how to write a cover letter edu

Writing Cover Letters

What is a cover letter? What to include in a cover letter How to organize a cover letter Questions to guide your writing How to format a cover letter Sample cover letters

What is a cover letter?

To be considered for almost any position, you will need to write a letter of application. Such a letter introduces you, explains your purpose for writing, highlights a few of your experiences or skills, and requests an opportunity to meet personally with the potential employer.

Precisely because this letter is your introduction to an employer and because first impressions count, you should take great care to write an impressive and effective letter. Remember that the letter not only tells of your accomplishments but also reveals how effectively you can communicate.

The appropriate content, format, and tone for application letters vary according to the position and the personality of the applicant. Thus, you will want to ask several people (if possible) who have had experience in obtaining jobs or in hiring in your field to critique a draft of your letter and to offer suggestions for revision.

Despite the differences in what constitutes a good application letter, the suggestions on these pages apply generally.

What to include in a cover letter

• Try to limit your letter to a single page. Be succinct.
• Assess the employer’s needs and your skills. Then try to match them in the letter in a way that will appeal to the employer’s self-interest.
• As much as possible, tailor your letter to each job opportunity. Demonstrate, if possible, some knowledge of the organization to which you are applying.
• Write in a style that is mature but clear; avoid long and intricate sentences and paragraphs; avoid jargon. Use action verbs and the active voice; convey confidence, optimism, and enthusiasm coupled with respect and professionalism.
• Show some personality, but avoid hard-sell, gimmicky, or unorthodox letters. Start fast; attract interest immediately. For more information see Business Letter Format .
• Arrange the points in a logical sequence; organize each paragraph around a main point.

How to organize a cover letter

Below is one possible way to arrange the content of your cover letter.

Opening Paragraph

State why you are writing.

Establish a point of contact (advertisement in a specific place for a specific position; a particular person’s suggestion that you write): give some brief idea of who you are (a Senior engineering student at UW; a recent Ph.D. in History).

Paragraph(s) 2(-3)

Highlight a few of the most salient points from your enclosed resume.

Arouse your reader’s curiosity by mentioning points that are likely to be important for the position you are seeking.

Show how your education and experience suit the requirements of the position, and, by elaborating on a few points from your resume, explain what you could contribute to the organization.

(Your letter should complement, not restate, your resume.)

Closing paragraph

Stress action. Politely request an interview at the employer’s convenience.

Indicate what supplementary material is being sent under separate cover and offer to provide additional information (a portfolio, a writing sample, a sample publication, a dossier, an audition tape), and explain how it can be obtained.

Thank the reader for his/her consideration and indicate that you are looking forward to hearing from him/her.

Questions to guide your writing

• Who is my audience?
• What is my objective?
• What are the objectives and needs of my audience?
• How can I best express my objective in relationship to my audience’s objectives and needs?
• What specific benefits can I offer to my audience and how can I best express them?
• What opening sentence and paragraph will grab the attention of my audience in a positive manner and invite them to read further?
• How can I maintain and heighten the interest and desire of the reader throughout the letter?
• What evidence can I present of my value to my audience?
• If a resume is enclosed with the letter, how can I best make the letter advertise the resume?
• What closing sentence or paragraph will best assure the reader of my capabilities and persuade him or her to contact me for further information?
• Is the letter my best professional effort?

*From Ronald L. Kraunich, William J. Bauis. High Impact Resumes & Letters. Virginia Beach, VA: Impact Publications, 1982.

How to format a cover letter

• Type each letter individually, or use a word processor.
• Use good quality bond paper.
• Whenever possible, address each employer by name and title.
• Each letter should be grammatically correct, properly punctuated, and perfectly spelled. It also should be immaculately clean and free of errors. Proofread carefully!
• Use conventional business correspondence form. If you are not certain of how to do this, ask for help at the Writing Center.

Sample cover letters

Looking at examples of strong cover letters is a great way to understand how this advice can become implemented. We’ve compiled and annotated a range of different kinds of cover letters from different kinds of student applicants. We encourage you to look through these letters and see some of what we’ve highlighted as working particularly well in these real world examples.

• Cover Letter Example 1. Undergraduate student applying for a restaurant hosting position.
• Cover Letter Example 2. Undergraduate sophomore applying for an internship with a non-profit, political organization.
• Cover Letter Example 3. Graduate student applying for a Project Assistant position at UW-Madison. The original job posting for this position can be found here .
• Cover Letter Example 4. A graduated student with an English literature and Spanish language double major applying to work as a law firm legal assistant.

In addition to these sample cover letters, you can find a range of other, often discipline-specific cover letter examples through these UW-Madison resources:

• SuccessWorks has developed a useful resource that features an overview of cover letters. It provides a breakdown of this genre’s main parts as well as an example cover letter and resume, all in response to an included job posting for a position with Americas Society Council of the Americas. All of this is located here .
• UW-Madison’s Law School has several wonderful examples of cover letters for law-related jobs here . These are organized according how far the applicants were into their law school careers (i.e., L1, L2, and L3).
• The Career Center for the School of Education has information about cover letters as well as sample cover letter for someone applying to be an elementary school teacher here .

Academic and Professional Writing

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Analysis Papers

Reading Poetry

A Short Guide to Close Reading for Literary Analysis

Using Literary Quotations

Play Reviews

Writing a Rhetorical Précis to Analyze Nonfiction Texts

Incorporating Interview Data

Grant Proposals

Planning and Writing a Grant Proposal: The Basics

Additional Resources for Grants and Proposal Writing

Job Materials and Application Essays

Writing Personal Statements for Ph.D. Programs

• Before you begin: useful tips for writing your essay
• Guided brainstorming exercises
• Get more help with your essay
• Frequently Asked Questions

Resume Writing Tips

CV Writing Tips

Cover Letters

Business Letters

Proposals and Dissertations

Resources for Proposal Writers

Resources for Dissertators

Research Papers

Planning and Writing Research Papers

Quoting and Paraphrasing

Writing Annotated Bibliographies

Creating Poster Presentations

Writing an Abstract for Your Research Paper

Thank-You Notes

Advice for Students Writing Thank-You Notes to Donors

Reading for a Review

Critical Reviews

Writing a Review of Literature

Scientific Reports

Scientific Report Format

Sample Lab Assignment

Writing for the Web

Writing an Effective Blog Post

Writing for Social Media: A Guide for Academics

Academic Cover Letters

What is this handout about.

The long list of application materials required for many academic teaching jobs can be daunting. This handout will help you tackle one of the most important components: the cover letter or letter of interest. Here you will learn about writing and revising cover letters for academic teaching jobs in the United States of America.

What is an academic cover letter?

An academic cover letter describes your experiences and interest as a candidate for a specific position. It introduces you to the hiring committee and demonstrates how your academic background fits with the description of the position.

What do cover letters for academic teaching jobs typically contain?

At their most basic level, academic cover letters accomplish three things: one, they express your interest in the job; two, they provide a brief synopsis of your research and teaching; and three, they summarize your past experiences and achievements to illustrate your competence for the job. For early-career scholars, cover letters are typically no more than two pages (up to four pages for senior scholars). Occasionally, a third page may make sense for an early-career scholar if the application does not require a separate teaching statement and/or research statement. Digital versions of cover letters often contain hyperlinks to your CV or portfolio page. For some fields, cover letters may also include examples of your work, including music, popular articles, and other multimedia related to your research, service, or teaching available online. Typically, letters appear on departmental or university letterhead and include your signature. Above all, a strong cover letter presents your accomplishments and your familiarity with the institution and with the position.

How should I prepare to write my academic cover letter?

Like all writing, composing a cover letter is a process. The process may be as short as a few hours or as long as several weeks, but at the end the letter should present you as a strong candidate for the job. The following section has tips and questions for thinking through each stage of this writing process. You don’t need to answer all of these questions to write the letter; they are meant to help you brainstorm ideas.

Before you begin writing your cover letter, consider researching the institution, the department, and the student population. Incorporating all three aspects in your letter will help convey your interest in the position.

Get to know the institution. When crafting your cover letter, be aware of the type of institution to which you are applying. Knowing how the institution presents itself can help you tailor your letter and make it more specific.

• Where is the institution located?
• Is it on a quarter-system or semester-system?
• What type of institution is it? Is it an R1? Is it an R2? Is it a liberal arts college? Is it an HBCU? Is it a community college? A private high school?
• What is the institution’s culture? Is it teaching-focused or research-focused? Does it privilege experiential learning? Does it value faculty involvement outside the classroom? Is it affiliated with a specific religious tradition?
• Does it have any specific institutional commitments?
• How does the institution advocate for involvement in its local community?
• What are the professional development opportunities for new and junior faculty?

Learn about the department. Knowing the specific culture and needs of the department can help you reach your audience: the department members who will be reading your documents and vetting you as a candidate.

• Who is on the search committee? Who is the search committee chair?
• What is the official name of the department?
• Which different subfields make up the department?
• Is it a dual appointment or a position in a dual department?
• How does the department participate in specific types of student outreach?
• Does the department have graduate students? Does it offer a terminal Master’s degree, Ph.D., or both? How large are the cohorts? How are they funded?
• Does the department encourage or engage in interdisciplinary work?
• Does the majority of the department favor certain theoretical or methodological approaches?
• Does the department have partnerships with local institutions? If so, which ones?
• Is the department attempting to fill a specific vacancy, or is it an entirely new position?
• What are the typical course offerings in the department? Which courses might you be expected to teach? What courses might you be able to provide that are not currently available?

Consider the students. The search committee will often consider how you approach instructing and mentoring the student body. Sometimes committees will even reserve a position for a student or solicit student feedback on a candidate:

• What populations constitute the majority of the undergraduate population?
• Have there been any shifts in the student population recently?
• Do students largely come from in-state or out-of-state?
• Is there an international student population? If so, from which countries?
• Is the university recruiting students from traditionally underrepresented populations?
• Are students particularly active on campus? If so, how?

Many answers to these questions can be found both in the job description and on the institution’s website. If possible, consider contacting someone you know at the institution to ask about the culture directly. You can also use the institution’s course catalog, recruitment materials, alumni magazine, and other materials to get answers to these questions. The key is to understand the sort of institution to which you are applying, its immediate needs, and its future trajectory.

Remember, there is a resource that can help you with all three aspects—people. Reach out to your advisor, committee members, faculty mentors, and other contacts for insight into the prospective department’s culture and faculty. They might even help you revise your letter based on their expertise. Think of your job search as an opportunity to cultivate these relationships.

After you have done some initial research, think about how your experiences have prepared you for the job and identify the ones that seem the most relevant. Consider your previous research, internships, graduate teaching, and summer experiences. Here are some topics and questions to get you started thinking about what you might include.

Research Experiences. Consider how your research has prepared you for an academic career. Since the letter is a relatively short document, select examples of your research that really highlight who you are as a scholar, the direction you see your work going, and how your scholarship will contribute to the institution’s research community.

• What are your current research interests?
• What topics would you like to examine in the future?
• How have you pursued those research interests?
• Have you traveled for your research?
• Have you published any of your research? Have you presented it at a conference, symposium, or elsewhere?
• Have you worked or collaborated with scholars at different institutions on projects? If so, what did these collaborations produce?
• Have you made your research accessible to your local community?
• Have you received funding or merit-based fellowships for your research?
• What other research contributions have you made? This may include opinion articles, book chapters, or participating as a journal reviewer.
• How do your research interests relate to those of other faculty in the department or fill a gap?

Teaching Experience. Think about any teaching experience you may have. Perhaps you led recitations as a teaching assistant, taught your own course, or guest lectured. Pick a few experiences to discuss in your letter that demonstrate something about your teaching style or your interest in teaching.

• What courses are you interested in teaching for the department? What courses have you taught that discussed similar topics or themes?
• What new courses can you imagine offering the department that align with their aim and mission?
• Have you used specific strategies that were helpful in your instruction?
• What sort of resources do you typically use in the classroom?
• Do you have anecdotes that demonstrate your teaching style?
• What is your teaching philosophy?
• When have you successfully navigated a difficult concept or topic in the classroom, and what did you learn?
• What other opportunities could you provide to students?

Internships/Summer/Other Experiences. Brainstorm a list of any conferences, colloquiums, and workshops you have attended, as well as any ways you have served your department, university, or local community. This section will highlight how you participate in your university and scholarly community. Here are some examples of things you might discuss:

• Professional development opportunities you may have pursued over the summer or during your studies
• International travel for research or presentations
• Any research you’ve done in a non-academic setting
• Presentations at conferences
• Participation in symposia, reading groups, working groups, etc.
• Internships in which you may have implemented your research or practical skills related to your discipline
• Participation in community engagement projects
• Participation in or leadership of any scholarly and/or university organizations

In answering these questions, create a list of the experiences that you think best reflect you as a scholar and teacher. In choosing which experiences to highlight, consider your audience and what they would find valuable or relevant. Taking the time to really think about your reader will help you present yourself as an applicant well-qualified for the position.

Writing a draft

Remember that the job letter is an opportunity to introduce yourself and your accomplishments and to communicate why you would be a good fit for the position. Typically, search committees will want to know whether you are a capable job candidate, familiar with the institution, and a great future addition to the department’s faculty. As such, be aware of how the letter’s structure and content reflect your preparedness for the position.

The structure of your cover letter should reflect the typical standards for letter writing in the country in which the position is located (the list below reflects the standards for US letter writing). This usually includes a salutation, body, and closing, as well as proper contact information. If you are affiliated with a department, institution, or organization, the letter should be on letterhead.

• Use a simple, readable font in a standard size, such as 10-12pt. Some examples of fonts that may be conventional in your field include Arial, Garamond, Times New Roman, and Verdana, among other similar fonts.
• Do not indent paragraphs.
• Separate all paragraphs by a line and justify them to the left.
• Make sure that any included hyperlinks work.
• Include your signature in the closing.

Before you send in your letter, make sure you proofread and look for formatting mistakes. You’ll read more about proofreading and revising later in this handout!

The second most important aspect of your letter is its content. Since the letter is the first chance to provide an in-depth introduction, it should expand on who you are as a scholar and possible faculty member. Below are some elements to consider including when composing your letter.

Identify the position you are applying to and introduce yourself. Traditionally, the first sentence of a job letter includes the full name of the position and where you discovered the job posting. This is also the place to introduce yourself and describe why you are applying for this position. Since the goal of a job letter is to persuade the search committee to include you on the list of candidates for further review, you may want to include an initial claim as to why you are a strong candidate for the position. Some questions you might consider:

• What is your current status (ABD, assistant professor, post-doc, etc.)?
• If you are ABD, have you defended your dissertation? If not, when will you defend?
• Why are you interested in this position?
• Why are you a strong candidate for this position?

Describe your research experience and interests. For research-centered positions, such as positions at R1 or other types of research-centered universities, include information about your research experience and current work early in the letter. For many applicants, current work will be the dissertation project. If this is the case, some suggest calling your “dissertation research” your “current project” or “work,” as this may help you present yourself as an emerging scholar rather than a graduate student. Some questions about your research that you might consider:

• What research experiences have you had?
• What does your current project investigate?
• What are some of the important methods you applied?
• Have you collaborated with others in your research?
• Have you acquired specific skills that will be useful for the future?
• Have you received special funding? If so, what kind?
• Has your research received any accolades or rewards?
• What does your current project contribute to the field?
• Where have you presented your research?
• Have you published your research? If so, where? Or are you working on publishing your work?
• How does your current project fit the job description?

Present your plans for future research. This section presents your research agenda and usually includes a description of your plans for future projects and research publications. Detailing your future research demonstrates to the search committee that you’ve thought about a research trajectory and can work independently. If you are applying to a teaching-intensive position, you may want to minimize this section and/or consider including a sentence or two on how this research connects to undergraduate and/or graduate research opportunities. Some questions to get you started:

• What is your next research project/s?
• How does this connect to your current and past work?
• What major theories/methods will you use?
• How will this project contribute to the field?
• Where do you see your specialty area or subfield going in the next ten years and how does your research contribute to or reflect this?
• Will you be collaborating with anyone? If so, with whom?
• How will this future project encourage academic discourse?
• Do you already have funding? If so, from whom? If not, what plans do you have for obtaining funding?
• How does your future research expand upon the department’s strengths while simultaneously diversifying the university’s research portfolio? (For example, does your future research involve emerging research fields, state-of-the-art technologies, or novel applications?)

Describe your teaching experience and highlight teaching strategies. This section allows you to describe your teaching philosophy and how you apply this philosophy in your classroom. Start by briefly addressing your teaching goals and values. Here, you can provide specific examples of your teaching methods by describing activities and projects you assign students. Try to link your teaching and research together. For example, if you research the rise of feminism in the 19th century, consider how you bring either the methodology or the content of your research into the classroom. For a teaching-centered institution, such as a small liberal arts college or community college, you may want to emphasize your teaching more than your research. If you do not have any teaching experience, you could describe a training, mentoring, or coaching situation that was similar to teaching and how you would apply what you learned in a classroom.

• What is your teaching philosophy? How is your philosophy a good fit for the department in which you are applying to work?
• What sort of teaching strategies do you use in the classroom?
• What is your teaching style? Do you lecture? Do you emphasize discussion? Do you use specific forms of interactive learning?
• What courses have you taught?
• What departmental courses are you prepared to teach?
• Will you be able to fill in any gaps in the departmental course offerings?
• What important teaching and/or mentoring experiences have you had?
• How would you describe yourself in the classroom?
• What type of feedback have you gotten from students?
• Have you received any awards or recognition for your teaching?

Talk about your service work. Service is often an important component of an academic job description. This can include things like serving on committees or funding panels, providing reviews, and doing community outreach. The cover letter gives you an opportunity to explain how you have involved yourself in university life outside the classroom. For instance, you could include descriptions of volunteer work, participation in initiatives, or your role in professional organizations. This section should demonstrate ways in which you have served your department, university, and/or scholarly community. Here are some additional examples you could discuss:

• Participating in graduate student or junior faculty governance
• Sitting on committees, departmental or university-wide
• Partnerships with other university offices or departments
• Participating in community-partnerships
• Participating in public scholarship initiatives
• Founding or participating in any university initiatives or programs
• Creating extra-curricular resources or presentations

Present yourself as a future faculty member. This section demonstrates who you will be as a colleague. It gives you the opportunity to explain how you will collaborate with faculty members with similar interests; take part in departmental and/or institution wide initiatives or centers; and participate in departmental service. This shows your familiarity with the role of faculty outside the classroom and your ability to add to the departmental and/or institutional strengths or fill in any gaps.

• What excites you about this job?
• What faculty would you like to collaborate with and why? (This answer may be slightly tricky. See the section on name dropping below.)
• Are there any partnerships in the university or outside of it that you wish to participate in?
• Are there any centers associated with the university or in the community that you want to be involved in?
• Are there faculty initiatives that you are passionate about?
• Do you have experience collaborating across various departments or within your own department?
• In what areas will you be able to contribute?
• Why would you make an excellent addition to the faculty at this institution?

Compose a strong closing. This short section should acknowledge that you have sent in all other application documents and include a brief thank you for the reader’s time and/or consideration. It should also state your willingness to forward additional materials and indicate what you would like to see as next steps (e.g., a statement that you look forward to speaking with the search committee). End with a professional closing such as “Sincerely” or “Kind Regards” followed by your full name.

If you are finding it difficult to write the different sections of your cover letter, consider composing the other academic job application documents (the research statement, teaching philosophy, and diversity statement) first and then summarizing them in your job letter.

