briefly addressing your teaching goals and values. Here, you can provide specific examples of your teaching methods by describing activities and projects you assign students. Try to link your teaching and research together. For example, if you research the rise of feminism in the 19th century, consider how you bring either the methodology or the content of your research into the classroom. For a teaching-centered institution, such as a small liberal arts college or community college, you may want to emphasize your teaching more than your research. If you do not have any teaching experience, you could describe a training, mentoring, or coaching situation that was similar to teaching and how you would apply what you learned in a classroom.

• What is your teaching philosophy? How is your philosophy a good fit for the department in which you are applying to work?
• What sort of teaching strategies do you use in the classroom?
• What is your teaching style? Do you lecture? Do you emphasize discussion? Do you use specific forms of interactive learning?
• What courses have you taught?
• What departmental courses are you prepared to teach?
• Will you be able to fill in any gaps in the departmental course offerings?
• What important teaching and/or mentoring experiences have you had?
• How would you describe yourself in the classroom?
• What type of feedback have you gotten from students?
• Have you received any awards or recognition for your teaching?

Talk about your service work. Service is often an important component of an academic job description. This can include things like serving on committees or funding panels, providing reviews, and doing community outreach. The cover letter gives you an opportunity to explain how you have involved yourself in university life outside the classroom. For instance, you could include descriptions of volunteer work, participation in initiatives, or your role in professional organizations. This section should demonstrate ways in which you have served your department, university, and/or scholarly community. Here are some additional examples you could discuss:

• Participating in graduate student or junior faculty governance
• Sitting on committees, departmental or university-wide
• Partnerships with other university offices or departments
• Participating in community-partnerships
• Participating in public scholarship initiatives
• Founding or participating in any university initiatives or programs
• Creating extra-curricular resources or presentations

Present yourself as a future faculty member. This section demonstrates who you will be as a colleague. It gives you the opportunity to explain how you will collaborate with faculty members with similar interests; take part in departmental and/or institution wide initiatives or centers; and participate in departmental service. This shows your familiarity with the role of faculty outside the classroom and your ability to add to the departmental and/or institutional strengths or fill in any gaps.

• What excites you about this job?
• What faculty would you like to collaborate with and why? (This answer may be slightly tricky. See the section on name dropping below.)
• Are there any partnerships in the university or outside of it that you wish to participate in?
• Are there any centers associated with the university or in the community that you want to be involved in?
• Are there faculty initiatives that you are passionate about?
• Do you have experience collaborating across various departments or within your own department?
• In what areas will you be able to contribute?
• Why would you make an excellent addition to the faculty at this institution?

Compose a strong closing. This short section should acknowledge that you have sent in all other application documents and include a brief thank you for the reader’s time and/or consideration. It should also state your willingness to forward additional materials and indicate what you would like to see as next steps (e.g., a statement that you look forward to speaking with the search committee). End with a professional closing such as “Sincerely” or “Kind Regards” followed by your full name.

If you are finding it difficult to write the different sections of your cover letter, consider composing the other academic job application documents (the research statement, teaching philosophy, and diversity statement) first and then summarizing them in your job letter.

Different kinds of letters may be required for different types of jobs. For example, some jobs may focus on research. In this case, emphasize your research experiences and current project/s. Other jobs may be more focused on teaching. In this case, highlight your teaching background and skills. Below are two models for how you could change your letter’s organization based on the job description and the institution. The models offer a guide for you to consider how changing the order of information and the amount of space dedicated to a particular topic changes the emphasis of the letter.

Research-Based Position Job Letter Example:

Teaching-based position job letter example:.

Remember your first draft does not have to be your last. Try to get feedback from different readers, especially if it is one of your first applications. It is not uncommon to go through several stages of revisions. Check out the Writing Center’s handout on editing and proofreading and video on proofreading to help with this last stage of writing.

Potential pitfalls

Using the word dissertation. Some search committee members may see the word “dissertation” as a red flag that an applicant is too focused on their role as a graduate student rather than as a prospective faculty member. It may be advantageous, then, to describe your dissertation as current research, a current research project, current work, or some other phrase that demonstrates you are aware that your dissertation is the beginning of a larger scholarly career.

Too much jargon. While you may be writing to a specific department, people on the search committee might be unfamiliar with the details of your subfield. In fact, many committees have at least one member from outside their department. Use terminology that can easily be understood by non-experts. If you want to use a specific term that is crucial to your research, then you should define it. Aim for clarity for your reader, which may mean simplification in lieu of complete precision.

Overselling yourself. While your job letter should sell you as a great candidate, saying so (e.g., “I’m the ideal candidate”) in your letter may come off to some search committee members as presumptuous. Remember that although you have an idea about the type of colleague a department is searching for, ultimately you do not know exactly what they want. Try to avoid phrases or sentences where you state you are the ideal or the only candidate right for the position.

Paying too much attention to the job description. Job descriptions are the result of a lot of debate and compromise. If you have skills or research interests outside the job description, consider including them in your letter. It may be that your extra research interests; your outside skills; and/or your extracurricular involvements make you an attractive candidate. For example, if you are a Latin Americanist who also happens to be well-versed in the Spanish Revolution, it could be worth mentioning the expanse of your research interests because a department might find you could fill in other gaps in the curriculum or add an additional or complementary perspective to the department.

Improper sendoff. The closing of your letter is just as important as the beginning. The end of the letter should reflect the professionalism of the document. There should be a thank-you and the word sincerely or a formal equivalent. Remember, it is the very last place in your letter where you present yourself as a capable future colleague.

Small oversights. Make sure to proofread your letter not just for grammar but also for content. For example, if you use material from another letter, make sure you do not include the names of another school, department, or unassociated faculty! Or, if the school is in Chicago, make sure you do not accidentally reference it as located in the Twin Cities.

Name dropping. You rarely know the internal politics of the department or institution to which you are applying. So be cautious about the names you insert in your cover letters. You do not want to unintentionally insert yourself into a departmental squabble or add fire to an interdepartmental conflict. Instead, focus on the actions you will undertake and the initiatives you are passionate about.

Works consulted

We consulted these works while writing this handout. This is not a comprehensive list of resources on the handout’s topic, and we encourage you to do your own research to find additional publications. Please do not use this list as a model for the format of your own reference list, as it may not match the citation style you are using. For guidance on formatting citations, please see the UNC Libraries citation tutorial . We revise these tips periodically and welcome feedback.

