Cover Letters & Thank-You Notes
You may be required to write a number of different types of letters during your job search process. Job search correspondence is as important as your resume. Many job seekers hurry through the letter writing process without much thought. Every piece of correspondence impacts the impression you make on the recipient.
What is a Cover Letter?
Cover letter is a standard term that refers to any letter written to accompany another document. Related to a job search, a cover letter is usually written to accompany your resume or other application materials that you send to employers throughout the application process.
Content and Tone of a Cover Letter
The cover letter that accompanies your resume should not re-state everything that appears on your resume; it should supplement your resume by explaining what you are applying for, how you learned of the position and what you can do for the employer. Use the cover letter to highlight your strengths and abilities and your most relevant experience in no more than three to four grammatically correct paragraphs.
Show your enthusiasm for the job or internship and use an active, conversational tone. Consider what interests you about the position and what you have done in previous jobs, volunteer experiences or academic projects that might show your reader you are a good fit for the position.
Thank-You Notes
It is also important to remember to write a thank-you letter to the employer after your interviews. Thank-you letters give you the opportunity to remind the employer of your qualifications, how you would fit in with the company, and of any additional information that you omitted during the interview. Your thank-you letter should be sent within one or two days of the interview, and it should be brief, businesslike, grammatically correct and focused.
Other Resources
A number of other resources and programs are available to assist you in writing the most effective job search letters as well.
Letter Writing Checklist (requires Acrobat Reader)
- Career Center Library
- Career Center Seminars
- Career-Related Websites
Page last updated on December 17, 2008.
