Cover Letters

Perhaps the one thing job-seekers dread more than writing a resume is writing the cover letter to go with it. Though a resume requires solid writing skills and attention to detail, a cover letter requires the job-seeker to answer the most important question on the mind of the committee chair or committee: "Why is this applicant the best qualified candidate for the job?" How well you write a cover letter may play a large part in how effective your resume will be. A good cover letter may help get you an interview; a bad one may make your resume little more than an afterthought.

• Cover Letter Content:
  
  • The cover letter is your chance to sell yourself as the best candidate for the position. As such, it's just as important as your resume. In fact, you should never send out a resume without one.
  • The most important thing to remember is that your cover letter serves a separate function from your resume and should not be used to repeat the details of your resume, such as work history, education, or personal objectives.
  • The resume is about you, your experience, your skills and how they relate to the job posting you are answering.
  • The cover letter is about what you can do for the employer.

• An Effective Cover Letter Should Accomplish Three Things:
  
  1. Introduce Yourself and Your Reason for Writing:
     
     • The first paragraph needs to grab the committee member's attention.
     • Say exactly why: you have sent your resume, you are interested in the position and you want to fill the department's need.
     • Show that you are dedicated to providing the needs described in the posting.
     • When you offer to fill the department's need, be as specific as possible.
     • Don't just mention the job position; describe what the department requires from that position and how you can feel that need.

  2. Sell Yourself:
     
     • In the second part of the letter briefly state the skills you have that will specifically meet the department's needs.
     • There is no need to go into great detail; your resume should take care of that. Be sure to emphasize the specific skills you possess that match the job posting qualifications.
     • Use this section to highlight how you will use your talents and experience to benefit the department.
     • Do not overly state how you think you'll benefit from being employed--with a stack of resumes and a position to fill, the committee isn't as concerned with your personal fulfillment.
     • Keep your use of the personal pronoun "I" to a minimum. Try to use it in this sense: "This is how I can be of benefit to you."

  3. Make a Plan:
     
     • Close the letter by indicating what you would like to happen next; you hope to hear from the committee regarding an interview.
     • Some applicants may want to use a paragraph to explain anything that's not apparent from the resume, such as large gaps in the employment history, etc.

• Formatting Cover Letters:
  There is no "official" format for cover letters. Here are some basic rules to keep in mind when composing a cover letter:
  
  • A three line block in the top right hand or left hand corner of the page containing: your home street address; city, state and ZIP code; and the date. (The date may be separated from the block by one line.)
  • Another three-line block, flush left, one space below the date and one space above the greeting. This block contains the addressee's full name and address, including city, state and ZIP code.
  • The greeting should be addressed in a formal manner. "Dear Search Committee:" or; "Dear Committee Chair:" would be appropriate.
  • Use a personalized salutation (not, for example, "To Whom It May Concern").
  • A line of space should separate paragraphs; indentation is not necessary.
  • You may use bullets and bold print in the body of your cover letter to organize and highlight information, and make it easier to read. If you decide to use them, do so conservatively.
  • The closing should read "Sincerely," or "Respectfully" followed by your signature underneath, then your full name in print underneath that. Always leave enough room for your signature between the closing and your name when you print your cover letter.

• Sample cover letters:
  Cover Letter 1 - Cover Letter 2

  On these links you will be able to see an example of how the cover letter should look. On the cover letter 1 link, the paragraphs detail the information you should include. With the cover letter 2 link, an actual cover letter has been written.

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