Resume Cover Letter

Resume Cover Letter

What is a résumé cover letter?

A résumé cover letter is your first introduction to an employer. It is an opportunity to convey yourself as a strong candidate as well as to demonstrate your ability to communicate in a polished, professional manner. The purpose of a cover letter (along with a résumé) is to obtain an interview.

Date Employer’s Name, Title Address City, State, Zip Code Dear Mr. or Ms.______ , Opening Paragraph: State that you are applying for a particular position or type of work and how you heard of the opening or organization. Middle Paragraph: Describe your interest in the position, in the field of work, or in the organization. If you have a related class, student activity, volunteer or work experience, be sure to mention pertinent data or accomplishments to show that you have specific qualifications or skills for this particular type of work. Refer to key aspects of the résumé which relate to the job or employer, but don’t restate complete sections of the résumé. Closing Paragraph: Mention your interest in discussing the job in person. Express appreciation for being considered and include a statement about your desire to have an interview. Sincerely, (handwritten signature) Your name typed Be sure to express enthusiasm, standout and of course thank them.

Cover Letter Essentials

Your cover letter should:

  • Include your job objective
  • Entice the reader to read your résumé
  • Tell about your qualifications for the job
  • Be free of spelling errors
  • Be a traditional letter or an email

Always submit a cover letter with a résumé, unless you are attaching your résumé to an application.

Note: Based on information found at Taos Mountain’s Top Ten Resume Writing Tips, careerpath.com, and https://www.sbcc.edu/careercenter/index.php.

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Page last updated July 6, 2023.