Cover Letters

A cover letter should always accompany your resume, even if it is not required.  It allows you to expand upon the information in your resume.  However, it does not repeat the information in the resume.  A cover letter is very specific to your unique skills and experiences so you cannot take a sample cover letter and simply put your name on it.  

After reviewing the Cover Letter Guide, take some time and create a draft copy.  You can participate in our Online Document Drop below to receive a written critique of your cover letter.  Resumes and cover letters should be reviewed before starting the job search and application process.  Several drafts may be needed before document are ready to use, so start early!

Purpose of a Cover Letter

  • A formal business letter to an employer letting them know that you are interested in a position with their company, your qualifications and the reasons in which they should hire you.
  • Communicates both your current capabilities and future potential.
  • Grabs the attention of employers/recruiters.
  • Allows you to expand upon the experiences listed in your resume.
  • Sells your strongest skills and accomplishments.
  • Helps get you the interview!

Cover Letter Guide

Cover Letter Guide 2021 (PDF) -  This short guide will help you craft your cover letter within the parameters of acceptable content and style.   

Sample Prospecting Cover Letter (PDF) 

Online Document Drop

The Document Drop program is for currently enrolled undergraduate students.  Graduate students (Masters and Ph.D.) should make an appointment with their Career Coach. 

We do not write resumes and cover letters for students. We critique written documents so it is important to have a good draft copy based upon the resources on our website. 

We strive to return the critique within 2 business days, Monday through Friday.  Peak seasons may take a little longer.  Please thoroughly complete the submission form.

 

Submit a document button

 

 

CandidCareer.com Cover Letter Video Clips

Preparing a Cover Letter - an overview of creating the cover letter (2:44).

Cover Letter Channel - hear what hiring managers in different professions say about the cover letter in video clips, each less than a minute long.

The Importance of Thank You Notes

Career Byte - Thank You Notes - short video (5:35) about how and why to send thank you notes.