Cover Letter Guide

A cover letter is a one-page document that complements your resume. The cover letter gives you space to show the employer how your experiences and skills relate to the position you’re applying for. Customize your letter for the employer and position to stand out from the competition! While not always required, you can strengthen your application by writing a cover letter whenever you have the opportunity to submit one. 

Cover Letter Guide (Printable PDF)

First Steps

Research the employer 

  • Get into the employer’s mindset. What is their organization’s culture? What are they looking for in an applicant?
  • Review the organization’s website, mission, recent news articles, and social media. 
  • Do you know anyone who works there? Ask them about the organization. 

Research the job 

  • Deconstruct the job description for the key qualifications and responsibilities. 
  • What themes do you notice in the posting? Repeated verbs, keywords, and tasks may show what the hiring manager may look for in your letter. 

Reflect on yourself 

  • Are there specific experiences you want to describe in more detail than your resume will allow? Which experiences or skills are most relevant (or transferable) to this position

Final Checks

  • Before you submit your application, let it sit! Then, reread and edit. 
  • Ask someone else (like a career coach!) to read your letter, and always proofread. Save your file as: Last Name, First Name, Cover Letter 

Cover Letter Format

Address the cover letter using the Hiring Manager’s first and last names. If you can’t find a name, Dear Hiring Manager or Dear Hiring Team work well. Avoid using Dear Sir or Madam or To Whom it May Concern.

  • 10-12 pt font
  • One page
  • Single spaced
  • 0.5-1” margins
  • Left align paragraphs
  • Blank line between paragraphs
  • Match font and heading format with resume