A cover letter is your opportunity to make a personal connection with an employer and tell the story behind your resume. It allows you to highlight your most relevant experiences, explain why you’re a strong fit for the position, and show enthusiasm for the organization. While not always required, a well-written cover letter will help you stand out in a competitive applicant pool and demonstrate your communication skills. Use this page to learn what makes a strong cover letter and how to write one that gets noticed.
Key Steps to Start
- Review the job description and identify the key qualities or skills the employer is seeking.
- Choose 1–2 examples from your experiences that show how you meet the employer’s needs.
- Explain why you want the job and what excites you about the organization.
- Write a strong opening that expresses your interest and connects your experience to the role.
- Include a sentence referencing your resume, as the cover letter and resume should work together to demonstrate your ability to meet the employer’s needs (e.g., “As you can see from my resume…”).
- Tailor your letter for each position, keeping it focused, professional, and authentic.
- Get feedback from a Career Coach.
- Learn how to best use AI when creating a cover letter.
Sections to Include
Should mirror the style and content of your resume, including your name, location, phone number, and email. Creates a polished, professional brand and ensures consistency across your application materials.
Includes the spelled-out date and full mailing address of the employer, using formal formatting, (i.e., Street instead of St.), to establish the official nature of the letter.
A personalized greeting, (i.e., Dear Ms./Mr./Dr. Last), that sets a respectful and professional tone. A colon is preferred over a comma for business correspondence.
Opens with enthusiasm, mentions how you found the position, and, if applicable, name of a contact within the organization. This paragraph highlights your interest in both the role and the company’s mission.
Acts as a sales pitch by connecting your background and qualifications to the job. Focuses on specific accomplishments, using keywords from the job posting, and explains how your work supports the organization’s goals.
Reaffirms your interest in the position and thanks the reader. It may also reinforce how your background aligns with the organization’s mission and asks for an interview.
Ends with a professional closing, (i.e., Best regards), followed by your typed name. For printed letters, leave space for a handwritten signature above your name.
Indicates what additional documents are included, for instance your resume and/or application to help the reader know what to expect.
Check out our cover letter guide and samples for immediate support!
Or if your interested in pursuing a career in education, check out our Resume and Cover Letter Guide for Teachers!
ATS-Friendly Cover Letter Templates
Choose the style that best fits your experience and goals. Use these examples to guide your format and tone:
