Cover Letters
What's a cover letter?
A cover letter is an introduction to your resume. It's an opportunity to focus on your skills that directly relate to the job you're applying to and to say some things you may not have been able to say in your resume.
When do I send a cover letter?
Anytime you send a resume, it should be introduced with a cover letter. This is the case even for faxed resumes.
Do I need to write a new one for each job to which I apply?
The general content of your resume can remain the same. However, there are some very important things that should change every time you write a new letter. They are:
- The name, title and address of the person to whom you are writing
- The job title you are applying for and how you found out about the position
- The specific skills you identify or the experiences you highlight from your resume may change.
How do I find the name of the person to whom I need to write?
If you are applying to positions listed in the newspaper, you are not always given a name. So be creative. Call information to obtain the phone number and ask the receptionist to whom resumes should be sent. Unfortunately, you will not always be successful in this endeavor, but it's worth a try. If you had 100 letters addressed "To Whom It May Concern" and five addressed actually to you, which ones would you give preferential treatment?
There is a lot more to know, so make sure to come in and pick up a Cover Letter Packet. Drop your letters off to be critiqued any time. Please note that we require a two-day minimum for a cover letter review.