What is cover letter for resume?
Cover letters are one page documents that you send with your resume when applying for a job. It is meant to: Introduce yourself to the hiring manager. Argue why you’d be a good fit for the job.
The purpose of a cover letter
You might be applying for a specific, advertised job, or you might be contacting a potential employer to see if they have any vacancies. Either way, your cover letter needs to:
User Review
( votes)- Introduce you
- Mention the job (or kind of job) you’re applying for (or looking for)
- Match your skills and experiences with the skills and experiences required by the job
- Encourage the reader to read your resume
- Finish with a call to action (e.g., requesting an interview or asking to meet)
Cover Letter structure and format
Cover letters should be no longer than one page with a font size between 10-12 points. Be sure to include your contact information and address it directly to a named individual whenever possible. If you aren’t sure who to address it to, you can address as “Dear Hiring Manager.”
Cover letters typically take the following structure:
Introduction: 1st paragraph
- Say who you are and what position you are applying for (“I am an MIT Chemistry major graduating in June. I am writing to express my interest in the Chemist position with [Company Name].”)
- Specify why you are interested in that specific position and organization
Body: 2-3 paragraphs
- Cite a couple of examples from your experience that support your ability to be successful in the position or organization
Closing: Last paragraph
- Thank the reader for their time.
- Consider restating succinctly why you are a good candidate
- State your desire for an interview and include your contact information (phone/email)
Formatting Concerns
- Be sure you use standard, acceptable margins for page layout (MS Word default)
- Use business letter style (first sentences are not indented)
- Block style is acceptable, with text flush with left margin
- Consult numerous sample cover letters in Virginia Tech’s Career Planning Guide
Do’s & Don’ts of Cover Letters
- Don’t repeat information found in resume, instead…
- Do Sum-up important qualities, areas of expertise, and motivation about field or position of interest
- Do include information about availability
- Do explain shortcomings or gaps in work experience in history
- Do try to keep the cover letter to one page; however, two pages are acceptable, especially when reflective of extensive work experience