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Back in the old days, people would send out 100 generic cover letters and 100 generic resumés and hope for a job. Those days are gone. Now, one is expected to write a cover letter that is tailored to a specific job description and tailored to a specific company or organization. This means you will invest time in researching the company or organization and carefully reviewing the job description. Outline points to make it really easy for an employer to see why your specific skills match what they’re asking for and how you are a good match overall for their company or organization. (If you find in your research that you are not a good match, perhaps it will cause you to rethink your application for the job.)
Tips
Be specific. Don’t say, “I have great teamwork skills.” DO SAY: “I have effectively collaborated on teams of 4-35 colleagues on 3 week to yearlong projects.” Be concise. Make sure that every sentence and every word is necessary. For example, there’s no need to say, “References available upon request,” or “I’m looking forward to hearing from you,” or “You can contact me at the number above,” or “I am very interested in this position.” These “canned” statements don’t advance your job application and that space is better utilized for displaying your skills or letting the employer know what a good fit you are for the organization. (Remember that they may be reading 200 or more applications. The more concisely stated your cover letter is, the more it will stand out and be appreciated.) Be sure your grammar and spelling are correct . Remember that this letter serves as a sample of your writing, so edit it and show off your writing skills or get help from a tutor to polish your writing skills. Make sure that your writing is evidence that you will be a professional employee. Be professional. Get a mentor in your field (join a professional association, ask a faculty member, ask an advisor in your department) to help you to know format and content expectations for your specific field. Take initiative. Always address a letter to a specific person. Take the initiative to call and find out the name of the best person to address your cover letter to. Be truthful. There’s no need to stretch the truth. Honesty always pays off. -
Be positive. Be sure to state your skills in a positive way. Don’t tell them which skills you don’t have. For example, don’t say “Even though I don’t read and write in Spanish, I am fluent conversationally.” DO SAY: “I am fluent conversationally in Spanish.”
Invest. Use good quality paper that matches your resumé if you are submitting copies via “snail mail.” Reformat Electronic Submissions. Use simple formatting and a commonly available font on your document so that if it needs to be submitted electronically, it won’t be too distorted when the employer opens it. Do a practice test and send the document to a friend who has a different type of computer to see how it looks. Type your name (and title if applicable) where you would normally include your signature.
Cover Letter Format |
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Don’t take a chance!
Make an appointment to have your cover letter reviewed by a trained Career & Academic Advisor:
call (928) 523-4772. This is a free service available to all currently enrolled NAU students.
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