Cover Letters
Cover Letter Structure
A cover letter is a summary of how your skills and experiences match the job opportunity to which you are applying.
Opening
- Briefly introduce yourself.
- State where you found out about the opportunity.
- Explain why you are interested in the opportunity.
Middle
- Provide two or three examples of your experience/accomplishments/skills and highlight how they relate to the opportunity.
- Similar to the writing of your resume, provide them with measurable results. If you saved money or time by XX%, give an overview.
Closing
- Express your interest again in the position and how you feel you are a match for what they are seeking.
- Tell them how to contact you via phone and email.
- Thank them for considering you for the position.
Cover Letter DOs and DON’Ts
DO
- Read the job description and research the company.
- Focus on your career accomplishments and highlights.
- Address the letter to an individual when possible. If you are not able to determine this information from the job description or the organization’s website, contact Human Resources.
- Provide specific examples of your relevant experience and skills to the position.
- Proofread for spelling and grammar and have someone else review your cover letter.
DON’T
- Forget to include your contact information. Just because it is listed on your resume and on your header for the cover letter, you want to include your contact information in the closing paragraph.
- Send a form cover letter. You should be specific and personalize each letter for each position to which you apply.
NPRC's Instagram