Ball, Cheryl E. 2013. “Understanding Cover Letters.” Inside Higher Ed , November 3, 2013. https://www.insidehighered.com/advice/2013/11/04/essay-cover-letter-academic-jobs .

Borchardt, John. 2014. “Writing a Winning Cover Letter.” Science Magazine , August 6, 2014. https://www.sciencemag.org/careers/2014/08/writing-winning-cover-letter# .

Helmreich, William. 2013. “Your First Academic Job.” Inside Higher Ed , June 17, 2013. https://www.insidehighered.com/advice/2013/06/17/essay-how-land-first-academic-job .

Kelsky, Karen. 2013. “How To Write a Journal Article Submission Cover Letter.” The Professor Is In (blog), April 26, 2013. https://theprofessorisin.com/2013/04/26/how-to-write-a-journal-article-submission-cover-letter/ .

Tomaska, Lubomir, and Josef Nosek. 2008. “Ten Simple Rules for Writing a Cover Letter to Accompany a Job Application for an Academic Position.” PLoS Computational Biology 14(5). https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pcbi.1006132 .

You may reproduce it for non-commercial use if you use the entire handout and attribute the source: The Writing Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

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Academic Cover Letters

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When you're applying for a faculty position with a college or university, the cover letter is your first chance to make a strong impression as a promising researcher and teacher. Below you'll find some strategies for presenting your qualifications effectively in an academic context.

Distinctions between Academic and Business Cover Letters

A cover letter for an academic job has a function similar to one for a business job, but the content differs significantly in quantity and kind. While the general advice for business cover letters—such as tailoring your letter for the specific job and selling your strengths—still applies, a cover letter for an academic position should be long enough to highlight in some detail your accomplishments during your graduate education in research, teaching, departmental service, and so on. The typical letter is thus usually one and a half to two pages long, but not more than two—roughly five to eight paragraphs.

The First Paragraph

In the opening of your letter you need to convey some basic information, such as what specific position you are applying for (using the title given in the job notice) and where you learned of the opening. Since a cover letter is a kind of persuasive writing (persuading a hiring committee to include you on a list of candidates for further review), the first paragraph of your letter should also make the initial claim as to why you are a strong candidate for the position.

Tailoring for Your Audience

In an academic context knowing your audience means reading the job notice carefully and knowing the type of institution to which you are applying. Most graduate students have studied a broad range of material within their discipline before specializing in a narrow field for the dissertation project. Since it is rare to find a job notice specifying your exact qualifications, you need to emphasize those aspects of your graduate training that seem particularly relevant to the position advertised.

• Job notice: If you've written a political science dissertation on populism in early twentieth-century US national politics, you probably won't respond to a notice seeking a specialist in international politics during the Cold War. But you may wish to apply for a position teaching twentieth-century US political parties and movements. In this case you would want to stress the relevance of your dissertation to the broad context of twentieth-century US politics, even though the study focuses narrowly on the pre-World War I period. You might also highlight courses taken, presentations given, or other evidence of your expertise that corresponds to the job notice.
• Type of institution: Often the job notice will provide a brief description of the college or university, indicating such factors as size, ownership (public, private), affiliation (religious, nonsectarian), geography (urban, suburban, rural), and so on. These factors will influence the kind of information emphasized in your letter. For example, for a job at a small liberal arts college that focuses on undergraduate teaching, you would emphasize your teaching experience and pedagogical philosophy early in the letter before mentioning your dissertation. On the other hand, for a job at a large research university you would provide at least one detailed paragraph describing your dissertation early in the letter, even indicating your plans for future research, before mentioning your teaching and other experience.

Other Advice

If you're still working on your dissertation, you should mention somewhere in the letter when you expect to be awarded the Ph.D., even being as specific as to mention how many chapters have been completed and accepted, how many are in draft version, and what your schedule for completion is. Last-paragraph tips include the following:

• Mention your contact information, including a phone number where you can be reached if you will be away during a holiday break.
• If you will be attending an upcoming major professional conference in your field, such as the MLA convention for language and literature professionals, indicate that you will be available for an interview there. Be sure to mention that you are available for telephone or campus-visit interviews as well.
• If you have some special connection to the school, type of institution, or region, such as having attended the school as an undergraduate or having grown up in the area, you may wish to mention that information briefly at some point.
• Mention your willingness to forward upon request additional materials such as writing samples, teaching evaluations, and letters of recommendation.

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Cover Letter Guide

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The cover letter is one of your marketing documents (in addition to your resume) and your opportunity to bring additional focus to your resume with a specific reader in mind. You will write a unique and well-researched letter for every opportunity to which you apply. Before you begin constructing your cover letter, we encourage you to consider your lens.  What we mean is that we want you to adopt the mindset, or lens, of the person who will make the hiring decision.

• What are the most important qualities needed to be successful in this role? 
• What type of candidate will progress to the interview? 

Many of the answers you seek are found in the job description or through a conversation with a professional who works for the organization. Use all of these resources to identify the most important messages that you need to convey about your story in the cover letter. A Cover letter is an opportunity to tell your story in a compelling way by making a claim and substantiating that claim with examples. It follows much of the same structure as an essay.

• Present a clear thesis.
• Provide evidence to support your claims.
• Bring the story to a close with a succinct and compelling conclusion.

Not sure a cover letter is necessary?   Think of the cover letter as part of the resume.  If someone asks for a resume, send a resume plus a cover letter, unless there is an explicit request otherwise. This is standard practice. Also, if you are applying online and have a small text box in which to provide additional information, consider this an opportunity for a mini-cover letter.

Steps to Success

Make a strong first impression in the first sentence of the first paragraph.  A persuasive first sentence tells the reader that you are serious and keeps them reading.  Interesting and compelling information about your candidacy should be introduced in your first paragraph.  The final paragraph is too late.

Go beyond general statements that could be true for the majority of candidates.  Common qualities or characteristics will not help you to uniquely stand out.  Trust the resume to cover the basics and use the cover letter to highlight bigger patterns of success or share an anecdote about your achievements that relates to a requirement of the position.

Tell the reader about you. Communicate your interest and motivation to apply by connecting your background and interests to your knowledge of the organization.  Avoid reporting facts.  The reader already knows his or her organization but wants to know about you and why you are applying.  This is a great opportunity to show your level of research on the position.