Different kinds of letters may be required for different types of jobs. For example, some jobs may focus on research. In this case, emphasize your research experiences and current project/s. Other jobs may be more focused on teaching. In this case, highlight your teaching background and skills. Below are two models for how you could change your letter’s organization based on the job description and the institution. The models offer a guide for you to consider how changing the order of information and the amount of space dedicated to a particular topic changes the emphasis of the letter.

Research-Based Position Job Letter Example:

Teaching-Based Position Job Letter Example:

Remember your first draft does not have to be your last. Try to get feedback from different readers, especially if it is one of your first applications. It is not uncommon to go through several stages of revisions. Check out the Writing Center’s handout on editing and proofreading and video on proofreading to help with this last stage of writing.

Potential pitfalls

Using the word dissertation. Some search committee members may see the word “dissertation” as a red flag that an applicant is too focused on their role as a graduate student rather than as a prospective faculty member. It may be advantageous, then, to describe your dissertation as current research, a current research project, current work, or some other phrase that demonstrates you are aware that your dissertation is the beginning of a larger scholarly career.

Too much jargon. While you may be writing to a specific department, people on the search committee might be unfamiliar with the details of your subfield. In fact, many committees have at least one member from outside their department. Use terminology that can easily be understood by non-experts. If you want to use a specific term that is crucial to your research, then you should define it. Aim for clarity for your reader, which may mean simplification in lieu of complete precision.

Overselling yourself. While your job letter should sell you as a great candidate, saying so (e.g., “I’m the ideal candidate”) in your letter may come off to some search committee members as presumptuous. Remember that although you have an idea about the type of colleague a department is searching for, ultimately you do not know exactly what they want. Try to avoid phrases or sentences where you state you are the ideal or the only candidate right for the position.

Paying too much attention to the job description. Job descriptions are the result of a lot of debate and compromise. If you have skills or research interests outside the job description, consider including them in your letter. It may be that your extra research interests; your outside skills; and/or your extracurricular involvements make you an attractive candidate. For example, if you are a Latin Americanist who also happens to be well-versed in the Spanish Revolution, it could be worth mentioning the expanse of your research interests because a department might find you could fill in other gaps in the curriculum or add an additional or complementary perspective to the department.

Improper sendoff. The closing of your letter is just as important as the beginning. The end of the letter should reflect the professionalism of the document. There should be a thank-you and the word sincerely or a formal equivalent. Remember, it is the very last place in your letter where you present yourself as a capable future colleague.

Small oversights. Make sure to proofread your letter not just for grammar but also for content. For example, if you use material from another letter, make sure you do not include the names of another school, department, or unassociated faculty! Or, if the school is in Chicago, make sure you do not accidentally reference it as located in the Twin Cities.

Name dropping. You rarely know the internal politics of the department or institution to which you are applying. So be cautious about the names you insert in your cover letters. You do not want to unintentionally insert yourself into a departmental squabble or add fire to an interdepartmental conflict. Instead, focus on the actions you will undertake and the initiatives you are passionate about.

Works consulted

We consulted these works while writing this handout. This is not a comprehensive list of resources on the handout’s topic, and we encourage you to do your own research to find additional publications. Please do not use this list as a model for the format of your own reference list, as it may not match the citation style you are using. For guidance on formatting citations, please see the UNC Libraries citation tutorial . We revise these tips periodically and welcome feedback.

Ball, Cheryl E. 2013. “Understanding Cover Letters.” Inside Higher Ed , November 3, 2013. https://www.insidehighered.com/advice/2013/11/04/essay-cover-letter-academic-jobs .

Borchardt, John. 2014. “Writing a Winning Cover Letter.” Science Magazine , August 6, 2014. https://www.sciencemag.org/careers/2014/08/writing-winning-cover-letter# .

Helmreich, William. 2013. “Your First Academic Job.” Inside Higher Ed , June 17, 2013. https://www.insidehighered.com/advice/2013/06/17/essay-how-land-first-academic-job .

Kelsky, Karen. 2013. “How To Write a Journal Article Submission Cover Letter.” The Professor Is In (blog), April 26, 2013. https://theprofessorisin.com/2013/04/26/how-to-write-a-journal-article-submission-cover-letter/ .

Tomaska, Lubomir, and Josef Nosek. 2008. “Ten Simple Rules for Writing a Cover Letter to Accompany a Job Application for an Academic Position.” PLoS Computational Biology 14(5). https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pcbi.1006132 .

You may reproduce it for non-commercial use if you use the entire handout and attribute the source: The Writing Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

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How to write an effective cover letter (with samples)

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You will have to prepare a number of materials for employers while looking for a job. One type of document is the cover letter, which is included with your resume when requesting a job interview. An effective cover letter is directed towards a specific position or company, and describes examples from your experience that highlight your skills related to the role.

You want to convince the reader that your interest in the job and company are genuine and specific. You also want to demonstrate ways that your experience has prepared you for the role by sharing a few brief stories that highlight your qualifications. This takes time and research; use the job description and the company’s web site or LinkedIn page to identify traits and skills the company values.

Cover letter structure and format

A cover letter should be no longer than one page with a font size between 10-12 points. Be sure to include your contact information and address it directly to the hiring manager, using their name. If you are not sure who to address the letter to, write “Dear Hiring Manager.” If the role you are applying for has a reference number or code, be sure to include it in your letter so that human resources is able to accurately track your application. The reference code is usually included

Cover letters typically take the following structure:

Introduction (1st paragraph)

• State clearly in your opening sentence the purpose for your letter and a brief professional introduction.
• Specify why you are interested in that specific position and organization.
• Provide an overview of the main strengths and skills you will bring to the role.

Example : I am a second year master’s student in MIT’s Technology and Policy Program (TPP) writing to apply for a consulting position in Navigant’s Emerging Technology & Business Strategy group. After speaking with John Smith at the MIT career fair, I realized that Navigant’s values of excellence, continuous development, entrepreneurial spirit, and integrity align with the principles that guide me every day and that have driven me throughout my career. Moreover, I believe that my knowledge of the energy sector, passion for data analysis, polished communication skills, and four years of consulting experience will enable me to deliver superior value for Navigant’s clients.

Body (2-3 paragraphs)

• Cite a couple of examples from your experience that support your ability to be successful in the position or organization.
• Try not to simply repeat your resume in paragraph form, complement your resume by offering a little more detail about key experiences.
• Discuss what skills you have developed and connect these back to the target role.

Example : As a graduate student in MIT’s Technology and Policy Program, I spend every day at the cutting edge of the energy sector. In my capacity as an MIT Energy Initiative research assistant, I use statistical analysis to investigate trends in public acceptance and regulation related to emerging energy technologies. Graduate classes in data science, energy economics, energy ventures and strategy, and technology policy have prepared me to help Navigant offer the expert services that set it apart from competitors. Furthermore, I will bring Navigant the same leadership skills that I used as the student leader for the MIT Energy Conference’s Technology Commercialization round-table, and as the mentorship manager for the MIT Clean Energy Prize.

Even before MIT, my four years of work experience in consulting—first at LMN Research Group and then at XYZ Consulting—allowed me to develop the skillset that Navigant looks for in candidates. As a science writer and policy analyst at LMN Research Group, I developed superb technical writing and visual communication skills, as well as an ability to communicate and collaborate with clients at federal agencies such as EPA and DOE. As a research analyst at XYZ Consulting, I developed an in-depth understanding of data analysis, program evaluation, and policy design.

Closing (last paragraph)

• Restate succinctly your interest in the role and why you are a good candidate.
• Thank the reader for their time and consideration.

Example : I take pride in my skills and experience in several domains: critical thinking and analysis, communication, and leadership. I note that Navigant values these same ideals, and I very much hope to use my abilities in service of the firm and its clients. Thank you for your time and consideration, I look forward to speaking with you further about my qualifications.

Additional cover letter tips

• Be sure that each cover letter is specifically tailored to the company you are writing to. Research the company to help you determine your approach. Check the company’s website and other resources online. You can also use MIT’s extensive alumni network through the Alumni Advisors Hub to seek first-hand knowledge, advice, and insight about the company.
• Are you seeking a position in a field or industry that does not have an obvious parallel or connection to your academic training? Be explicit about why you are interested in that particular field, organization or job, and what value you bring. For example, if you are an electrical engineer applying to a finance or consulting position, highlight your quantitative skills and ability to problem-solve.
• If you are applying for a summer job or internship and do not yet have any experience that is directly related to the position, focus on transferable skills that will add value to the role – leadership, communication, problem-solving, project management, etc.
• Lastly, cover letters are a chance to demonstrate the communication skills necessary to most jobs. Careful composing and revision are essential. To put your best foot forward and ensure your cover letter will be effective, schedule an appointment with a CAPD career advisor.

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Cover Letter Guide

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The cover letter is one of your marketing documents (in addition to your resume) and your opportunity to bring additional focus to your resume with a specific reader in mind. You will write a unique and well-researched letter for every opportunity to which you apply. Before you begin constructing your cover letter, we encourage you to consider your lens.  What we mean is that we want you to adopt the mindset, or lens, of the person who will make the hiring decision.

• What are the most important qualities needed to be successful in this role? 
• What type of candidate will progress to the interview? 

Many of the answers you seek are found in the job description or through a conversation with a professional who works for the organization. Use all of these resources to identify the most important messages that you need to convey about your story in the cover letter. A Cover letter is an opportunity to tell your story in a compelling way by making a claim and substantiating that claim with examples. It follows much of the same structure as an essay.

• Present a clear thesis.
• Provide evidence to support your claims.
• Bring the story to a close with a succinct and compelling conclusion.

Not sure a cover letter is necessary?   Think of the cover letter as part of the resume.  If someone asks for a resume, send a resume plus a cover letter, unless there is an explicit request otherwise. This is standard practice. Also, if you are applying online and have a small text box in which to provide additional information, consider this an opportunity for a mini-cover letter.

Steps to Success

Make a strong first impression in the first sentence of the first paragraph.  A persuasive first sentence tells the reader that you are serious and keeps them reading.  Interesting and compelling information about your candidacy should be introduced in your first paragraph.  The final paragraph is too late.

