About the cover letter

The cover letter is 50 percent of your marketing opportunity. Write one and make it brilliant!

The cover letter is your chance to build a powerful bridge between your particular skills and the specific job you’re applying for.

It is a great opportunity to demonstrate your writing skills and make yourself stand out from the crowd.

It is a way to land an interview if you can show you’re someone readers will want to know more about.


Cover-letter writing tips

• Tailor your letter to each job and organization, using language from the job description.

• Give examples of skills, strengths or experiences the employer is looking for.

• Mention something specific about the company that attracts you.

• Make your letter and yourself interesting.

• Address people correctly: "Dear Mr. Gates," rather than "Dear Mr. Bill Gates."

• Keep your language simple and direct.

• Avoid starting every sentence with "I."


Sample letters

Sample cover letter (Word doc)

Sample e-mail cover letter (Word doc)


Resources for developing cover letters

• Seminars

• Walk-ins

• Appointments

• "Cover Letter" handout (available here in pdf and Word formats)

• Career Resource Center, located in 12 Stearns, has cover-letter guides.

• Internet resources, such as Google. Search on "cover letters."