Use evidence to build credibility around every claim in your letter.  The reader wants to believe you and needs detailed illustrations of your past success to do so.  If you have included more than a couple of claims (two or three are sufficient) about your ability to thrive in the job, you are sacrificing depth for breadth and duplicating the work that the resume should do.  Move extra information for the cover letter to the resume to improve it and trust the resume.

Cover Letter Template

Undergraduate Cover Letter Examples

Graduate Cover Letter Examples

Writing Cover Letters

What is a cover letter? What to include in a cover letter How to organize a cover letter Questions to guide your writing How to format a cover letter Sample cover letters

What is a cover letter?

To be considered for almost any position, you will need to write a letter of application. Such a letter introduces you, explains your purpose for writing, highlights a few of your experiences or skills, and requests an opportunity to meet personally with the potential employer.

Precisely because this letter is your introduction to an employer and because first impressions count, you should take great care to write an impressive and effective letter. Remember that the letter not only tells of your accomplishments but also reveals how effectively you can communicate.

The appropriate content, format, and tone for application letters vary according to the position and the personality of the applicant. Thus, you will want to ask several people (if possible) who have had experience in obtaining jobs or in hiring in your field to critique a draft of your letter and to offer suggestions for revision.

Despite the differences in what constitutes a good application letter, the suggestions on these pages apply generally.

What to include in a cover letter

• Try to limit your letter to a single page. Be succinct.
• Assess the employer’s needs and your skills. Then try to match them in the letter in a way that will appeal to the employer’s self-interest.
• As much as possible, tailor your letter to each job opportunity. Demonstrate, if possible, some knowledge of the organization to which you are applying.
• Write in a style that is mature but clear; avoid long and intricate sentences and paragraphs; avoid jargon. Use action verbs and the active voice; convey confidence, optimism, and enthusiasm coupled with respect and professionalism.
• Show some personality, but avoid hard-sell, gimmicky, or unorthodox letters. Start fast; attract interest immediately. For more information see Business Letter Format .
• Arrange the points in a logical sequence; organize each paragraph around a main point.

How to organize a cover letter

Below is one possible way to arrange the content of your cover letter.

Opening Paragraph

State why you are writing.

Establish a point of contact (advertisement in a specific place for a specific position; a particular person’s suggestion that you write): give some brief idea of who you are (a Senior engineering student at UW; a recent Ph.D. in History).

Paragraph(s) 2(-3)

Highlight a few of the most salient points from your enclosed resume.

Arouse your reader’s curiosity by mentioning points that are likely to be important for the position you are seeking.

Show how your education and experience suit the requirements of the position, and, by elaborating on a few points from your resume, explain what you could contribute to the organization.

(Your letter should complement, not restate, your resume.)

Closing paragraph

Stress action. Politely request an interview at the employer’s convenience.

Indicate what supplementary material is being sent under separate cover and offer to provide additional information (a portfolio, a writing sample, a sample publication, a dossier, an audition tape), and explain how it can be obtained.

Thank the reader for his/her consideration and indicate that you are looking forward to hearing from him/her.

Questions to guide your writing

• Who is my audience?
• What is my objective?
• What are the objectives and needs of my audience?
• How can I best express my objective in relationship to my audience’s objectives and needs?
• What specific benefits can I offer to my audience and how can I best express them?
• What opening sentence and paragraph will grab the attention of my audience in a positive manner and invite them to read further?
• How can I maintain and heighten the interest and desire of the reader throughout the letter?
• What evidence can I present of my value to my audience?
• If a resume is enclosed with the letter, how can I best make the letter advertise the resume?
• What closing sentence or paragraph will best assure the reader of my capabilities and persuade him or her to contact me for further information?
• Is the letter my best professional effort?

*From Ronald L. Kraunich, William J. Bauis. High Impact Resumes & Letters. Virginia Beach, VA: Impact Publications, 1982.

How to format a cover letter

• Type each letter individually, or use a word processor.
• Use good quality bond paper.
• Whenever possible, address each employer by name and title.
• Each letter should be grammatically correct, properly punctuated, and perfectly spelled. It also should be immaculately clean and free of errors. Proofread carefully!
• Use conventional business correspondence form. If you are not certain of how to do this, ask for help at the Writing Center.

Sample cover letters

Looking at examples of strong cover letters is a great way to understand how this advice can become implemented. We’ve compiled and annotated a range of different kinds of cover letters from different kinds of student applicants. We encourage you to look through these letters and see some of what we’ve highlighted as working particularly well in these real world examples.

• Cover Letter Example 1. Undergraduate student applying for a restaurant hosting position.
• Cover Letter Example 2. Undergraduate sophomore applying for an internship with a non-profit, political organization.
• Cover Letter Example 3. Graduate student applying for a Project Assistant position at UW-Madison. The original job posting for this position can be found here .
• Cover Letter Example 4. A graduated student with an English literature and Spanish language double major applying to work as a law firm legal assistant.

In addition to these sample cover letters, you can find a range of other, often discipline-specific cover letter examples through these UW-Madison resources:

• SuccessWorks has developed a useful resource that features an overview of cover letters. It provides a breakdown of this genre’s main parts as well as an example cover letter and resume, all in response to an included job posting for a position with Americas Society Council of the Americas. All of this is located here .
• UW-Madison’s Law School has several wonderful examples of cover letters for law-related jobs here . These are organized according how far the applicants were into their law school careers (i.e., L1, L2, and L3).
• The Career Center for the School of Education has information about cover letters as well as sample cover letter for someone applying to be an elementary school teacher here .

Academic and Professional Writing

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Cover Letter Writing Guide

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Write your first cover letter by downloading the template below and following the step-by-step guide for overall formatting and what to write in each paragraph.

Download the cover letter template in a Microsoft Word document

Step 1: Add Your Contact Information

• Use the same heading as on your resume with your name and personal information below it. You can copy and paste the contact information portion of your resume into a new Word document and start from there.

Step 2: Add the Date, Employer Contact Information, & Greeting

• Underneath your contact information, add the full date, the employer’s contact name and address, and your greeting
• Examples : Dear Lorraine Jimenez,  Dear Dr. Phillips, Dear Hiring Manager, Dear Hiring Committee

Step 3: The Intro Paragraph

The opening sentence should be an enthusiastic reference to your interest in the position. Talk about what led to your discovery of the position and your unique interest in the role. If someone referred you to the position, mention them by name in the first paragraph.