Go beyond general statements that could be true for the majority of candidates.  Common qualities or characteristics will not help you to uniquely stand out.  Trust the resume to cover the basics and use the cover letter to highlight bigger patterns of success or share an anecdote about your achievements that relates to a requirement of the position.

Tell the reader about you. Communicate your interest and motivation to apply by connecting your background and interests to your knowledge of the organization.  Avoid reporting facts.  The reader already knows his or her organization but wants to know about you and why you are applying.  This is a great opportunity to show your level of research on the position.

Use evidence to build credibility around every claim in your letter.  The reader wants to believe you and needs detailed illustrations of your past success to do so.  If you have included more than a couple of claims (two or three are sufficient) about your ability to thrive in the job, you are sacrificing depth for breadth and duplicating the work that the resume should do.  Move extra information for the cover letter to the resume to improve it and trust the resume.

Generate a Cover Letter in seconds  Get a boost from AI when crafting your cover letter using the Jobscan Cover Letter Generator . Jobscan will craft a cover letter that highlights skills and experience that directly relates to the job you are applying for. 

Cover Letter FAQ

What should i include in my cover letter .

Vital components that should be in every cover letter are headers, the individual/company being addressed, introduction, body paragraphs, closing paragraphs and the appropriate signature. These components should highlight your experiences, skills, values, strengths, etc as they relate to the position you are applying for. Consider adding unique touches within it such as connections to the company, knowledge about the company/role, and special qualifications.  

Do I need to submit a cover letter with my application? 

Every application may not require you to submit a cover letter, but if it is optional, submitting a cover letter can help your application. This can highlight your enthusiasm as a candidate for the position, while also generalizing how unique your experiences and skills are. A Cover letter is an effective and creative way to show why you are the BEST candidate for the position in which you are applying for. 

How long should my cover letter be?

Generally, a cover letter should not exceed a full page but should also be longer than a half page.  

Should I address my cover letter to a specific person?

Yes, whenever possible you should address your cover letter to a specific person. This could be the contact listed on the job posting, your HR contact, the HR Director or a hiring manager. It’s important to find a specific person to address the letter to because that shows you’ve done your research and are more detailed. You can look up people on the company’s website or through Linkedin. If you’ve done your research and still have no luck finding someone, you can address the letter to the Hiring Manager.

How can I tailor my cover letter to each job application? 

Review the position description! The description will tell you what the company is looking for in their ideal candidate (e.g., requirements, qualifications, etc.). Once you identify the skills they are looking for, consider your experiences. Which ones highlight some (not all) of the skills they are looking for? From there, choose one or two and tell a story about them in cover letter. Highlight the skills you know they are looking for and give detail you don’t already have in your resume.  

As a Duke student, you have access to Jobscan Premium . This service allows you to quickly draft a cover letter that aligns with the position description using AI. We recommend closely reviewing the Jobscan generated cover letter to ensure it makes sense, highlights what you want it to, and is in your voice.  

What if I don’t have relevant experience for the position? 

Consider your transferable skills . You may have great communication, be a team player, or be a lifelong learner. Talk about how these skills will benefit the employer in your letter. 

How do I know which Applicant Tracking System (ATS) a company uses? 

Use Jobscan Premium ! Duke students have access to unlimited resume and cover letter scans with Jobscan. This service will tell you which ATS the company you’re applying to uses along with tips to help you prepare your documents accordingly.  

How should I include my academic experience in my cover letter? 

You do not need to include any information about your education in your cover letter unless there is specific information that might support your candidacy that is not evident on your resume. Coursework may help illustrate transferrable skills if you do not have extensive experience. 

How can I make my cover letter stand out? 

Common qualities or characteristics will not help you to uniquely stand out.  Trust the resume to cover the basics and use the cover letter to highlight bigger patterns of success and/or share an anecdote(s) about your achievements that relates to a requirement of the position. 

A good quality cover letter may be what you need to stand out so don’t sacrifice quality for something flashy. Tell the reader something interesting about yourself, what value you will add to their organization and be sure to write about a specific job or internship. 

Is it okay to use a template for my cover letter? 

To allow for an employer to be able to do a quick review of your application materials, it is best to follow a standard format or template, like the one we have provided, just to meet their expectations. The text, however, needs to tell your unique story and be relevant to your specific audience and there is no template for that. 

Do I repeat the information from my resume to the cover letter 

No, avoid repeating your resume in your cover letter. Your cover letter is an extra document that highlights more about you. Don’t just repeat the accomplishment statement from the resume. Really dive into the experience, the skills you were using, how you used them and the end result of your time and work.  

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How and Why to Write a Great Cover Letter

A cover letter is a one-page business letter that you submit when applying to a job, along with your resume. As a piece of persuasive writing, your cover letter will aim to convey to the employer why you’re a great candidate for the role.

What is the purpose of a cover letter?

Your cover letter complements your resume by making it easy for the employer to see how your experience and interest connect to the position. Your goal is to convince the employer to interview you.

With your cover letter, you’ll aim to:

• Highlight your qualifications:  You’ll show how your skills and experience relate to the employer’s needs for a specific position.
• Showcase your motivation: You’ll demonstrate your enthusiasm for the specific position and the organization.
• Reflect your voice and written communication skills: You’ll give the employer a sense of your personality and writing style.

When should I write a cover letter?

Not all jobs require cover letters. So, how do you decide whether to submit one?

Submit a Cover Letter when…

• The posting explicitly requests that you do so
• You’re applying to an opportunity at a mission-driven organization
• You think that doing so could provide important information to the employer that they wouldn’t get from your resume

Consider Submitting a Cover Letter when…

• It’s marked “optional” in an application, and you have the bandwidth to do so
• You have content that you can easily recycle or repurpose into a tailored cover letter

No Need to Submit a Cover Letter when…

• A posting specifically tells you not to submit one
• There’s no way to submit one in an application portal, and doing so would require a serious workaround

If you’re applying to several similar opportunities, creating a draft cover letter in advance, geared toward that type of opportunity, can be a helpful way to save time in your actual application process.

How do I write a cover letter?

Your cover letter should articulate your qualifications and motivation for the position. Read the job description closely and research the organization. As you craft your cover letter, use examples that demonstrate your relevant skills, knowledge, and interests. The cover letter should be concise, clear, and well-organized.

Before Writing

Research the employer.

Learn enough about the organization to articulate why you are a strong fit for that firm. 

• Review the firm’s website and LinkedIn page.
• Speak with current or previous employees.
• Read articles and social media for current news.

Analyze the job description

Look for skills, duties, and qualifications of the job so you can design your letter to match these as much as possible.

Reflect on your experience and motivation

Identify skills and personal qualities you have developed which will be useful in this role. Ask yourself:

• What attracts you about this role/company/industry?
• What have you have done in your work experiences, classes, internships, activities, projects, volunteer work, travel, etc., that is similar to the duties required of the job? 

Cover Letter Structure

As a business letter, the cover letter should include:

• Heading: Include your name and contact information in the same format as your resume
• Salutation: Address your letter to the specific individual who can hire you, if this is known. If the name is not included in the job description, address the letter to the Hiring Manager or title mentioned in the job description.
• Body Paragraphs:  Discuss your experiences, interests, and skills to show the employer how you can add value to their team. See the section below for more guidance.
• Signature Line: Include a closing and your name.

The cover letter should be one page, about three or four paragraphs, and single spaced. Use 10-12 point font and one inch margins. 

When applying online, upload your cover letter as a PDF file, unless another format is specified. When sending your resume and cover letter by email, you may write a short note or paste your cover letter in the body of your email (without the address header) and also attach the PDF file.

Cover Letter Content

Your cover letter should answer who, what, when, where and why you are applying for the opportunity. 

Introduction

State the position for which you are applying. If you have a referral or spoke with someone from the company, you can mention it in the introduction. Provide some basic information about yourself; this can include your class year and what you’re studying at Columbia. Briefly outline why you’re interested in the organization and what you bring in terms of relevant experience and skills. 

Body Paragraphs

These paragraphs will highlight your qualifications and strengths that are most relevant to the organization and position. Use the job posting and your research as clues to determine what the employer is seeking in a candidate. Have your resume beside you and reflect on what you want the employer to know about you. Are there experiences you want to expand upon that demonstrate your understanding of the role and ability to do the job requirements?

Structure the paragraphs based on relevance, not chronology. Lead with your most relevant skill or strongest experience.

Start each body paragraph with a clear topic sentence.  This can highlight a key skill set, a transferable experience, or a core area of knowledge you’ve built through your studies. Walk the reader through a project or experience, integrating the relevant skills you used and qualities you demonstrated. Provide details about your accomplishments and impact. Connect how these experiences have prepared you for this role and why you are motivated to do this job. There is no need to apologize if you feel you lack experience; focus on the accomplishments that you have.

Recap what you would bring to the organization and your interest in the position. Thank the employer for their consideration. Keep your tone positive and enthusiastic. 

Check out our example of how to structure your cover letter content . 

Editing Tips

Use our  Cover Letter Checklist to make sure your format and content is in line with best practices. 

• Ensure that the content reflects the requirements in the job description
• Keep the cover letter concise, at one page or less
• Correct any errors in grammar, sentence structure, and spelling
• Use the active voice
• Avoid beginning too many sentences with “I”

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Writing the Cover Letter

What are the objectives of a cover letter.

A good cover letter puts your résumé in context and persuades the prospective employer that you are a good match for the position in question. If your cover letter does its job, the prospective employer will begin to consider your candidacy and go on to review your résumé in detail.

Your cover letter also serves as a sample of your organizational and communication skills. For this reason, it's essential to spend time writing and organizing the content, and to proofread it carefully. The time and care that you devote to constructing and writing your cover letter and résumé will demonstrate to the prospective employer that you're capable of producing high quality work.

