What to Write in Your Cover Letter

    The First Paragraph

    • States WHY you are writing
      – Responding to an advertised opening
      – Inquiring about a possible opening
    • States WHY you are applying to or are interested in this employer
      – Company’s training program
      – Company’s product or service
      – Demonstrate your company research
    • Make mention of your contact/referral if you have one

    The Second Paragraph

    • States WHAT qualifications you bring to the position
    • Highlights two or three experiences and/or academic achievements that directly relate to the qualifications the employer is seeking
    • Illustrates brevity
    • Proves thorough examples of experiences and activities that you have some of the key skills for the position – such as hard-work, career commitment, communication, problem solving ability, and analytical skills
    • Is NOT a repetition of the wording on your resume
    • May close with a summary sentence of your qualifications and a confident statement that you can make a contribution to the firm/company/organization

    The Third Paragraph

    • States WHAT you WANT – an interview and/or an opportunity to further discuss your qualifications and any employment opportunities the employer may have
    • May reference your enclosed resume
    • Indicates flexibility as to time and place
    • Thanks the person and indicates that you look forward to speaking to or meeting with him/her
    • Can state that you will call the contact person at a certain time/day to discuss scheduling a meeting or an interview