For a more personal or creative letter, you can add in a very brief (2-3 sentences) anecdote or explanation of why you’re interested in this particular employer or job or feel connected to their values. Regardless of how you organize it, your introductory paragraph should include these four things:

• The specific position title
• The organization name
• Why you’re interested
• Why you’d be a good fit

Step 4: Body Paragraph(s)

Cover letters typically include 1-2 body paragraphs that show employers examples of your previous experience or times when you’ve put your relevant skills to use. These examples should be specific, detailing actions you took, things you learned, and the impact of your work whenever possible.

Everyone’s writing style is unique, but each body paragraph generally includes:

• An opening sentence that introduces what experience, skill, or qualification you’ll be explaining in this paragraph.
• Clear example(s) of what you’ve done or accomplished–be specific! Show, don’t tell.
• A sentence that connects what you’ve done with what you can contribute if hired.

Step 5: Closing Paragraph

Your closing paragraph will be shorter than your body paragraphs. It should be a concise wrap-up to your letter that…

• Optional : You can include one more additional fact or expression of unique connection to the role or employer that you haven’t mentioned in the body paragraphs
• Thanks them for their time and consideration of your application

That’s all there is to it! The process may seem overwhelming at first, but if you write to a specific job description and explain your skills and experience with detail, you’ll be off to a great start.

See Examples

• View Cover Letter Examples
• See more cover letter templates from The Muse

Get Your Cover Letter Reviewed

• Submit your cover letter to the Career Document Dropbox to get personalized feedback in 2-3 business days
• Schedule a 1:1 appointment with the Career Education team

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Cover Letter Resources

Cover letters introduce your story and create a first impression for employers. They link your resume to the position, showcasing your knowledge of the organization and highlighting relevant skills. Start by researching the organization, considering what intrigues you and what you have to offer.

WHAT TO INCLUDE

• AI & COVER LETTERS

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Quick formatting tips.

Your cover letter should include 3-4 paragraphs with the following information:

• The main purpose of the first paragraph is to introduce yourself and tell why you are writing. You want to grab the employer’s attention: why you are interested in this position and/or why this organization. Use your community: if someone has referred you to the organization (a current employee, friend, family member) include his or her name in the first sentence.
• Tell the employer your story: describe your qualifications for the type of position you seek using specific examples from academic, work, volunteer, and/or co-curricular experiences. Connect your accomplishments, skills and knowledge directly to the type of position, organization and/or field. Avoid repeating facts outlined on your resume by focusing on key concepts.
• Summarize or give a final statement of interest/qualifications. Thank the employer for his/her time and consideration. Plan to follow up with the employer with a phone call or email.

Need help getting started?

Answer some of these questions to help you consider what you want to say in each paragraph.

• Paragraph 1: Why are you interested in this position/this organization? What in the posting made you say “I’ve got to apply!”?
• Paragraphs 2-3: What 2-3 experiences connect your skills to those listed in the position? What made you say “I can do that!”?
• Paragraph 4: What final point do you want to make?

CONSIDERATIONS FOR INCORPORATING AI INTO COVER LETTERS

Using AI for cover letters offers benefits like saving time, providing writing guidance, tailoring content to specific jobs, and ensuring grammar and style correctness. AI boosts consistency, boosts confidence, and reduces writer's block, giving you a competitive edge in the job market. Remember, while AI helps, personalization and creativity remain important for a successful cover letter.

Check out these resources 

• ChatGPT, AI, and the Job Search

Looking for a little help to get you started typing up your cover letter? Consider using  Lettersmith : an online tool developed by U-M's Center for Academic Innovation to help you get started with a checklist of what to include and example letters.

Log into Lettersmith and click "Join Template". Use code OCLAL835 to join the University Career Center's template.

• Use LinkedIn/Facebook and the organization’s website to gather information for your cover letter. Focus on skills and attributes the employer is seeking in applicants. Discuss these skills in the body of your cover letter.
• Try to find the name of the person you want to read the letter.  It demonstrates a higher level of investment and enthusiasm for the position.  If you can't find a name use a title (eg: Internship Coordinator, Human Resources Director)
• Cover letters also showcase your writing abilities. Therefore, it is imperative that your cover letters be error-free and grammatically sound. Avoid beginning every sentence with an “I” statement.
• Underline the verbs in the job posting to identify key skills.
• Avoid cover letter clichés (e.g. ...make me an outstanding candidate).

For more cover letter tips check out these websites:

• Cover Letter Examples for Students and Recent Graduates
• 11 Essential Cover Letter Tips
• Font:  10 to 12 point, in the same font as your resume.
• Paper:  The same as your resume — a quality bond.
• Margins:  1 or 1.25 inches.
• Layout:  Left justified, beginning no more than 2 inches from the top.
• Style:  Positive language, confident but not imposing, concise with supporting detail, written in active verb voice.
• E-mail:  Use body of e-mail as cover letter starting with salutation.

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Cover Letters

Your cover letter is just as important as your resume. You have written your resume as a document that represents you, and the recruiting manager has written a position description that reflects the organization’s needs. A cover letter ties them together. It’s more specific than a resume and highlights projects or efforts that align with the requirements of the position or program.

You should plan to submit a cover letter along with your resume (or CV) for every position or program you apply for. The only exception is if the internship/job posting specifically notes not to include one.

• Alignment: Left aligned, after the header
• Length: 1 page and 3-4 paragraphs at maximum

Date, Recipient, Salutation

• Date: This is first after your header. Spell out the month and include the year.
• Recipient: This comes after the date and is usually 3-5 lines. Include the organization’s name, the name and title of the person you are addressing (if you have this information), and the organization’s address or other contact information (if you’re able to find this).
• Salutation or Greeting: If you are addressing a specific person, use their name in the salutation (“Dear Firstname Lastname” or “Dear Mr./Ms. Lastname”). If not, use something generic such as “hiring manager,” “hiring committee,” or “selection committee.”

Letter Body

The body of your cover letter should be a maximum of 3-4 paragraphs and address 3 main points: what you know about the organization, what you are applying for, and what you can do for them.

• Introduction and Interest (paragraph 1): Include what you are applying for, what you know about the organization, and why you are interested
• The Evidence (paragraph 2): Outline what you can do for them, make a case for why you are the candidate to hire
• The Connection (paragraph 2-3): Make the connections between the desired qualifications listed in the posting to your experience and skills.
• The Closing (paragraph 3-4): Reiterate your interest, express gratitude, and note that you look forward to hearing from them. Also, provide contact information if it is not in the header.

