How to Write a Cover Letter

Although (perhaps because) the cover letter is such an important document, you may encounter several conflicting opinions as you how it should look (What is a Cover Letter?).  The following guidelines are my own suggestions.  Finally, however, you must decide how to write the letter that’s best for you.  Pass it along to as many different faculty as you trust, solicit their advice, be prepared for conflicting advice, be prepared to write and rewrite the letter many times, and understand that you’ll probably send out a letter that’s not entirely your own work.

How to Write a Cover Letter

Don’t explain why the job is important for you, what it will do for you. Explain what special skills and qualities you can bring to the job.

Don’t merely reiterate your resume. Describe one or two of your employment or volunteer experiences more fully, or describe your particular qualities and explain why they are an asset for this job.

Often overlooked and sometimes completely ignored, a cover letter is the perfect accompaniment to your CV, the yin to its yang. The letter (or in this modern world, e-mail) will most likely be read before your CV, and it affords you the chance to express all those things that do not comfortably fit into a CV’s often rigid structure. Taken as a whole, a CV and covering letter will portray you in the best possible light. If done properly, your covering letter can make the difference between success and failure.

Refer to the job that you are interested in. If there is a competition number, write it down.

Address your letter to the appropriate contact person, either the employer or a human resources officer. Use their name and title, and double-check the spelling.

If the ad doesn’t supply a contact, phone and get the right name. And never assume a person is male or female based on a first name - check it out.

First, state the purpose of your letter, the type of job you are applying for and how you heard about the company. Second, briefly say why you are interested in the position and in the company. Include what you can offer in the way of educational/work experience. Third, thank the employer for taking the time to look over your resume. Mention that you will be the one to get in touch with them to answer any questions about your resume and find out if the employer has any further questions. End by saying you hope to speak with them again in the near future.

Mature applicants may need to challenge overt prejudice eg. stated age limit in an advertisement. If you see a job of interest to you, consider applying and countering the ageism in the opening sentence “I have experience, skills, abilities which make me ideal despite being a mature applicant”. Emphasise your ability to work in a mixed-age environment eg. other students/academics younger than yourself. Highlight the multi-skilled approach an adult with family responsibilities brings to degree studies and sell your recent and relevant experience above all.

Watch the length

Two short paragraphs is plenty of room to sell yourself. You want to be as punchy as possible as your reader will probably be a very busy person with limited time to trawl through a long letter. Concise and compelling is the way to go.

Find out the name of the person who is accepting resumes for the job you want. Create a more favorable impression by using his or her own name in your cover letter, rather than using an impersonal greeting such as ‘To Whom It May Concern.’ When addressing a woman, it is safer to use ‘Ms.’ rather than ‘Miss’ or ‘Mrs.’ When addressing a man, use ‘Mr.’ with no nicknames. Use a comma after the greeting, and make sure all names are spelled correctly!