Finally, your cover letter expresses your interest in the particular position or particular organization. Cover letters should be individually tailored for each job prospect. Your letter should convey to each prospective employer that you have an understanding of the job, and that you've done some thinking about how you could fit in to the organization and contribute to its goals.

How should I approach the writing task?

Your cover letter is your opportunity to market those aspects of your skills, abilities, education, training, background, and experience which are most relevant to the position you're seeking. This means that you will need to begin by doing some thinking about your skills and background and how these relate to the position for which you're applying. (For more information about skills, visit the Humanities Academic Services Center website .) Your cover letter should reflect your individuality, but remember that you are "introducing yourself" for the first time to a stranger: it's best to err on the side of professionalism.

Read the job announcement carefully. What are the most important qualifications being sought? How can you best demonstrate that you have them? Try to put yourself in the prospective employer's position: What would you want to know about a candidate for this particular job? What information would be most important to you? Include only the most relevant attributes and experiences you possess which specifically match the job for which you're applying.

Research the company or organization: What does the employing organization do? What are its goals? What is its history? How does it fit in to its industry? What characterizes the organization's culture (e.g., is it casual, conservative, highly structured, diverse, traditional, modern, fast-paced, etc.)? Some information, such as the organization's mission, purpose, clients, partners, and a sense of its "style" can be found on its website (if it has one). There are also industry and employer directories available on the web, in the libraries, and at UW Career Center in 134 Mary Gates Hall. Local and national newspapers, industry-related publications and journals, and the Washington Occupational Information System are also good resources.

Address the letter to a specific individual. As with all writing, it's important to identify your audience. Taking the time to find out the hiring party's name and correct title is another way to demonstrate your interest in the position.

How should I format my cover letter?

Your cover letter should be three to four paragraphs in length and limited to one page. Like an essay, its content can usually be divided up into three parts:

The introduction states the position you're seeking, explains how you learned about the position, and indicates your interest. It often also contains a brief statement of your qualifications (education, experience, and skills).

The body highlights the most important qualities you can offer to this particular employer , related to the position that you're seeking. Because you will be attaching your résumé, this is not the place to go into great detail. What you are attempting to do is to get the employer's attention and interest him/her in your candidacy. This is also the place to present other relevant information about your characteristics or background that may not be evident from your résumé. You might provide the employer with some specific examples of how you've demonstrated particular key skills or how you fulfill the most important qualifications listed in the job announcement.

The conclusion should summarize your qualifications and your interest in the position. Be sure to close your letter with a request for action or an indication that you'll be following up. This might include a request for an interview, a statement of your intent to call the employer on a specific date, or the dates you'll be in town for an interview. Finally, always thank the employer for considering your application.

Sample Cover Letters

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What is the Purpose of a Cover Letter

A cover letter is a formal letter that complements a resume or other position application materials. It allows you to introduce yourself to an organization and demonstrate effective written communication by expressing your interest and showcasing your education, experience, and skills.

It is important for this document to not replicate your resume, but to highlight your accomplishments, strengths, and transferable skills focusing on what you’ve learned and how you will add value. A cover letter is an important part of the job search process and should be tailored to the position for which you are applying. They are typically one page and three to four paragraphs. Save your cover letter as a PDF before sending it.

FOUR QUESTIONS TO ASK YOURSELF BEFORE BUILDING A COVER LETTER

• What are three reasons why you’d like to be in this specific position at this organization compared to others like it?
• What is the organization’s mission statement and/or values?
• How can you tie in your past experiences to fit in with the position description the organization is looking for?
• How does this job and company align with your vision for yourself in the future?

KEY AREAS OF A COVER LETTER

Opening Section: Who You Are and Why You Are Applying

• Name the job for which you are applying and how you learned about it
• Briefly highlight your education, skills, and experience
• If appropriate, mention the name of the person who referred you to the organization

Second Section: Your Skills and Qualifications

• Discuss the skills and strengths you bring to the job, and explicitly connect them to the tasks of the position
• Provide brief examples of a few related achievements or experiences, discussing how it can transfer to the position
• Even if you haven’t done the exact things the job entails, you can show your preparedness through transferable skills

Third Section: You and the Company

• Demonstrate that you’ve researched the company by incorporating information such as their mission statement, motto, services or products and relating it to your previous experience, goals, and why you are interested in working for them
• State why you would be a good fit for the organization, emphasizing how you can help the organization reach its goals
• Some organizations may have a focus on helping employees grow, but overall focus on what you offer, not what you want

Closing Section: Wrapping Up

• Very briefly restate any important themes, creatively tying them together into a cohesive conclusion
• State that you are available for a personal interview at your reader’s convenience
• Make it easy for the person to contact you: list your email address, as well as your phone number. Even if this information is on the resume, list it here again, as you do not want to make the employer search for a way to contact you
• Thank the reader for their time

DO I NEED A COVER LETTER?

A cover letter, while not always “required” for an application, gives you another opportunity to share your interest in the position and introduce your resume in context. Although cover letters can be time-consuming to write, they can help the search committee/hiring manager understand more about you and your skills and qualifications. This can help your application stand out from others.

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Sample Cover letters to reference while creating or revising a cover letter.

Cover Letter Guide

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Use this guide to learn how to craft a strong cover letter to assist with intership and job applications.

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A resume is a concise, informative summary of your abilities, education, and experience. It should highlight your strongest assets and skills, and differentiate you from other candidates seeking similar positions.

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Writing a Cover Letter

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Instructor: Jenny Foss

Cover letters matter. When done right, they spell out clearly who you are, what you have to offer, and—most importantly—why your skills, experience, and interests make you the perfect person for the job you’re vying for. In this course, join career strategist and Certified Professional Resume Writer Jenny Foss as she dives into the topic of cover letters, detailing how to craft one that helps you land the interview and—ultimately—the job. Explore the elements of an exceptional cover letter and learn how to craft a killer lead, provide direct evidence for why your skills align with a position, and close on a strong note. Plus, Jenny shares tips for getting your polished letter directly into the hands of decision-makers.

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Career pathways ⌄, professional development advice ⌄, jobs and internships ⌄, pre-health at illinois ⌄, resources for international students ⌄, how to write a cover letter, purpose of your cover letter.

Your cover letter is an important component of the application process. It serves as a way for you to summarize your qualifications, state your interest in a position, and stand out from other applicants.

Cover letters typically accompany each resume you submit, unless otherwise specified. It is customized to each opportunity you are pursuing.

Tips for Writing Your Cover Letter

How to ensure your content is concise, relevant, and appealing to potential employers.

• While every cover letter is different, effective cover letters demonstrate you are a good fit for the position.
• Convey your enthusiasm for the position and knowledge of the company.
• Provide support and examples that showcase the skills and competencies that are being sought.
• Focus on your accomplishments and measurable results.
• Address your cover letter to a specific person whenever possible. It may take some resourcefulness on your part to identify the appropriate person, but the letter will be better received.  
• Write clearly and concisely.
• Use proper grammar and check for misspelled words.
• Limit your letter to one page.
• Be sure to include the date, an appropriate salutation, and close with your signature.
• Mass produced cover letters are a common mistake, and easy to detect. Be sure to relate your specific skills and experiences to each individual position.   
• Incorporate information that reflects your knowledge of the company, the industry, or the position. 
• Consider that employers are seeking to fill specific roles and are looking for applicants that have the skills and qualities to succeed in that role. 

Structuring Your Cover Letter

Paragraph 1: capture attention .

• In your first paragraph, capture the reader's attention.
• Indicate the position you are applying for and how you learned of the vacancy, i.e. Did someone tell you about it?  Did you see an ad or website? 
• Outline the specific reasons why you are ideal for the position.  
• Sell yourself in paragraph 1. Do not wait until the second paragraph to articulate why you are well qualified for the position.

Paragraph 2 & 3: Create Desire 

• Describe yourself as a serious candidate and one worth inviting for an interview. State the hard details including your specific skills, history of responsibility, success, etc. 
• Think about ways to reinforce an image of yourself that includes as many of the desired qualities as possible. 
• Show, don’t tell. Remember, your goal is to set yourself apart from other applicants. Do not just tell the employer you have a skill, provide evidence. For example, do not just state you are “detail oriented”. Give the reader an example of something in your work history that proves that you are detail oriented. 
• Refer to your resume, but do not simply list the contents of it. 
• Emphasize how your variety of experiences are connected to the position and will benefit the company. 

Paragraph 4: Call for Action 

• Use a few lines to express your strong interest in the position and your desire to discuss your application further in an interview. 
• Give a brief summary of the key points in the letter, but avoid repetition.

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Cover letters are your opportunity to expand on the information in your resume. It should detail exactly how and why you would add value to their organization and illustrate your communication and persuasion skills all at once. It is important to think of your cover letter as a bridge that connects what you bring to what the employer wants. The cover letter below shows how the following tips apply to a real-world example.

Use the same header from your resume on your cover letter with your name and contact information. Address the cover letter with the company’s contact information at the top left-hand corner, and include the position title and number for the employer to clearly see what you are applying for. 

Start your cover letter by addressing someone specifically. Try and find the appropriate contact name for the position. If you are unable to find that information, address the department name or simply write “Dear hiring manager” or “Dear hiring committee.”

Opening paragraph

The opening paragraph should address the question, “Why this company?” Describe how you found the position and what you are applying for. If someone referred you, this is the place to mention their name. Highlight why you are applying for a job with this company and what interests you about the company. End the paragraph with your thesis sentence – the top two or three reasons you’re qualified for the position.

Middle paragraph(s)

Here is your chance to expand on your thesis sentence with concrete examples demonstrating your skills and experience. Highlight your knowledge of the company indicating how your experiences will fit their needs. Address specific qualifications you may have that match the job description. The middle paragraph should answer the question, why you? Be sure to review the job posting to incorporate industry language, action verbs used in the description, and the specific skills and experience the employer is seeking. Make sure your cover letter isn't simply restating what is on your resume. This is your chance to help employers see why/how your experience is valuable to them.