Use “Sincerely” followed by your full name on the next line. This is your electronic signature. You can use a script font if you prefer or keep it the same as the rest of the letter.

• Cover letter sample 1 (pdf) , showing paragraph style
• Cover letter sample 2 (pdf) , showing bullet style
• Cover letter sample 3 (pdf) , showing preferred name and bullet style
• Attend a cover letter presentation to get started. Check the calendar for upcoming sessions
• Read more tips and advice on the blog
• Bring a draft in for a cover letter review

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Effective Cover Letters

A cover letter quickly summarizes 1) why you are applying to an organization or for a particular position, and 2) what skills and knowledge you bring that make you a strong candidate for that position. It’s an opportunity to create a narrative that emphasizes & demonstrates the skills you’ve used or are developing.

Cover letters are often viewed as a demonstration of your writing abilities, so make certain that it is free of spelling mistakes, grammar issues, and typos.

• Tailor your cover letter to the specific organization & role. Generic form cover letters are easy to spot and can indicate a lack of interest.
• Use a standard size font (11 to 12 point)
• Use standard margins (1 to .65)
• Stay on 1 page (for non-academic position applications).
• Use the same header (with your name & contact information) as used on your resume.
• If it’s unclear, you can say “Dear Name & Hiring Committee” or just “Dear Hiring Committee”.

Don’t:

• Write more than 1 page
• Write “My name is…”
• Address it with “To Whom It May Concern”

How to Address the Letter:

Your Name & Contact Info ( tip: use the same format as your resume )

Today’s Date

Hiring Manager/Recruiter’s Name Title / Organization

Dear ______:

Content + Structure

Opening Paragraph: Briefly introduce why you are applying to this organization / for this role specifically. What about them or this opportunity specifically made you excited to apply? This shows that 1) this is not a generic form letter, and 2) you did a little extra research & are familiar with the organization & their work. It is also helpful to include an overall summary of the key skills, knowledge areas, or experiences that you are bring to this role right here in the first paragraph.

Middle paragraph(s): Use specific stories, examples, or anecdotes from your background to show the kinds of relevant and/or transferable skills the employer is seeking. It’s always more effective and persuasive if you can demonstrate skills in the context in which you’ve used them; how have your experiences from your resume honed these particular skills? Are there stories or examples that would show times you’ve used or developed specific skills?

Remember, they also have your resume, so your cover letter doesn’t need to include all your experiences. Try to avoid restating what’s already in your resume. Rather than saying, “ I can make a uniquely valuable contribution to your organization ,” give the employer enough relevant, targeted information to allow the reader to reach that conclusion independently.

Be specific and tell stories that have a touch of drama: “ When I was working as the president of X student group, one of the challenges that we faced was XYZ “. Then describe how you used your skills to overcome it: “ Building relationships with administrators on campus allowed us to create X event or enabled us to take on Y  initiative “. You can also reflect on how this is relevant for the reader: “ I really enjoyed being placed in a position where I had to reach out to contact and bring them all together by creating a shared vision for everyone to buy into. I would be excited to bring this combination of strong marketing skills and relationship building to the role of Advertising Associate “.

Closing Paragraph: Explain why the position and the particular organization is attractive to you. Provide an authentic reason why you are exited about bring your skills to the role. Speaking with former or current employees at the organization as part of your networking can also help in this regards. You can end by thanking them for their consideration or stating that you look forward to hearing from them.

Elements of a Strong Cover Letter

• Tailor your cover letter. Employers can tell when they receive a generic cover letter. The fastest way to stand out is to be specific to them and to you. What skills or qualifications are they looking for? What related or transferable skills & experiences could you highlight from your background?
• Show the reader your skills in context. Avoid simply listing your skills (i.e. “I have strong skills in communication, collaboration, and teamwork.”) or stating your qualifications (i.e. “I am an innovative thinker.”) Instead, demonstrate that you are those things by talking about accomplishments and experiences that show it. Can you use a brief story or example that would show times you’ve used or developed those skills?
• Go beyond restating your resume. It’s better to go in depth on two or three experiences than just restating what’s already on your resume. How have your experiences from your resume honed skills that are related to what you’re applying for?
• Focus on why you’re a strong candidate. Don’t exclusively focus on why this opportunity would be a good fit for your development or career. Instead, take some of the space where you’re talking about your interest and focus it on your aptitude. How do some of your experiences demonstrate the kind of skills they’re looking for?
• Strike the right tone. Avoid saying “I’m the perfect candidate” or “I’m the best person for this role” or words like unparalleled/overjoyed – it can easily come across too strong or even as arrogant. It’s also good to avoid the word ‘passion/passionate’, which can easily be overused and come across as disingenuous in cover letters. Instead, show that you’re a strong candidate, or excellent candidate, or that you’d be excited to bring (or further hone) your skills & experience to this opportunity.

Questions to Ask Yourself

Ask yourself 2 questions:

• This may require you to do some background research on the employer’s website, or else talk to someone you know (or don’t yet know) who already works there. Briefly explain why you want to work at that particular organization and/or doing that particular job.
• This is the majority of a cover letter. Go through the job/internship description and pay attention to any requirements and skills the employer is looking for. Pick out a couple of the most important skills that the employer is looking for. You want your cover letter to illustrate that you have these skills and show examples of when you’ve used them effectively (whether that was through academics, extracurriculars, jobs, internships, etc.). For many jobs/internships, you may want to focus on transferable skills or skills that you used in a different context to the one you’re applying for.

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It’s Episode 187 – and we’re talking all about Cover Letters! Cover Letters are opportunities to showcase YOU to employers – join us as we discuss everything you need to know about Cover Letters, including:

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Sample Cover Letters

Look through these sample cover letters to get an idea of what to include in your letter.   Do not copy them directly!  

The most important quality you can convey in your cover letter is enthusiasm, and this must be done in your own style.

Read our tips for writing a great cover letter .  We suggest that you write the first draft of your letter without using a sample to guide you.  Once you’ve created your first letter, those that follow will be much easier. 

Undergraduate Internship

Layla D’Antonio New York, NY | [email protected] | (212) 555-0000

February 5, 2023

Dear Ms. Chan,

I am writing to express my interest in CNN’s editorial internship as part of the Columbia Experience Overseas Hong Kong. With a keen interest in media production and journalism, I am eager to explore these fields in one of the world’s fastest-growing markets. As a rising sophomore at Columbia University studying psychology with a concentration in sustainable development, I am excited to apply my cultural awareness and critical thinking skills, as well as my creativity and teamwork skills to this position.

