Consider including a cover letter when:

• The employer requests one.

• You're applying for internships or professional positions.

• You want to explain how your experience aligns with the position.

• You're changing careers or have unique experiences that need additional context.

• You want to demonstrate your interest in the organization.

If a cover letter is optional, submitting a strong one can still help distinguish you from other applicants.

Once you've completed the worksheet, use our template to organize your letter.

The template will guide you through:

• A strong opening that captures the employer's attention.

• A middle section connecting your experience to the position.

• A professional closing that reinforces your interest and thanks the employer.

📄 Access the Cover Letter Template

________________________________________________________________________________

[Your Name]
[Professional Email Address]
[Phone Number]

[Date]

[Hiring Manager Name, if known]
[Title, if known]
[Organization Name]

Dear [Hiring Manager Name or Hiring Committee],

[The Hook: Opening paragraph stating your specific interest in the role and why you are a compelling candidate.]

[Demonstrate Value: Central paragraph(s) highlighting your unique value proposition, relevant experience, and specialized skills.]

• [Impactful bullet point highlighting a key achievement]

• [Impactful bullet point highlighting a relevant skill]

[Closing & Call to Action: Reaffirming enthusiasm, thanking the employer, and indicating eagerness for next steps.]

Sincerely,

[Your Name]

A strong cover letter should complement your résumé by explaining why you're interested in the position and how your experiences make you a strong fit. Keep these tips in mind as you write.

☑️ Contact Information

Include your:

• Full name

• Professional email address

• Phone number

You do not need to include your full street address. Listing your city and state is sufficient.

☑️ Use a Professional Greeting

Whenever possible, address your letter to a specific person.

If you don't know the hiring manager's name, use a professional greeting such as:

• Dear Hiring Manager

• Dear Human Resources

• Dear Hiring Committee

Avoid generic greetings like "To Whom It May Concern."

☑️ Start with a Strong Opening

Your opening paragraph should immediately explain:

• Why you're interested in the position.

• Why you're interested in the organization.

• What makes you a strong candidate.

Capture the employer's attention and encourage them to keep reading.

☑️ Demonstrate Your Value

Your middle paragraph(s) should connect your experiences to the position.

Focus on:

• Relevant accomplishments

• Specialized skills

• Experiences that match the job description

• The value you can bring to the organization

Whenever possible, provide specific examples instead of general statements.

☑️ End with Confidence

Close your letter by:

• Reaffirming your interest in the position.

• Thanking the employer for their consideration.

• Expressing your enthusiasm for the opportunity.

Finish with a professional closing, such as:

Sincerely,

Your Name

☑️ Proofread Carefully

Your cover letter demonstrates your written communication skills.

Before submitting:

• Proofread carefully.

• Check spelling and grammar.

• Make sure the letter is customized for the position.

• Read it aloud to catch awkward wording or errors.