Maxwell School Center for
CAREER DEVELOPMENT
Cover Letters
Cover letters introduce you and your resume to a prospective employer, demonstrate your writing ability,
and summarize why you believe you are right for a position. e letter should be one page maximum.
First Paragraph
• Convey your objective for the letter (full-time position or internship).
• Indicate how you found out about the opening.
• Describe why you are interested in that position at
that organization, along with your background and
qualications.
Second Paragraph
• Describe why you are a strong candidate by
expanding upon your experiences, jobs, academics,
skills, or personal traits.
• Provide examples of how you have demonstrated
the skills necessary for the job.
Third Paragraph
• Tie together your overall skills and experiences with
the particular position and organization.
• Demonstrate your knowledge of the skills necessary
for the job.
Closing Paragraph
• Re-emphasize your interest in the position and
organization.
• ank them for their time and consideration.
Providing salary information
Some employers will ask you to include your salary history or your salary requirements when applying for a
position. They do so for a variety of reasons. Regardless, it is in your best interest to give the employer the
information they seek. Provide at least a $10,000 range that meets your requirements based on research,
your experience, and the location. You may also simply state that your requirements are negotiable.
Tips
• Research the organization and position
carefully before you start writing, so you can
describe exactly why you are a good t.
• Emphasize aspects of your background that
best suit the organization and the position.
• Proofread carefully for grammar and
spelling.
• Keep sentences short and clear with strong
action verbs.
• Avoid starting sentences continuously with
“I” statements.
• Do not use the same cover letter for each
position. Customize each letter.
Electronic etiquette
• If applying by email, send a brief message
(about a paragraph) that explains your
background and states your interest in the
position. Then, attach your cover letter and
resume documents.
• Always save your cover letter and resume
as PDFs.