For the past year, I have worked with the Columbia Video Network to record classes for the developing online sector of Columbia University School of Engineering. My colleagues and I produced content that students around the world can access for their online programs. Additionally, I played a vital role managing our social media presence via Facebook and Twitter, increasing the network’s online exposure by sharing photos from our production room, writing posts about advancements in technology, and sharing engineering-related content. Through this experience, I familiarized myself with media outlets and increased engagement with prospective students.

Currently, as Division I student-athlete, I continuously develop my perseverance, mental stamina and time management skills. I have learned to master the art of balancing a demanding schedule while navigating a fast-paced environment. My experience as an athlete has also helped me to become an effective leader and communicator, acting as a liaison between my teammates and coaching staff. All are skills I expect to use at CNN.

I am excited by the opportunity to contribute to one of the world’s leading news organizations while exploring my curiosity in the use of technology as a tool to transmit knowledge through visual media. I look forward to the opportunity to learn how CNN integrates these tools within the news landscape, and to grow as a journalist and creative thinker. Thank you for your consideration.

Sincerely, Layla D’Antonio

Creative Industry

Sara Danson New York, NY • +1 (202) 555-0188 • [email protected]

April 26, 2023

Dear Hiring Team,

Growing up with a political historian as my father, I learned a crucial lesson: to care about people, you have to care about politics. In this vein, I have long admired the Center for Democratic Progress, using your reports and articles to help define my own policy positions. As I prepare to graduate from Columbia University with a degree in American studies and creative writing in May, I want to work for an organization that lets me act on my care for people every day. With seven years of editorial experience, I think I could do great work as Democratic Progress’ Assistant Editor.

I first honed my editing skills as a journalist. Working for Elementary, I wrote and copy edited dozens of articles using AP Style – everything from long-form investigations of standardized testing to columns about Common Core. I posted and formatted articles and photos on Elementary’s WordPress site, and managed production of the magazine’s quarterly print issues. For this work, I wrote headlines, blurbs, and photo captions as needed, and used Adobe Photoshop and InDesign regularly. I have done similar work as a writer for the Daily Noise, a workshop participant at Columbia, and the sole editor of The Soul in Our Soles, a full-length book. Through these experiences, I have edited hundreds of pages, adjusted to new style guides and expectations, and learned how to give my feedback clearly and diplomatically. So, too, have I honed my attention to detail and accuracy, learned how to work independently and under time pressure, and kept track of small-moving parts across several projects at once.

In other jobs, I have channeled my political views into meaningful work. As an intern for the League Against Hate Speech and Detroit for All, a nonprofit which helps immigrants and refugees in Southeast Michigan, I worked with teams to advocate progressive policy positions by planning trips, conferences, and community-wide events. As part of this work, I communicated with a wide range of individuals – wealthy businessmen, Bhutanese refugees, and Israeli activists alike – and sharpened my written and verbal communications skills. I also gave my colleagues operational support, copying and filing papers, scheduling meetings, and inputting data into Salesforce, among other tasks. These experiences taught me when to ask for help, how to solve problems, and how to organize my work and others’ well. At the same time, I learned firsthand how satisfying it is to work hard for a cause you believe in.

Given the opportunity, I would love to do that work for Democratic Progress as your Assistant Editor. I would be able to relocate to Washington, D.C. quickly upon hiring. Thank you so much for your time and consideration, and I look forward to hearing from you.

Sincerely, Sara Danson

Engineering

Devon Fisher 917-555-0000 | [email protected] | New York, NY

March 11, 2023

Vince Winchester Thornton Tomasetti 51 Madison Ave #19 New York, NY 10010

Dear Mr. Winchester,

I am writing to express my interest in the Energy Analyst internship at Thornton Tomasetti. After connecting with Recruitment manager Charlotte Greene at Columbia University’s Sustainability Career Fair, and learning about the company’s impact in the sustainable engineering space, I knew I needed to apply. I am a senior at Columbia majoring in Mechanical Engineering and believe that my critical thinking and interpersonal skills along with my commitment to engaging in complex engineering problems would be an asset to your team.

During my internship with ERS, I successfully employed my critical thinking skills and interpersonal skills to pinpoint cost-effective retrofit measures on a very limited budget and with little manpower. While working on heat load models, I realized that improving the insulation of a building could result in greater savings than the team’s HVAC focus. With approval from my boss, I was able to take initiative to create a new framework for implementing insulation and envelope repairs. Using this idea, the team discovered that one of the school sites could save over $30,000 a year on electricity through insulation upgrades.

Currently, I am leading a project for the Columbia Formula SAE team researching and analyzing sensors with a goal to wire a car to increase speed and validate load predictions. This project is particularly relevant to the current trends in the energy efficiency space, as sensors exist in buildings and retrofit projects need to be validated. My current coursework complements my experience in its focus on statistical programming for modeling environmental issues. For example, I am working on a project using machine learning to predict roofs in New York City that need insulation.

I am excited by the opportunity to be on a team that collaborates to help clients meet their engineering and sustainability goals, and where I can showcase my mechanical engineering skills. Thank you for considering me to join the Thornton Tomasetti team.

Sincerely, Devon Fisher

Experienced

AMY M. ROBINS 212-555-1212 • [email protected] 

August 22, 2022

Dear Ms. Kramer,

I am writing to apply to your grant writer position. When I saw this posting on your website, I was immediately drawn to AIDG’s focus on business incubation and eco-friendly technologies, and believe your model offers many opportunities to create lasting improvements to infrastructures in Guatemala and Haiti. To help your company gain further funding for its mission, I offer proven writing, research, and communication skills as well as successful grant writing experience.

I was inspired to transition from magazine writing to grant writing when I started editing documents for the Refugee and Immigrant Fund (RIF), a not-for-profit agency that aids new immigrants as they adjust to life in the United States. Working with RIF’s founder to create two grant applications, I found my editorial background equipped me well for the challenges of drafting and editing proposals to secure not-for-profit funding. Both applications were successful and resulted in grants needed to support two new programs.

Additionally, as the Assistant Research Editor at Budget Travel magazine, I pinpoint the most engaging details of a subject and write stories that appeal to a targeted audience. These skills have helped me create grant applications that draw attention from an audience of grant givers and personal donors.

