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Cover Letter

Although not always required, a well-written cover letter should accompany your resume when applying for a job. It should explain why you're a qualified candidate, highlight your skills and accomplishments as they relate to that particular job, and persuade the employer to give you an opportunity to interview for the position.

  • Review the job posting carefully. What experience and skills are desired vs. required? Write down things you have done, or are doing, that align with the employer’s stated expectations.
  • Conduct research on the organization; go to their website and look up their mission, leadership team, products and services, etc.
  • If the hiring manager’s name is provided, see if the manager has a LinkedIn profile
  • Get to the point. Clearly explain why the employer would benefit from hiring you
  • Refer the employer to your enclosed resume; include Enclosure as the last line of your letter

Emailing Your Cover Letter

Content

The content of your cover letter can be the body of the email if you are attaching your resume. If the employer requests an attached cover letter and resume, your email will briefly indicate that the requested documents are attached.

Subject Line

Type the position title in the subject line of the email. Make sure the documents are attached. Send a follow-up message to confirm that the attached documents were received and readable.

See the Sample Cover Letter Email for better understanding.

Cover Letter Resources

In order to view PDF files on your computer, you must have a PDF reader program installed. If you do not already have such a reader, you can download a free reader at Adobe's website: Download Adobe Acrobat Reader Software