HTML Preview Basic Job Cover Letter page number 1.
The cover letter serves as an introduction
to your resume. A well-orchestrated
cover letter tells the prospective employer
why you are interested in the company or
position you are applying for, provides
an effective summary of your skills and
experience in relation to the specific po-
sition of interest, and prompts further
contact. In short, the cover letter illus-
trates what a perfect match you’d make!
Be aware that your letter also provides
the employer with insight as to your com-
munication abilities and attention to de-
tail, therefore, compose your letter care-
fully and proofread before sending.
Cover Letters
A Guide for Students
Career Center Calendar
Check http://dsa.csupomona.edu/career for
current dates, times and locations for Drop-In
Advising, workshops and career events.
“Drop-In Advising”
Brief, 10-15 minute sessions with a Peer
Advisor who can provide you the tools and
resources to be successful. No
appointment necessary!
Monday-Friday: 11am-3pm
Summer Hours:
Please call office for hours
909-869-2342
COMMONLY ASKED QUESTIONS:
When do I include a cover letter?
In most cases, when submitting a resume, a cover letter is expected. Unless you
are attending a job fair or have been directed not to provide a cover letter, it is
appropriate to do so.
What about email and online resume submission?
When emailing your resume, you cover letter becomes the email message.
Simply type your letter in the body of the email (do not send as an attachment).
When submitting your resume online, follow the instructions provided. Some
company websites and job banks provide additional space for including a cover
letter or statement of introduction, or, offer an option to submit additional
documents.
To whom should my letter be addressed ?
Whenever possible, address your letter to a specific person by name, keeping in
mind that it is a good idea to confirm the spelling and title of those you are
writing to. When addressing letters to women, whose marital status is uncertain,
use the title “Ms.” If the recruiter or hiring manager’s name is not available,
your letter may be addressed to “Dear Human Resources Professional” or “Dear
Hiring Manager”.
FORMAT:
Keep it to one page, 3-4 paragraphs tops: The first paragraph should state your
purpose for writing. In the middle paragraph or two, summarize your
qualifications and highlight your strengths in relation to the job. Show your
interest in the position and the company. Your closing paragraph should
reiterate your interest and convey your appreciation for the reader’s
consideration.
TIPS for SUCCESS:
Your cover letter should compliment your resume; duplicate the header that
appears on your resume and use the same font style and paper
Customize your cover letter to fit each job; form letters do not create a
positive impression
Before writing, review the job posting; include those qualifications that you
possess which show that you are a match to the stated requirements
Be factual; do not misrepresent your qualifications
Use first person narrative, however, avoid beginning each sentence with “I”
Show confidence and take a proactive vs. passive stance, for example “I
look forward to hearing from you soon” rather than, “I hope to hear from
you soon”
Spell check and review your letter, better yet, have someone else review
your letter as they are more likely to catch mistakes
Remember to sign your letter before sending
Cover Letter June 2012
ATTENTION ALL STUDENTS!
The Career Center offers an on
-
line job and
campus recruiting resource:
BroncoConnection!
To register, log in to the Career Center webpage:
www.dsa
.csupomona.edu/career