Finally, every day at Budget Travel, I communicate effectively across language barriers. Maintaining my record of zero printed errors, I routinely call and email small foreign businesses, from family-owned restaurants in Panama to three-room B&Bs in Italy. My French language proficiency, further refined when I studied in Senegal, will help me work closely with your staff in Haiti. Moreover, I am currently enrolled in introductory Spanish lessons and plan to continue classes in Guatemala.

I would be honored to join AIDG and help promote sustainable technologies, XelaTeco, and other business incubation plans. I look forward to discussing how I can help your organization grow and expand through fundraising. Thank you for your time and consideration.

Sincerely, Amy Robins

Using Bullet Points

Elizabeth Lee (212) 555-0649 || [email protected] || New York, NY

September 5, 2022

Bain & Company 415 Mission Street, Suite 4800 San Francisco, California 94105

Dear Ms. Victoria Andres,

I am writing to apply for the Associate Consultant position at Bain & Company’s San Francisco and New York offices. I am currently a senior at Columbia University pursuing a major in Philosophy with a minor in Economics. Throughout the past year, I have had the pleasure of talking to ACs in the San Francisco, Chicago, and Shanghai offices about their experiences at Bain. Most recently, I spoke with Cheryl Bloom, an AC at the SF Office and my ACI interview buddy last year. She emphasized the great learning environment and active mentorships available at Bain, which I find very exciting!

This past summer, I worked at Kaiser Associates , a Washington D.C.-based international strategy and management consulting firm serving Fortune 500 companies. I believe my consulting experiences, leadership successes, and academic achievement will make me a valuable asset to Bain.

As an Associate Consultant, I will contribute the following skills:

Analytical problem-solving. At Kaiser Associates, I analyzed prices of construction machine warranties for a Fortune 100 industrial equipment manufacturer in order to increase its warranty sales through price adjustments. Using regressions in Excel, I evaluated the impact of different types of coverages on warranty prices at competing manufacturers. As a result, I was able to provide quantitative data to help the project team develop final recommendations, which were well-received by our client at the end of the project.

Strong interpersonal and client-facing skills. At Asia Society last summer, I presented a sponsorship proposal to senior managers of All Nippon Airways (ANA) and the Peninsula Hotel regarding an upcoming Japanese cultural banquet. By thoroughly researching the two companies’ preferences to devise sponsorship tiers and benefits, I successfully convinced both to sponsor the event by offering 75% discounted air tickets and accommodation, saving Asia Society $6,000 in the budget.

Leadership and influence. As one of three recipients of the Symposium Fellowship (a Columbia-sponsored liberal arts teaching fellowship), I designed and taught a 10-day seminar on Dostoevsky and Rousseau in Beijing, China. With 15 high school and college students, whose areas of study ranged from engineering to fine arts, I facilitated in-depth discussions about philosophical texts as well as contemporary social issues and engaged every student in seminar-style learning regardless of their English language skills and points of view. Based on feedback from a course evaluation survey designed by myself, all 15 students were beyond satisfied with the seminar and began to take an interest in philosophy.

With my strong academic achievements and multicultural, multilingual background, I am confident that I would be a great addition to Bain and make tangible contributions to the team. I look forward to discussing my candidacy for this position at your convenience. Thank you for your time and consideration.

Sincerely, Elizabeth Lee

Create Your Own Internship

Even if a company or organization does not have an internship program or has never had an intern, it may be possible to convince them to create an internship for you. 

Here are some tips to get started on your “create your own internship” cover letter:

In your cover letter, acknowledge that while there is no internship program in their company or organization, you are proposing that they create an internship for you based on the skills you offer and the value you could add in return for real work experience and training.

Explain the type of work that you would like to do. Remember to be realistic about what type of work an intern typically does in this field. It may be helpful to research internship postings at similar organizations for reference.

Demonstrate your knowledge about and interest in the company. Be enthusiastic and convincing as to why you want to work for them.

Use social media or the company’s “About Us” web pages to identify an actual person in the department that interests you and direct your cover letter and resume to that person.

Follow up in a few days with another email or a phone call. 

Cover Letter with Comments

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Writing the Cover Letter

What are the objectives of a cover letter.

A good cover letter puts your résumé in context and persuades the prospective employer that you are a good match for the position in question. If your cover letter does its job, the prospective employer will begin to consider your candidacy and go on to review your résumé in detail.

Your cover letter also serves as a sample of your organizational and communication skills. For this reason, it's essential to spend time writing and organizing the content, and to proofread it carefully. The time and care that you devote to constructing and writing your cover letter and résumé will demonstrate to the prospective employer that you're capable of producing high quality work.

Finally, your cover letter expresses your interest in the particular position or particular organization. Cover letters should be individually tailored for each job prospect. Your letter should convey to each prospective employer that you have an understanding of the job, and that you've done some thinking about how you could fit in to the organization and contribute to its goals.

How should I approach the writing task?

Your cover letter is your opportunity to market those aspects of your skills, abilities, education, training, background, and experience which are most relevant to the position you're seeking. This means that you will need to begin by doing some thinking about your skills and background and how these relate to the position for which you're applying. (For more information about skills, visit the Humanities Academic Services Center website .) Your cover letter should reflect your individuality, but remember that you are "introducing yourself" for the first time to a stranger: it's best to err on the side of professionalism.

Read the job announcement carefully. What are the most important qualifications being sought? How can you best demonstrate that you have them? Try to put yourself in the prospective employer's position: What would you want to know about a candidate for this particular job? What information would be most important to you? Include only the most relevant attributes and experiences you possess which specifically match the job for which you're applying.

Research the company or organization: What does the employing organization do? What are its goals? What is its history? How does it fit in to its industry? What characterizes the organization's culture (e.g., is it casual, conservative, highly structured, diverse, traditional, modern, fast-paced, etc.)? Some information, such as the organization's mission, purpose, clients, partners, and a sense of its "style" can be found on its website (if it has one). There are also industry and employer directories available on the web, in the libraries, and at UW Career Center in 134 Mary Gates Hall. Local and national newspapers, industry-related publications and journals, and the Washington Occupational Information System are also good resources.

Address the letter to a specific individual. As with all writing, it's important to identify your audience. Taking the time to find out the hiring party's name and correct title is another way to demonstrate your interest in the position.

How should I format my cover letter?

Your cover letter should be three to four paragraphs in length and limited to one page. Like an essay, its content can usually be divided up into three parts:

The introduction states the position you're seeking, explains how you learned about the position, and indicates your interest. It often also contains a brief statement of your qualifications (education, experience, and skills).