Closing paragraph

This can be a simple paragraph, reiterating your interest in the position and thanking the employer for taking the time to read your cover letter. You should also indicate how or when the employer can contact you.

Cover Letter Example

The cover letter below was written in response to a specific job posting. Use the tooltips throughout the text to see how the cover letter addresses key points and requirements from the job posting.

Job posting

Exciting and successful outdoor/action sports company looking for a talented, organized and motivated sponsorship and marketing intern for Warren Miller Entertainment in Boulder, CO. This internship is open to students who seek college credit. This is a great opportunity for networking and experience in the outdoor and sports industry.

Candidates must be detail-oriented and organized, and looking to work hard while learning about events, sponsorship sales and marketing. Intern will gain event execution, sales support and account services experience. Interest in events, media and advertising encouraged. This internship is a great opportunity for a highly motivated student who is looking for real-world experience.

Responsibilities

• Assist with the support of sponsorship proposals for marquee events.
• Develop event presentations on market-by-market basis for national-scale events.
• Work with account managers, marketing and creative departments to develop, organize and design event presentation for up to 80 markets.
• Provide event support and assistance in planning, execution and sponsorship activation for event partners and national sponsors.
• Communicate and work with event crew sponsor liaisons to receive detailed sponsor reports, photos and recap information.
• Traffic sponsor ad creative, ticket fulfillment and trafficking and up-keep of general sponsor materials.
• Organize, assist in management and shipping of event door prizes.
• Generate detailed and timely sponsorship reports.
• Organize and update sales materials.
• Assist the sponsorship department with a variety of tasks when necessary and in day-to-day activities.

Required skills

• Advanced experience with Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint.
• Ability to multi-task.
• Ability to anticipate needs and be proactive.
• Proficient internet research skills.
• Honest and trustworthy; on time and ready to work.
• Must work well as part of a team.
• Interest in graphic design or an eye for creative design/layout encouraged but not required.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and handle changes at a moment’s notice.
• Organized, goal-oriented, excellent communication skills both written and verbal, with a willingness to learn is a must.

Students must seek formal approval for academic credit through their department(s) or advisor(s).

Temporary/Seasonal

Job functions

Advertising, Media & PR, Design/Art, Marketing - General

Market Research Analysts and Marketing Specialists

Active InterestMmedia

One of the world’s largest enthusiast media companies, Active Interest Media (aimmedia.com) produces leading consumer and trade events, websites, magazines and films and TV shows that reach 40 million readers, fans and attendees in 85 countries. AIM powers the second-richest equestrian competition in the world, the World Series of Team Roping and North America’s most important events and education for fitness professionals through our IDEA Fit division. Our brands include Yoga Journal, Warren Miller Entertainment, Backpacker, SKI, Anglers Journal, Yachts International, Sail, Power & Motoryacht, Team Roping Journal, Practical Horseman, EQUUS, Muscle & Performance, Horse & Rider, Oxygen, Clean Eating, Log Home Living, Old House Journal, Woodsmith, Garden Gate and more. The company’s five divisions—the Equine Network, Home Group, Healthy Living Group, Marine Group and Outdoor Group—also operate thriving B2B platforms, online universities and retail events.

Cover letter

As a Colorado-born winter sports enthusiast,  Try to engage your readers from the beginning by demonstrating interest in the role and company, or by demonstrating that you’re a good fit. I grew up watching Warren Miller films on the big screen each fall. Taking in the impressive video footage and rad soundtrack with a live audience of skiers and riders always got me pumped for ski season. It would be an honor to intern with Warren Miller and help ensure others can enjoy the same live experience. Currently, I am a junior at the University of Colorado Boulder studying strategic communication and technology, arts and media,  Introduce yourself by stating where you go to school, what year you are in and what you are studying (if it is relevant). with the goal of working in sports marketing and events when I graduate. I am a hardworking team player with strong communication and organization skills, so the sponsorship and marketing internship at Warren Miller Entertainment seems like a natural fit. I found this opportunity on Handshake  Make sure you mention the title of the position you are applying for, the name of the organization and where you found the posting. This is also a good place to mention the name of referrals or connections you have at the organization. For example, if you spoke at length with a recruiter at the career fair, you could include their name here. and believe that my interests, skills and experience make me the perfect candidate to help promote your events. 

In a fast-paced, dynamic organization such as Active Interest Media, collaboration and multi-tasking are key.  These are all required skills listed in the job description. It’s good to select the three skills/qualifications/requirements that you have the most experience in to focus on in your cover letter. My work as an outreach development coach (ODC) with Career Services allows me to collaborate with a team of seven ODCs and one professional staff supervisor to develop and present engaging workshops on various career topics to CU students. My team also staffs daily drop-in hours, offers weekly career workshops and supports large-scale campus events including career fairs. Staffing the CU Boulder career fairs has allowed me to develop my organizational skills and gain experience in many areas of event promotion and management ,  It’s important to provide specific examples of how you’ve demonstrated the skills they are looking for through your previous experiences. Help make the connection between what you’ve done in the past and this role. Clearly articulate that this experience will allow you to contribute in positive ways in this role. as I contribute wherever needed to keep the event running smoothly for the 14,000 students and 300 employers that attend each fall. My abilities to anticipate needs, collaborate, multi-task and adapt to changing circumstances will allow me to make significant contributions as a part of the team at Warren Miller.

In addition to my on-campus experience, I interned last summer for Hops Brewery where I created innovative social media content for multiple platforms and provided verbal updates to all staff including senior members at weekly meetings. These tasks helped me hone my communication skills by creating and delivering messages that are clear, concise, interesting and tailored to specific audiences. I also demonstrated organizational skills by consistently publishing error-free media posts on deadline, and tracking click rates across each platform in Excel .  Provide specific examples from previous experience to demonstrate you have the skills they are looking for. If offered the sponsorship and marketing internship, I would support your team with this same attention to detail and my communication and organizational skills.

As a life-long fan of your films, I am excited for the opportunity to apply for an internship with Warren Miller Entertainment. I am confident I would contribute positively in this role given my experience, skillset and career interests.  In the closing paragraph, make sure to remind them of your interest in the role and/or company and why you are a good fit. I look forward to hearing from you to talk more about this opportunity. You can reach me at xxx-xxx-xxxx or [email protected].  It’s important to demonstrate your confidence here and include your contact information (even though it’s at the top of the cover letter) to demonstrate your strong interest in the position and moving forward with next steps.

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University cover letter example

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Most people go to a university to study, but some go to a university to work. Whether you’re an astrophysics professor, a football coach or a food service worker, a compelling university cover letter is a crucial part of your application for any college job.

And these jobs are not exactly scarce. One website that specializes in jobs in academia, HigherEdJobs , says that there are more than 100,000 positions at 2,000 institutes available. 

This guide, along with the corresponding cover letter example, will explore:

• The best format of a university cover letter (and its five key elements)
• What to aim for in each section of the cover letter
• The layout and design fundamentals of a cover letter

Psychology tips to writing a great cover letter

• Mistakes you need to avoid.

Best format for a university cover letter

The format of a university cover letter is defined by its five key elements, its structure, and text volume. In most cases, a university cover letter should be one page only, a maximum of 300 words. So unlike a 100,000-word doctoral dissertation, a cover letter prizes brevity and economy of words. 

But those words need to be chosen very carefully, and they need to follow a recognized structure.These are the five key elements in the format of a university cover letter:

• Cover letter greeting
• Cover letter introduction
• Middle paragraphs (body)
• Cover letter ending (Conclusion & sign-off)

We will explore what each of these components should contain, but first let’s check out the editable cover letter example you can use for your own application:

Dear Mr. Brawley,

During my seven years as Head of Modern Languages at Northwestern, we saw a 35% uptick in admissions and 25% improvement in overall grades. The oriental studies program was 150% oversubscribed and 95% of all our professors published critically acclaimed research in industry-leading linguistic journals.

Moving to Austin with my family brings opportunities, and while I am happy to explore a move back into academia, the timing of the Head of Modern Languages role at the University of Texas seems perfect. I know that you are looking to grow your oriental and middle east studies departments and I trust that my experience may prove beneficial.

Students are attracted to a degree course primarily because of the diversity of curriculum and the range of options for further study. Language professors with experience of teaching courses around the cultural and historical aspects of their respective countries proved the most popular at Northwestern and it is exactly this combination that will likely help to propel the success at Texas.

Interest in studying obscure linguistics and ancient poetry has dwindled as these regions become global economic powerhouses. Students want to study things that will be relevant to their interactions with real people. That is what underpins the success of any modern languages department. I am an active participant in these academic circles and am confident that I could assist in attracting some top teaching talent to the Texas team.

I have presented at over 100+ international seminars over the past five years, raising the prestige of my university and I would hope to continue in exactly the same vein. Being proactive in exploring the issues of the day and using social media to amplify the messages is the greatest student recruiting tool that any university department can use.

I would welcome the opportunity to share my thoughts on how I might help the Texas Modern Languages department to thrive.

Sandra Hangleton

Cover letter header example

The cover letter header is a thoughtfully designed section at the top of the page that contains your name, occupation, address, phone number and email. It may also include your photo and perhaps your LinkedIn profile — but don’t clutter it up with much else.

When the hiring manager opens your cover letter, before reading the first words, they should say, “Hmm, this looks nice.” In a page otherwise full of paragraphs full of black text, the header is your one opportunity to make some design choices to help your letter look as good as it reads. You can opt for an accent color, an imaginative layout, creative use of typography and perhaps icons for your address, phone and email. It should not be “gimmicky,” but it should be designed with a certain amount of flair.

Cover letter greeting example

The cover letter greeting, also known as a salutation, is the line where you say “Dear Ms. Smith,” “Dear Mr. Hernández” or “Dear Dr. Patel.” 

