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Resumes & Letters: Cover Letters
Resumes | Cover
Letters | Thank You Letters
Other Correspondence | References
A cover letter should always accompany your resume when you mail your resume to apply for a position. If sending your resume by email, you should also send your resume as an attachment.
The purpose of the cover letter is to arouse the employer’s interest in your application for employment. The cover letter should highlight the information included on your resume, not duplicate it.
View sample cover letters in our Cover Letters handout (handout also available in Word).
Tips
- Format
Follow the standard guideline for business correspondence. See format and suggested content in our Cover Letters handout (handout also available in Word). - Paper and Envelopes
Type the letter on good quality paper that matches the color of your resume (white, off-white, or pale grey). Use a 9x11 size envelope to avoid having to fold your resume and letter. - Addressing the Letter
Address the letter to the appropriate individual by name and professional title. Avoid “To Whom It May Concern,” “Dear Sir/Madam.” - "I" Statements
Do not begin every sentence with the word “I.” - Start Out Strong
Attract the employer’s attention by beginning your cover letter with a strong statement. Many employers receive hundreds of applications and you want yours to be one that is remembered. To do this, develop a bridge or common bond between yourself and the employer. Tell how you learned of the company/organization and/or the vacancy. The best introduction to a potential employer is to remind him/her of the face-to-face or telephone conversation you have already had relative to your job search or to mention that you have heard about the job vacancy from a friend or other contact that works for the organization. - Tie it to Your Resume
Use the center of your letter to arouse the employer’s curiosity by stating brief facts from your resume about your experience and accomplishments. Highlight particular points in your background that complement the type of job you are seeking. - Your Interests and How You Can
Help the Organization
Tell why you are interested in the employer. Indicate what you can do for the employer rather than what the employer can do for you. - Be Sure to Say Thanks
In your final paragraph, thank the employer for their consideration and mention that you will call to follow-up and discuss the possibility of arranging an interview. - Sign It
Always sign your letter. - Proofread It
Proofread to correct all spelling and punctuation errors. Both the cover letter and resume must be free of mistakes. - Get it Critiqued
Schedule an appointment or visit UCS during walk-in hours to have a UCS counselor review your cover letter.
Questions, comments? Email us
at ucs@unc.edu
919-962-6507
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