Write Cover Letters and More

What is a Cover Letter?

A cover letter supplements your resume and directly connects your interests and experiences to the organization and position for which you are applying. It proactively addresses any questions the employer may have based on your resume, while also serving as a writing sample. 

Five steps to creating your cover letter

Mosaic tile
1. Highlight your strongest skills

 

  • Review the resume that you have customized for the position you are applying for.
  • Select your three strongest and most relevant qualifications.
Mosaic tile
2. Provide details

 

  • Express your interest in the role and specific opportunity.
  • Demonstrate your knowledge of the organization based on your research.
  • Use specific examples from your background to connect to the organization’s mission, values, or work.
  • Expand on your three strongest and most relevant qualifications  by providing specific examples where you've used a skill, applied your knowledge, or achieved results.
Mosaic tile
3. Polish your letter
  • Research the hiring manager or recruiter to address your letter to a specific person.
  • Use keywords from the position description.
  • Design the document using the same style and formatting as your resume.
  • Keep your cover letter less than one page.
  • Use correct spelling, punctuation, and grammar.
Mosaic tile
4. Get it reviewed

 

  • Get your cover letter reviewed during drop-in hours, no appointment necessary.
  • Use the Read Aloud function in Microsoft Word (under the Review menu) to help improve flow and readability.
Mosaic tile
5. Format and submit

To submit your letter, follow the instructions provided in the job or internship posting. You may be asked to:  

  • Upload your cover letter in a job portal or application system.
  • Send it via email (either as a Word or PDF attachment or as the body of the email).
  • Record a video introduction.

Cover letter templates

Download and customize our templates to help you get started writing your next cover letter

Sample

When to use

Editable Template

Download and customize

Coverletter Sample: Job Applying to an advertised/posted job Cover Letter - Job template
Coverletter  Sample: Internship Applying to an advertised/posted internship Internship Cover Letter template
Video Introduction Applying to an advertised/posted job or internship that requires a video introduction Video Introduction script template

Frequently Asked Questions

More Communications

During the job search, you may need a variety of communications. Download any of our editable templates below to customize your messages.