Covering Your Cover Letter Bases

[Special thanks to intern Ceara Napolitano for contributing to this post.]
Cover letters can be a mysterious (and anxiety-inducing) part of the job search. What the heck goes into one? What stays out? Isn't it the same as the resume? And why is it required in the first place?

Follow the advice below to learn more and to help you hit your cover letter out of the park.

• Why should I write a cover letter? Often serving as the introduction to you (and your resume), a cover letter is a great time to market yourself and showcase your all-important communication skills to a potential employer. Think of it as the back cover of a book you're deciding whether to buy; the goal of the cover letter is to get your audience interested in reading more.
• How should I format my cover letter? The cover letter should be no longer than one page (closer to a half-page is better!). It should be composed in the same font and type size as your resume.
  
  Include the name and address of the organization to which you're sending your letter, the body of the letter, and a closing and signature at the end. The top of your letter might look something like this:
  
  
  
  The heading should include your contact's name and title (if you don't have a name or title, don't worry about it! Just list "Hiring Manager" or "Human Resources"), the company's name and address.
  
  If you can, address your cover letter to your contact (but don't stress over finding an exact name if it's not provided to you. Instead just write, "Dear Hiring Manager"). Be sure to date your letter. Bonus Tip: Use the same heading (containing your contact information) as your resume on your cover letter.
  
  The closing and signature of your cover letter might look like this:
  
  
  
  Be sure to include a polite closing ("Sincerely" is best, and avoid anything that sounds overly intimate or friendly), a signature and your contact information (no need to include it if it's already contained in your letter's header).
• What goes in the cover letter? The cover letter is meant to tell the employer why you're interested in the position and why you'd be great at it. To achieve this effect, use the following guidelines for four body paragraphs:
  
  

  1) Concise, to-the-point introduction. Get to the point quickly and preview your top qualifications. Be sure to mention the position and company by name. Example:
  
  As an experienced customer services representative and high-achieving student in the field of business, I'm excited to apply for the position of Sales Associate at ABC Company.
  
  2) Why I really, really (really!) want the job. Make the case by stating your interest in the company. Explain how you share their mission, gush over the exciting work they've been doing, and describe exactly what piques your interest in the job description. Example:
  
  I've long known about ABC Company's reputation as a field leader in x, y, and z, all areas on which I'm excited to focus my professional energy. Additionally, the people-oriented, client-centered nature of the position will enable me to utilize my years of high-touch customer service experience.
  
  3) Why I'd be really, really (really!) good at it. What do you bring to the table? Don't parrot your resume; do tell a compelling, professional story about your greatest accomplishments and most relevant skills. Example:
  
  The 5+ years I've spent in customer service (in both small boutique and large retail settings) prepares me well to work with clients from diverse backgrounds. And through my bachelor's of business administration, I've excelled both in and out of the classroom, gaining a 3.7 GPA and leading the Students in Free Enterprise (SIFE) student organization as its first sophomore president. Last semester, I led my group to its highest earnings in the club's past 4 years by doing x, y and z. Additionally, my experience with x...
  
  4) Steps for follow up. Thank them for their time, and offer simple steps for following up. Don't tell them you'll call them if you don't hear back--the ball's in their court now.
  
  Thank you for taking the time to consider my application. I can be reached at xxx-xxx-xxxx or xxxx@xx.com. I am available for a start date of x, and I look forward to hearing from you.

• Where do I go from here? Revise, rinse, repeat! Tailor your cover letter to each position and industry to which you apply, and get as many eyes on it as possible. With a little bit of practice, you'll be sure to hit a homerun.

For more information about cover letters, click here to view the Career Services handout, or contact your college liaison for more information about cover letters, resumes and more in your field.