The body highlights the most important qualities you can offer to this particular employer , related to the position that you're seeking. Because you will be attaching your résumé, this is not the place to go into great detail. What you are attempting to do is to get the employer's attention and interest him/her in your candidacy. This is also the place to present other relevant information about your characteristics or background that may not be evident from your résumé. You might provide the employer with some specific examples of how you've demonstrated particular key skills or how you fulfill the most important qualifications listed in the job announcement.

The conclusion should summarize your qualifications and your interest in the position. Be sure to close your letter with a request for action or an indication that you'll be following up. This might include a request for an interview, a statement of your intent to call the employer on a specific date, or the dates you'll be in town for an interview. Finally, always thank the employer for considering your application.

Sample Cover Letters

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Cover Letters

An effective cover letter makes a personal, memorable introduction while detailing your interest, qualification, and compatibility for the job. Rather than reiterating your resume, a cover letter brings your resume to life through stories and examples.

A successful cover letter describes your qualifications (e.g. education, experiences) most relevant to the employer based upon the job description and your knowledge of the company. Ideally, you should write a new cover letter for every job application, since the content should be specific to the needs of the job and company you're applying to.

• Cover Letter Outline and Sample pdf
• Targeting a Cover Letter Sample pdf

Do I need to include a cover letter?

Often, a cover letter is a required part of an application process.  However, even when it is optional, it is advantageous to include one. Writing a cover letter demonstrates that you are interested enough to invest extra time drafting a thoughtful letter.

What are some common cover letter mistakes to avoid?

Using a generic cover letter. Employers can usually tell when you've used the same cover letter for multiple jobs. It makes a bad first impression because it appears that you aren't interested in that specific job or don't understand what unique skills are important. Be sure to write a tailored cover letter for each position that makes strong connections between your experiences and interest in the company and their needs, challenges and/or mission.  

Failing to provide examples. Many cover letters make empty claims, asserting that the applicant is a "good communicator" or "detail-oriented." Unfortunately, employers say that these claims usually are not believed and have become common clichés. To make your claims more powerful, add an example or proof to each skill you mention. For example, you might write, "I am very detail-oriented, a skill that I honed while completing detailed inventory sheets working in a grocery store".

Restating the resume. Often, cover letters will fall into the trap of reiterating the facts of the resume — "I worked at Company X for 2 years where I was a cashier. Then, I worked at Company Y in 2018." Instead of repeating the resume, a good cover letter should draw connections between your skills and experiences, and how these connect to the company's needs. For example, a cover letter statement could be "As a shift manager at Jimmy John's, I enjoyed training and coaching new employees to be successful within the team, a skill that I know would be helpful working as a team leader within your organization."

*For example cover letters, see our sample documents above

Cover letter vs. letter of qualification — what's the difference?

• Cover letters are typically one page and briefly elaborate qualifications, interest and fit for the job.
• A letter of qualification is similar to a cover letter but addresses every qualification in the job description. It is often longer than one page. Download letter of qualification example (PDF) .

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Resumes & Cover Letters

When it comes time to apply for a job or internship, many of us feel stuck figuring out how to explain our background and experiences in a way that will be compelling to employers. It is common for job seekers to under-sell the great skills they have developed to date.

A research project conducted at DU showed that recruiters scored applicant resumes higher when job seekers had incorporated feedback from a career advisor before applying. Below are a few resources to get you started on your resume and cover letter, but it is critically important to get feedback on your materials as well!

Resume Writing

Resume Writing Writing Strong Resume Position Descriptions via Bullet Statements

Cover Letters

Cover Letters 101 Webinar

Cover Letter Guide

For more resources on writing resumes and cover letters, visit our Resources tab.

Resume & Cover Letter Reviews

We highly recommend a resume and cover letter review to ensure your materials shine!

Students : Schedule an appointment with a career or peer advisor via PCO or visit our daily drop in hours to receive immediate feedback without an appointment.

Alumni : We’re happy to provide feedback on your resume. Simply email your resume in a Microsoft Word format to [email protected] u  and one of our expert career coaches will provide feedback within 3 business days.

Featured Resources

Introduction to cvs.

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Learn how a CV (Curriculum Vitae) differs from a resume and how to get started.

Strengthening Your Resume

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Here’s a quick guide to writing strong descriptions of past experiences via bullet statements. This resource includes a three-part “formula”, …

The Career Milestones

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The Career Milestones will help you achieve your professional goals. Engage with your career journey at any point. Undergraduates should …

Screen Reader Accessible Resume Toolkit (Korbel MA Students)

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Click here to access examples of resumes that are screen reader accessible.

Sample Resume MS: Health Informatics

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Resume sample for a Master’s student studying Health Informatics.

Daniels Graduate Resume Templates

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Featured videos, job search bootcamp #2: writing strong resumes and cover letters, beat the resume robots, resume vs cv workshop for gspp students, resumes and cover letters, federal hiring, beat the resume bots, recent posts.

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A resume and cover letter that are well-written and well-constructed is the first critical step in seeking out career opportunities. They provide professional snapshots of your work experience, volunteer experience, and educational achievements. Employers typically view resumes very quickly, so it must highlight your most recent and related information.

Create your resume and cover letter

Tools like SkillsFirst help you create tailored and professional resumes and cover letters that will help you stand out.

SkillsFirst provides:

• Industry-specific sample resumes and cover letters
• ATS-friendly templates
• AI-enhanced optimization
• Feedback capabilities from our career specialists

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Have questions? Take a quick look at  this guide  to get started with SkillsFirst!

Writing Your Resume

Need some guidance on how to write your resume? Take a look at this video to help you get started!

• Resume Checklist (pdf)
• How to Write a Cover Letter (pdf)
• Tailoring Your Resume to Job Opportunities (pdf)
• Transferable Skills and Resume Building (pdf)
• Components to Include in A Mid-Career Resume (pdf)

Sample Resumes

• General Resume (pdf)
• Business Resume (pdf)
• Education Resume (pdf)
• Nursing Resume (pdf)
• Mid-Career Resume (pdf)
• Steps for Pursuing a Career Change (pdf)

Sample Cover Letter

• Example 1 (pdf)
• Example 2 (pdf)

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Cover Letters

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When used correctly, a cover letter can be a valuable companion to your resume. This course will provide the samples and strategies you need to hook your reader, communicate your personal brand in writing, and secure the interview!