Cover Letters
Many students ask me if cover letters are necessary?
You should have a cover letter to sell yourself. It’s one page. The first 75 words are your sales pitch as to why they should turn the page. Give them enough information so they’re prepped as to who you are and why they want you.
What else does the cover letter need?
Your letter should cover five basic points:
(1) Address it to the right person—and not necessarily the person in the ad. You won’t know until you do research. Spell their name correctly. Addressing cover letters to sir or madam will guarantee they end up in the trash.
(2) Have that compelling paragraph of 75 words. It’s not, “I am writing you, here is my résumé.
(3) Who can testify about you? If you have an opportunity to name drop, do it here.
(4) Make sure it has all of your current contact information.
(5) The letter has to be graphically attractive. If you don’t have your own personal letterhead, you can think about designing one. It should also match the style on your resume. It’s an opportunity to show that you’re a creative person, you take this seriously, and you are your own brand.
Please click on the following link to open and download
Guide_to_Cover_Letters.doc
