University at Buffalo (UB)
Resumes & More
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In this Tab:
Learn how to write a cover letter that leaves a great impression — and makes a potential employer want to know more about you.
Typically, a cover letter is one page long, and is sent with your resume or CV.
A good cover letter should do four things:
Make a good impression. The Greeting
- Use the search committee chair or hiring manager's first and last name, including a "Mr." or "Ms." (e.g., Dear Mr. Jack Smith).
- If you don't have the hiring manager's name, consider using "(Job Title) Search Committee"—something that shows that you've written this letter with a particular audience in mind.
Get their attention Intro Paragraph
- Explain why you are writing this letter.
- Indicate the position you are applying for and how you learned of the position.
- If you are “prospecting” to determine if the organization has unpublished opportunities, indicate how you learned about the organization. The goes for acting on a referral from one of your professional friends as well.
- Integrate the company research you'd done by explaining why you want to work there.
- Outline the specific reasons why you are ideal for the position.
- Show off your experience!
Make them want to know more. Body Paragraph(s)
- Describe yourself and why you're worth inviting for an interview—demonstrating to the employer how your interests, education and experience fit the requirements described in the position postings.
- Show, don’t tell. Use specific examples that illustrate your related skills and experience. Your goal is to set yourself apart from other applicants.
- If you are prospecting, describe how do you see yourself fitting with this organization.
- Refer to your resume, but don't list the contents of it.
- Emphasize how your experiences and skills that you've gained are connected to the position and will benefit the organization.
Hint: It's OK to break this into two paragraphs and use bullets!
Make it easy for them to take the next step. Closing Paragraph
- Refer to your resume for further details about your experiences and qualifications.
- Reiterate why you want to work at that specific organization.
- Offer your contact information.
- Thank the employer for their time and consideration.
Sincerely,
(Your Signature)
Name
- Customize your cover letter to each position to demonstrate your interest and that you’ve done your research.
- Highlight what sets you apart... your transferable skills.
- Feature the right experiences from your resume that make you a perfect fit for the position.
- Look at the job description and highlight the three things they’re asking for that seem most important.
- Show your excitement about the position.
- Be clear and get to the point.
- Keep it to a single page, pay attention to details (e.g., address the letter specifically to the hiring manager by name).
- Use the body of the email as your cover letter. Your resume can be an attachment.
- Try not to repeat your resume. Instead, describe additional details that you weren’t able to squeeze onto your resume.
- Proofread, Proofread, Proofread. Ask family or friends to check for spelling and grammatical errors.
- Get your cover letter reviewed. Hint: book a cover letter review appointment with a career expert.
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