Career Pathways: Writing Cover Letters

You will need to revise your cover letter (also known as the job application letter) for each job to which you apply. When you are adapting your cover letter for different jobs, make sure you...

• Avoid typos: Most employers stop reading a resume as soon as they find a typo. Have someone else read your cover letter to make sure you have caught all spelling and grammatical errors.
• Include your contact information: Although your contact information is included on your resume, do not forget to place it in your cover letter, too. Do not make the employer have to search for a way to contact you--put your contact information where it can be seen.
• Do not use recycled paper: Some recycled papers have spots in them that do not scan well. Many employers scan all incoming cover letters and resumes so that they have a digital copy, and recycled paper can lead to scans that are difficult or impossible to read.

Check out the following links for cover letter tutorials and tips:

• Purdue Cover Letter Workshop

  From Purdue University. This cover letter workshop resource provides a detailed explanation of cover letter objectives and information on each section of the cover letter. Includes 3 sections: Introduction, What to Include, & Formatting and Organization

• Princeton Cover Letter Guide

  Templates, videos & tips from Princeton University

• Vanderbilt University: Center for Student Professional Development

  A cover letter guide from Vanderbilt University that includes a Cover Letter Checklist and example cover letters by discipline!

Check out the links below for online cover letter examples.

• CareerOneStop Cover Letter Template

• Climbtheladder Cover Letter Examples

• Boston College Example Cover Letters

• Virginia Tech Exacmple Cover Letters & Format Guide