COVER LETTER GUIDE - National Louis University

[Pages:3]COVER LETTER GUIDE

nl.edu 888.NLU.TODAY (658.8632)

A customized cover letter should accompany every resume submission. A well-written cover letter will help you effectively develop a connection with the employer and position. Use your cover letter to paint a picture of how you will work at and what you will contribute to the company or organization you are hoping to join.

Getting Started:

? Before you begin to write your cover letter, read the job description thoroughly and determine how you meet the qualifications

? Research the organization and include references to their mission, needs, or vision throughout your document

? Identify key requirements of the organization and connect them to your experience. Use the custom comparison below as a guide to help you build a strong cover letter:

Job Description Duty/Responsibility 1 Duty/Responsibility 2 Duty/Responsibility 3

Skills & Qualifications Experience 1 Experience 2 Experience 3

Cover Letter General Structure and Format: Paragraph 1: Introduction ? Open your cover letter with a strong, compelling sentence that draws your reader in immediately. ? What position are you applying for, where you found the job posting, and why do you think you would be a good fit? ? Approximately 2 ? 3 sentences that address your qualifications and/or interest

Paragraphs 2-3: Qualifications ? Make a connection for the employer; show how your experiences directly relate to the organization and position ? Tell a story. Do not repeat what is in your resume. Instead, contextualize it as it relates to this new job or organization. ? Talk about any accomplishments you achieved with the skills you mentioned in the first paragraph or any recognition you have gotten from your current or previous employers. ? Approximately 3 ? 5 sentences in length

Paragraph 4: Closing ? Re-iterate your interest and how to contact you (include your phone/email) ? Approximately 2 ? 3 sentences ? Thank the employer for their time and consideration and include a sentence that shows you will look forward to hearing from them.

Career Development Office nl.edu/careerdevelopment 312-261-3270 careerdevelopment@nl.edu

COVER LETTER TEMPLATE

nl.edu 888.NLU.TODAY (658.8632)

Your Name* Address City, State Zip Phone Email *The above header should be identical to your resume header. Bold your name.

Date (3 returns)

Contact Name, Title Organization Name Company Address City, State, Zip

Dear Dr./Ms./Mr. Last Name: (If you do not have the contact name, use "Dear Hiring Manager)

FIRST PARAGRAPH: Introduce yourself in a fresh, but relevant, manner. Research the organization to understand what they do and how your education and experiences align with the mission, needs, and goals. What position are you applying for, where did you find the job posting, and why are you a good fit?

TIPS for Paragraph 1: ? Each cover letter should be tailored for every position ? Make a connection between you and the organization ? Include position title and how you found the position and mention a referral or recommendation if you have one

SECOND-THIRD PARAGRAPHS: Focus on developing a relationship between you and the employer by displaying your knowledge of the organization or industry. Briefly describe your qualifications and accomplishments relating them to the needs from the ad and/or job description. Make sure you are answering the question: "Why should I hire you?"

TIPS for Paragraphs 2-3: ? Use the comparisons you drafted in the Cover Letter Guide to match the needs in the description with your accomplishments and skills. ? Concisely demonstrate relevant qualifications and match the organization's hiring needs in 3 ? 6 sentences

FOURTH PARAGRAPH: Reiterate your interest in the position, company, or organization. Include your phone and email address so that they can reach you easily. Use this paragraph to thank the reader for his/her time.

TIPS for Paragraph 4: ? End with a professional but memorable closing statement ? Include your contact information (email/phone) ? Mention your interest in the next step next steps ("I look forward to discussing this opportunity further")

Career Development Office nl.edu/careerdevelopment 312-261-3270 careerdevelopment@nl.edu

COVER LETTER TEMPLATE

nl.edu 888.NLU.TODAY (658.8632)

CLOSING:

Sincerely, (3 returns) Your First and Last Name

Enclosure: Resume

**PLEASE NOTE** The use of bold throughout this template is for guidance purposes. Only use bold feature for `Your Name" as shown in the header.

Career Development Office nl.edu/careerdevelopment 312-261-3270 careerdevelopment@nl.edu

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