Don’t get too creative here — in a letter seeking employment, “Hey, y’all” is obviously not going to work. Do attempt to find out the name of the person to whom you should address your job application letter. People like to read their own names, and it shows your attention to detail and your interest in this employer if you’ve gone to the trouble of finding out who is processing the applications for the job you want.

Cover letter introduction example

To catch a fish, you have to throw out some enticing bait. And your cover letter introduction, the opening paragraph, should both identify the job you’re seeking and make a convincing case that you’re the right person to fill it.

For a university application, mentioning your top-notch alma mater may be one way to bait the hook. If you have years of experience in your field, that may be another. Lead with your strengths, and try to write a paragraph that makes it impossible for the recruiter to stop reading.

Here’s an example of a good university cover letter introduction:

During my seven years as Head of Modern Languages at Northwestern, we saw a 35% uptick in admissions and 25% improvement in over all grades. The oriental studies program was 150% oversubscribed and 95% of all our professors published critically acclaimed research in industry-leading linguistic journals.

Cover letter middle part example

The body of your cover letter — i.e. the middle paragraphs — should contain the heart of your pitch. If your introduction has hooked the fish, the body is the part where you reel it in. 

Given a one-page limit, you have a lot of work to do here in a short amount of space. Here you must list all of your top qualifications for the job you want. Again, this will usually include experience in your field, and in a university cover letter, it will generally address your education. 

Be specific about your work experience, using facts and figures wherever possible, and try to relate at least one anecdote about how you solved a thorny problem in a previous job. 

Also, try to mention the name of the university where you’re applying, and explain what it is that makes you want to work there. Let the employer know that you aren’t just mass-mailing job applications to random universities, but that you specifically want to work for this one. For example:

How to end a cover letter (conclusion example)

The conclusion of your cover letter should contain a call to action, in which you suggest that the hiring manager take some action as a result of your letter. You can say that you look forward to a reply, that you’d be happy to follow up with a phone call, or that you’d be delighted to be invited for an interview, in person or remotely. 

Your interest in receiving a reply should let the recruiter know that you’re really interested in this job. You don’t want to sound either desperate or overconfident, but you do want to convey your sincere interest in exploring this job opportunity further.

Layout and design of a university cover letter

Your letter needs to say the right things, but it also needs to have the right look. Choose the right layout and design for your cover letter, and don’t squander your golden prose on a badly designed letter that sounds great but looks ugly.

You need to use a legible font — nothing avant-garde or strange-looking. You want to choose a font size between 10 and 12 points, big enough to read but not so big it looks like you’re writing a children’s book. 

You need to use 1-inch margins at the top, bottom, right and left of your letter. You need to add a space between your paragraphs, which should not be indented, and hold all paragraphs to a reasonable length.

When it comes to visuals, Resume.io’s cover letter templates offer a professionally designed, ready-to-go solution to quickly create a beautiful cover letter in minutes flat.

Always remember that you’re writing this letter to a human being, so you need to sound like one. Avoid robotic language or HR-speak about how you’re a “team player” who “thinks outside the box.” Beware of clichés that a recruiter has read a thousand times before, and beware of “fluff,” which is fancy language that says nothing.

A cover letter is a way of establishing a personal relationship with a hiring manager, someone whose help you desperately need in order to get the job. It’s a business letter, but that doesn’t mean it can’t also be personal. In places, you score points by using rational language that speaks to the head, but in other places you gain ground by using emotional language that speaks to the heart.

Remember that nobody owes you a job, and you don’t need to convince anyone that you deserve one. You need to convince employers that you can help them more than they can help you, making the company stronger, more profitable and more efficient. 

Pay close attention to your tone, making sure that it’s friendly, professional and confident, but never arrogant or presumptuous.

Cover letter mistakes to avoid

Here are some mistakes you want to avoid in your university cover letter.

• Typos, misspellings and bad grammar. Remember, you’re writing to a university . In a one-page letter, you can’t afford even one writing mistake.
• Copy-paste letters. Sending the exact same cover letter to multiple employers is a recipe for failure. Customize each cover letter for each employer, and speak to its specific needs.
• Wasted words. Irrelevant info, clichés and fluff will fill your page with useless language. Devote the precious space you have to using original language that addresses what makes you a great candidate for this job.
• Design fails. A poorly designed header, a font too small to read or any other design and formatting errors can lead to rejection the moment the recruiter opens your letter.

Key takeaways

• The cover letter is a powerful tool for university applications of all forms. In academic studies or careers, the cover letter is especially important compared to regular commercial jobs or applications.
• Follow the tried-and-tested cover letter format and structure comprised of the 5 standard elements.
• Maximize the effectiveness of each cover letter element by understanding its goals and writing methods.
• Use cover letter examples as a foundation for your writing and let our powerful cover letter builder help you with the rest - writing suggestions, grammar and so on.

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Cover Letter Writing Guide

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Write your first cover letter by downloading the template below and following the step-by-step guide for overall formatting and what to write in each paragraph.

Download the cover letter template in a Microsoft Word document

Step 1: Add Your Contact Information

• Use the same heading as on your resume with your name and personal information below it. You can copy and paste the contact information portion of your resume into a new Word document and start from there.

Step 2: Add the Date, Employer Contact Information, & Greeting

• Underneath your contact information, add the full date, the employer’s contact name and address, and your greeting
• Examples : Dear Lorraine Jimenez,  Dear Dr. Phillips, Dear Hiring Manager, Dear Hiring Committee

Step 3: The Intro Paragraph

The opening sentence should be an enthusiastic reference to your interest in the position. Talk about what led to your discovery of the position and your unique interest in the role. If someone referred you to the position, mention them by name in the first paragraph.

For a more personal or creative letter, you can add in a very brief (2-3 sentences) anecdote or explanation of why you’re interested in this particular employer or job or feel connected to their values. Regardless of how you organize it, your introductory paragraph should include these four things:

• The specific position title
• The organization name
• Why you’re interested
• Why you’d be a good fit

Step 4: Body Paragraph(s)

Cover letters typically include 1-2 body paragraphs that show employers examples of your previous experience or times when you’ve put your relevant skills to use. These examples should be specific, detailing actions you took, things you learned, and the impact of your work whenever possible.

Everyone’s writing style is unique, but each body paragraph generally includes:

• An opening sentence that introduces what experience, skill, or qualification you’ll be explaining in this paragraph.
• Clear example(s) of what you’ve done or accomplished–be specific! Show, don’t tell.
• A sentence that connects what you’ve done with what you can contribute if hired.

Step 5: Closing Paragraph

Your closing paragraph will be shorter than your body paragraphs. It should be a concise wrap-up to your letter that…

• Optional : You can include one more additional fact or expression of unique connection to the role or employer that you haven’t mentioned in the body paragraphs
• Thanks them for their time and consideration of your application

That’s all there is to it! The process may seem overwhelming at first, but if you write to a specific job description and explain your skills and experience with detail, you’ll be off to a great start.

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How to Write a Cover Letter

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Three paragraphs (intro, body, closing) in formal business letter format. Copy your name and contact information from your resume so they match each other. 

paragraph 1

The reason that you are communicating with the reader. Why are you interested in this position and organization? Did someone refer you or did you speak with an employee there while conducting your research into the opportunity? (mention their name) What about the organization resonates with you? If a mission-driven employer (e.g. most nonprofits), mention why their mission is meaningful to you.

paragraph 2

Make clear the connection between their needs and your skills. Show how you can fulfill those needs. Highlight your relevant skills and experiences; refer specifically to their job description and use their language. Direct them to two or three key experiences on your resume and expand a bit more upon those experiences with further details.

paragraph 3

Reiterate your interest and skills related to the position and thank the reader for their consideration. Mention a next step, such as how you’ll call in two weeks to confirm that your resume was received or that you’ll be in their city during a certain time and could be available for a conversation.

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Developing your personal career brand is essential for landing your dream job. To develop your personal career brand, you will need a strong resume and cover letter. Liberty University Career Services provides expert guidance on every aspect of resume writing. From formatting tips to tailored content advice, we provide the tools you need to create a compelling resume that captures employers’ attention. Learn how to highlight your skills, experience, and achievements effectively through our comprehensive services including coaching appointments, recorded workshops, resources, and live chat opportunities.

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Grab an employer’s attention to help them consider you as a candidate by watching this workshop to learn how to write a captivating cover letter .

In addition to our workshops , we have resume resources available as you prepare your resume. Our foundational resume guide is a great tool to use for crafting your document because we have imbedded resume formatting best practices to ease your resume writing process. We also have worksheets and handouts available to help you write bullet points and make sure you’re including all of your key skill areas. It’s also a good idea to check out each career coach’s resources that are specific to their industry. You can view documents like sample resumes, cover letters, and some coaches have even provided editable resume guides for their industries!

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There are several coaching appointment topics to choose from. You can meet with your coach to discuss career planning, resume tailoring, interview preparation, how to network, and more! You can set up an appointment through Handshake. We also recommend watching Resume 101 and having a resume prepared for the meeting prior to its occurrence.

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Writing a Successful Nursing Cover Letter With Examples and Templates

Jul 01 2022

Career Resources / Job Searching / Nursing Cover Letter

Reviewed by: Kiley Griffin, R.N.

Writing an effective nursing cover letter may seem unnecessary–trust us: it’s not. Roughly 45% of job seekers send resumes without a cover letter . Yet, a majority of employers prefer cover letters to go with a resume. 

When looking for a new job , nurses often spend the most time developing their resumes . Sometimes they neglect their cover letters or don’t write one at all.  

Whether you are a new grad nurse or a nurse veteran, a good cover letter is a great way to separate yourself from the pack. Even if a hiring manager only skims it, it can mean the difference between you and another candidate getting the job if something catches their eye.

In this post, we will explore the following:

• Examples and a Template for a Nursing Cover Letter

When Nursing Cover Letters Are Required

• Benefits to Writing a Cover Letter
• Steps for Writing a Cover Letter
• Common Mistakes to Avoid When Writing a Cover Letter

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Nursing Cover Letter Examples and Templates

With the right care and effort, you can craft a professional nursing cover letter that helps distinguish you from other candidates.  

