Career Services
Cover Letters
What To Consider When Writing A Cover Letter
Opening Paragraph
- State purpose
- Mention source of lead
- Use names of mutual friends
- Name position seeking
- Be assertive
- Use recommender's name
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- Capture attention
- State top credentials
- Consider opening with a question
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Body Paragraph
- Create interest
- Show enthusiasm
- Stress skills
- Use self-descriptive words
- Use action verbs
- Emphasize excellence
- Show commitments honored
- Present confident tone
- Humanize
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- Tell a brief story
- Give rationale for decisions
- Illustrate personality
- Point to achievement
- Don't repeat resume
- State performance level
- Build credibilty
- Create warmth
- Give reasons for interest
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Closing Paragraph
- Close strongly
- Stay confident
- Avoid wimpy close
- Make response easy
- Restate solid match
- Refer to resume
- Call for appointment soon
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- Initiate follow-up plans
- State your next step
- Give specific date
- Avoid "if you have..."
- Take charge
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