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why is a cover letter important?
why is a cover letter important?
Think of a cover letter as your chance to tell your story. While your resume lists what you’ve done, the cover letter lets you explain why you’re interested in the job and how your experience connects. It’s your opportunity to show a bit of personality and let the employer know you’ve done your homework.
Even if it’s optional, sending one can help you stand out and show that you’re serious about the role.
How is writing a cover letter for a job different from writing one for an internship?
How is writing a cover letter for a job different from writing one for an internship?
Job
Job
Purpose: To show how your experience and skills meet the job requirements.
Tone: Professional, confident, focused on how you’ll contribute.
Experience Emphasis: Highlights past jobs, achievements, and relevant skills.
Skills Framing: Shows how your skills solve problems or add value.
Why You: Emphasize what makes you the right person to hire now.
Closing: Expresses readiness to contribute to the team.
Internship
Internship
Purpose: To show your interest in learning and how your background fits the internship goals.
Tone: Professional, enthusiastic, focused on how you’ll learn and grow.
Experience Emphasis: Highlights coursework, projects, volunteering, previous internships, and part-time work.
Skills Framing: Shows potential to develop skills and enthusiasm to gain experience.
Why You: Emphasize why you're a great fit to learn and contribute.
Closing: Expresses eagerness to gain hands-on experience.
formatting tips
formatting tips
Keep it to One Page
Keep it to One Page
Employers often read dozens of applications, so aim to make your letter clear, focused, and impactful within a single page.
Go Beyond Your Resume
Go Beyond Your Resume
Use your cover letter to add depth—not repetition. Elaborate on key experiences, motivations, or skills that aren’t fully captured in your resume.
Address the Employer Directly
Address the Employer Directly
Whenever possible, personalize your greeting (e.g., “Dear Hiring Manager” or “Dear [Name]”) instead of using a generic salutation.
Choose a Style That Fits You and the Role
Choose a Style That Fits You and the Role
You can mix approaches to suit your strengths:
Tell a story that highlights your interest or qualifications
Match your tone to the organization's culture and mission
Be concise and keyword-driven if that fits the field better
Match Your Resume
Match Your Resume
Use the same header (name and contact info) as your resume to create a cohesive, professional pair of documents.
Follow Application Instructions Carefully
Follow Application Instructions Carefully
Some employers request cover letters and resumes as a single PDF or with specific file naming conventions. Double-check before submitting.
Proofread Thoughtfully
Proofread Thoughtfully
Read your letter out loud to catch awkward phrasing or typos.
Ask someone else to review it—a fresh set of eyes can offer helpful feedback and catch errors you might miss.
Save and Submit Professionally
Save and Submit Professionally
Use a clear file name like: Firstname_Lastname_CoverLetter.pdf
Always save as a PDF to preserve formatting
cover letter examples
cover letter examples
Remember that these were tailored for specific positions, organizations, and goals, so make sure to tailor your cover letter to best highlight your unique skills and experiences. We recommend meeting with a Career Advisor to review your cover letter prior to submission.
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