How to write a cover letter

Many of the points listed in the resume section also apply to writing cover letters. In most cases, cover letters are as important as the resume. A cover letter should almost always accompany a resume unless you have good reason not to do so. Here are some guidelines you should keep in mind while writing your cover letter.

• Keep your cover letter concise and job specific. It should be modified to address the specific job you are applying for. The goal when writing the cover letter is you address your strengths and accomplishments in a paragraph or two.
• Relate your past work experience and training to the qualities the company is looking for.
• If you are fresh out of school and do not have a lot of experience to write about, relate your accomplishments, research, and/or class projects to the qualities the company is looking for.
• Make it clear in your cover letter that you understand what the company is about. This means doing a little research ahead of time so that you can better match your skills/experience with their needs and goals.
• Once again, keep your formatting consistent throughout the cover letter.
• Be sure to double and triple check your grammar and spelling. It is also a good idea to have someone proofread for you. The more eyes that see it and the more feedback you receive, the better it will be!