Why write a cover letter? Including a cover
letter when submitting a résumé serves very specific purposes, including identifying your reason for writing the employer, linking major job requirements with your related past performance and
experience, demonstrating what you can do for the employer.
Address your letter to a specific individual and position, not a department. Verify the correct spelling of the intended recipient’s name and title. Call the organization if you need to.
Specify why you are writing. Identify the individual who referred you to the organization.
? Elaborate on your strengths as they relate to the employer’s needs.
? Provide specific examples that demonstrate your knowledge and experience.
? Make references to the résumé and/or portfolio that the letter accompanies.

Visuals

A cover letter should ideally be kept to one page with careful editing.
Make sure your cover letter is well-organized and is visually pleasing.
Print your cover letter and résumé on high-quality paper and send them in a high-quality envelope.

Content

Use the language of the job description and link major
job requirements with your related past performance and experiences.
Demonstrate what you can do and how your skills will benefit your potential employer.
Suggest the next step – request an interview with the
organization. Indicate that you will call during a specific time period.
End the letter by identifying your potential contributions to the company. Reiterate your interest in the position and in the organization.

Don’t forget to edit

? Spell-check your cover letter and ask someone to proofread it.
? Cut extraneous words; keep sentences and paragraphs short
? Read your letter aloud to check for coherence and readability.
? Don’t send your letter too quickly. Let a day pass and reread it before sending.