We’ve provided two sample nurse cover letters and a template to help give you an idea of what to write.

Nursing Cover Letter Template

Hiring Manager name Nursing Recruitment 1234 Any Place Road Sometown, California 11111 (999)999-9999 June 16, 2021 Your Name Title Current Employer Mailing Address Phone Number Email Address Dear Hiring Manager, I am pleased to learn of this opportunity, as I found the qualities you are seeking for this position to be an excellent match for my skills, education, and experience. I have a robust background and leadership experience in emergency nursing, trauma/critical care, change leadership, and a commitment to providing high-quality care through standardizing workflows to align with best practices. It is in response to similar challenges that I have excelled during my career as a manager, director, and clinical leader.  Also, I am particularly interested in [the company] because of your excellent reputation, community engagement, and focus on delivering high-quality care to patients. My current role primarily includes providing strategic direction to the clinical operations of the Emergency Department, Trauma Base Hospital, and Crisis Stabilization Unit. I also establish and enforce policies and procedures for the hospital. Additionally, I ensure that financial targets are met within my scope of responsibility. Moreover, I am confident that I can support your strategic objectives of the ICU and provide stability in the department with regard to achieving quality outcomes, staff development, and meeting financial targets. I look forward to discussing in detail with you the ways in which my experience and determination will make further significant contributions to your organization. Respectfully, [Your Name]

Here are the most common scenarios when a nursing cover letter is required:

• Applying directly to a specific person: Suppose the job posting invites applicants to apply to a particular individual instead of a general application system. In that case, it is appropriate to include a cover letter and address it to the individual . This is especially important for new grad nurses with less experience.
• Referral for a position: Don’t skip the cover letter If you apply for work based on another professional or mentor’s recommendation. Use the cover letter to explain that someone referred you to the job and specify whom. This allows hiring managers to see that someone they value as a trusted professional in the healthcare industry believes you are qualified for a position.
• When requested in a job listing:  Some job listings specifically request candidates to submit a professional cover letter with their application. Following job listing requirements to include a cover letter shows hiring managers that you follow instructions and have an eye for detail. Both are essential qualities in the nursing profession.

Benefits to Writing a Nursing Cover Letter

Knowing you are the best candidate for the job and proving it are two different things. You may have an impeccable nursing resume ; however, 20 other candidates are applying for the same position.

Nursing careers are in demand , but that does not mean there isn’t competition for specific nursing positions such as a nurse practitioner or nurse educator .

Resumes are neatly spun packages of information about a candidate’s education, job history (when applicable), and professional certification . They leave little room for information about who you are as a candidate. 

That is where a good cover letter comes in. With the proper cover letter format, your cover letter will offer several advantages and is a great way to showcase your nursing skills.

Identify your intent

Resumes indicate your worth. Cover letters reveal your intent . Outline how your desires and skills align with the job you are applying for. This shows the hiring manager you are interested in the position.

Hopefully, it’s not going to be just another job for you. It will become part of your mission and vision as a nursing professional . For instance, if a position will help grow your leadership skills and prepare you for an advanced nursing career, state that as part of the intent. 

Provide a more in-depth description

Your education and credentials make up only a small portion of who you are as a nursing professional. How someone looks on paper is not an indicator of how they will perform. It does not accurately gauge their character.

In that sense, a cover letter provides a sample of what the hiring manager will expect in the interview.

Using a cover letter to honestly explore your strengths, weaknesses, experiences, interests, and perspectives is an asset. Maybe your resume includes a certification or award you are proud of. Expand on it in the cover letter. 

Pro-tip: Using some of the traits and terms found in the job’s job description is a great way to stand out as a candidate, as it shows you have the qualities the employer is looking for.

What makes you proud of that achievement and how does it make you the best candidate for the position?

Explain the gaps

Hiring professionals suggest resumes span one page for new nurses and those with less than 10 years of experience. Due to length limits, it is hard to explain any gaps in work history. Also, resumes leave out room for detailing why you may have shifted gears from an earlier career into nursing. 

A cover letter provides the perfect opportunity to explain these situations.

Establish a willingness to work

Cover letters add an extra touch to a job application. As stated, nearly half of all job applicants fail to include a cover letter with their job applications unless requested.

Going that extra mile shows a hiring manager that you are willing to put the work in to get the job done right. That is a desirable quality for any business or industry, especially in nursing and other healthcare careers.

Remember that a cover letter should focus on a resume’s highlights, fleshing them out in a more meaningful way.

These are key purposes of a nursing cover letter.

Include only information that falls into one of the four benefits listed above to get the most mileage out of your cover letter.

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Steps for Writing Your Cover Letter

The nursing field requires structure and proper etiquette .

You wouldn’t walk into a patient’s room and say,

“hey, Adam, what’s up, man?” 

The same need for etiquette and structure applies to writing a cover letter. 

Accordingly, we have provided steps to writing a successful nursing cover letter. 

1. Create a header

When a nurse injects a patient with a vaccine, they clean the area first with an alcohol wipe. They don’t just stick the needle in. In the same vein, you need to start by listing your name, phone number, email, and residential address . 

Make sure you put the date under that information. 

Last, include the recipient’s contact information as well. 

2. Use a professional greeting

This is your first impression – show respect. Using “Dear” will work when sending a formal cover letter. If you don’t know the hiring manager’s name, simply write “Dear hiring manager.” 

3. Write your opening paragraph

Your first paragraph serves as the bait or pitch to get the hiring manager’s attention. Don’t bother placing a fishing lure of fluff to try and get their attention. It’s essential to lead with honesty and earnestness. 

While writing this paragraph, make sure you include the title for the position you’re applying to. If you’re applying to work as an RN , state that. Next, articulate why you applied for this job to begin with and your overall excitement to obtain this role.

Make sure that you key in on specific details about the position and how they interest you.

Here’s an example of a stellar opening paragraph:

I am thrilled at the opportunity to apply at St. Joseph’s Hospital as an ICU nurse. As an ICU nurse with over six years of experience, I have gained the necessary skills to perform my role excellently. Specifically, I am excited about the opportunity to work on a 35-bed unit with the demands it requires. I think that my experience, passion, and skill set make me an ideal ICU nurse at St. Joseph’s Hospital.

4. Write your background paragraph

Dedicate this paragraph to your career in nursing up to this point. You want to include all the most applicable skills that pertain to this position. Be specific. Include the detailed duties that you performed that correspond to this new role. 

If you’re applying to work in oncology, but have training in wound therapy, maybe don’t lead with that. Try including only relevant examples. 

Next, include any measurable achievements you’ve had in other jobs that relate to this role. Keyword: measurable . 

Here’s an example of a job posting for an ICU nurse:

Now, here’s a great way to respond to such a job posting:

My experience as a CVICU nurse has allowed me to develop the necessary skills to provide exceptional nursing care through a continuously evolving education. One of my greatest achievements is training 10 CVICU nurses to handle the CVICU and work with external pacemakers and post-cardiac surgery care. By working alongside a variety of health care providers at all levels, I have been able to establish outstanding collaboration and delegation abilities. Through my education, a strong emphasis on patient advocacy and ethical decision-making has been incorporated. Therefore, I have learned to place patient care at the utmost importance. I have developed strong assessment and critical thinking skills. This allows me to deliver the highest quality patient-centered care.

5. Expand on qualifications

Try adding a few short stories that can highlight your primary achievements. This is a great opportunity to highlight your soft skills as well. 

Some potential soft skills include:

• Communication skills
• Problem-solving skills
• Ability to work under pressure

6. Craft a conclusion

In your concluding paragraph, circle back to why you’re the best candidate for this role. Try to expand on your eagerness to obtain the position. End the paragraph with a call to action . A call to action expresses your desire to hear from them soon with next steps regarding the hiring process.

7. End your letter formally

Just like you began your letter, conclude your letter professionally with a “Sincerely” or “Respectfully,” followed by your name. Ending your letter this way helps it end on a high, formal note. 

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Writing Your Cover Letter

In the nursing profession, a mistake can lead to a lawsuit. When writing a nurse cover letter a mistake could lead to you not getting a job. Below are some of the common mistakes to avoid when writing your cover letter.

• Typos: The nursing profession has a lot of difficult and wonky spellings. For example, you may be proficient at Arrhythmia management , but do you know how to spell it? Having typos within your cover letter sends the message to your hiring manager that you might not be detail-oriented and that’s one of the most important traits in a nurse.
• Focusing too much on yourself: According to Forbes, this is another common mistake to avoid . Often people try to list all their accomplishments in ways that don’t directly tie into how they can help the company . You want your cover letter to be strategic and it’s imperative to list ways that you can help the employer.
• Lying: This should be obvious but it’s crucial that you tell the truth in your cover letter. The truth will eventually come out. The best policy is to just practice honesty.
• Addressing the letter to the wrong person: This is a critical mistake. The recruiter or hiring manager probably will just stop reading at that point.
• Re-writing your resume: Unfortunately, this is a common error when writing a cover letter. As explained earlier: resumes explain your worth, cover letters show your intent. They are two separate documents and a hiring manager will know if you attempt to merge them.
• Using a different font than your resume: It may seem like a small detail, but using the same font on your resume shows that you pay attention to detail.

You’ve made it. Congratulations!

Writing a cover letter on its own separates you from the pack. However, writing a strong cover letter makes you an even more intriguing candidate. A nurse wouldn’t leave a stitch when sewing up a wound and neither should you leave a job unfinished when applying for a job.

Nursing Cover Letter FAQs

Your nursing cover letter shouldn’t be longer than a page. The recruiter should be able to read it quickly and get a good idea of what you offer the company. Anything longer than that and you risk the recruiter tossing your letter.

It’s best to use either Times New Roman or Arial when writing a nursing cover letter.

The cover letter should expand on information found in the resume. It should provide insight into your skills, qualifications and background.

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