ALL RESUMES NEED A COVER LETTER

Every resume should be introduced with a cover letter. The cover letter is a brief letter that introduces your resume. This letter tells the employer why you are writing and highlights your background. The following paragraphs describe the purpose, content and specifics of writing cover letters.

1. Introduces writer to the employer and clarifies: who the writer is; what position is being applied for; when, where, or how the writer learned about the position and/or the organization; and perhaps, why the writer is applying for the position.
   
   
2. Highlights the writer's strengths and qualifications for the position. This is not a repeat of the resume, but a select review of specific areas from the writer's background that are of interest to the employer for the particular position.
   
   
3. Arranges and coordinates the next step in the application process: e.g. "I will telephone within ten working days." "I trust we can arrange for a mutual time to meet and discuss in detail my qualifications." "I can be reached by telephone at (773)745-5555."

Paragraph One: tell who you are, how you learned about the position, why you have an interest in the position and the organization. Be sure the employer knows specifics about the position for which you are applying. (An employer may have several positions open at the same time.) Additionally, if you have networked and have a personal contact within the organization, this is the point at which that individual's name should be mentioned. (Be sure to clear using the person's name prior to writing your letter. Do not assume that a conversation with a person gives you permission to use their name.)

Paragraph Two: selling is the goal of this paragraph. Sell the employer on yourself by highlighting your strengths and qualifications as they specifically relate to this particular position. This paragraph might be thought of as the "parrot paragraph" because you need to "parrot" back what the employer is looking for in a candidate. Note: a third or fourth paragraph may be appropriate at this point. You are not limited to only one selling paragraph. However, your cover letter should never exceed one page.

Paragraph Three: "let's get together" is the goal of the final paragraph. Be sure to actively pursue the next, appropriate ste; i.e. offer to telephone, leave your telephone number(s) and times or methods of reaching you, ask for an interview. Remember, the primary purpose of the resume and cover letter is to obtain an interview.

1. Use standard business form (see following example).
2. Address cover letter to a specific individual and use their title.
3. Use high quality paper.
4. Don't forget to sign your name.

See Sample Cover Letter or Sample Cover Letter for Entry Level Positions