Cover Letter

A well-crafted cover letter can significantly enhance your job application. If a job posting allows you to upload a cover letter, you should always include one. A cover letter gives you the opportunity to explain your interest in the role and highlight how your skills and experiences align with the job requirements.

Formatting Your Cover Letter

• Length: One page
• Font: Professional fonts like Times New Roman, Arial, or Calibri in 10-12 point size
• Margins: Standard 1-inch margins 
• Spacing: Single space within paragraphs, double space between paragraphs 
• File Format: Save and upload your cover letter as a PDF to preserve formatting 

Structure of a Cover Letter 

1. Header 
   • Your contact information: Name, address, phone number, email 
   • Date
   • Employer's contact information: Name, title, company address 
2. Salutation 
   • Address the hiring manager by name if possible. If not, use a general greeting, such as "Dear Hiring Manager." 
3. Introduction 
   • State the position you are applying for and where you found the job posting.
   • Briefly introduce yourself and mention a key qualification, major, or interest to grab the reader's attention. 
4. Body
   • First Paragraph: Explain why you are interested in the position and the company. Mention specific aspects of the job or company that appeal to you. 
   • Second Paragraph: Highlight your relevant skills, experiences, and accomplishments. Use specific examples to demonstrate how you meet the job's requirements. These can be from past work, internship, volunteer, classroom, and extracurricular experiences. 
   • Third Paragraph: Emphasize how your values align with the company's culture and how you can contribute to the organization. Mention any relevant coursework, projects, or extracurricular activities. 
5. Conclusion 
   • Reiterate your enthusiasm for the position and the company. 
   • Thank the hiring manager for considering your application and express your desire for an interview. 
6. Signature
   • Use a professional closing such as "Sincerely" or "Best regards."
   • Type your full name. If submitting a hard copy, leave space for your handwritten signature above your typed name. 

Content Tips 

• Customization: Tailor your cover letter for each job application. Highlight different skills and experiences based on the job description. 
• Keywords: Incorporate keywords from the job posting to demonstrate your alignment with the role.
• Achievements: Focus on your accomplishments and use quantifiable results where possible to illustrate your impact. 
• Language: Use clear, concise language. Avoid jargon and overly complex sentences. 
• Tone: Maintain a professional yet friendly tone. Show enthusiasm for the position and the company.