Boston University - Career Services - Resumes and Cover Letters - Cover Letters

First, be sure you have read and understand the job description, and that you have researched the company and the business. Think about how your skills and background can meet the needs stated in the job posting.

Remember that the company isn’t interested in how you want to grow or gain experience, but rather, they want to know what you can do for the company. Avoid statements like “this would be a great opportunity for me…”

A cover letter should reflect your personality, but because it is also a business letter, should not deviate widely from conventional formats.

Do not merely repeat what is in your resume; use this opportunity to provide special information that is not on your resume, but which may be of particular interest to the employer.

Salutation
The most preferred option here is to learn the name of either the hiring manager or the human resources representative who will be reading the letter. Some organizations provide this information on their websites. We strongly suggest you try to research this; however, it is increasingly difficult to do so, and you will often not be able to get a name.

What if you can’t get a name? There are a few options for you to choose from: “Dear Sir/Madam” is one. “Dear Hiring Manger” or “Dear College Relations Manager” are others. (Use the latter only if you are a student or recent graduate, and you are applying through a company’s college relations office or website.) Another option is to have no salutation, but just begin the letter. (Under the addressee’s heading and the date.)

Staff in our office feel that “To Whom it May Concern” is the weakest of all choices, and we wouldn’t choose it as a salutation.

Opening
State your reason for writing. Name the specific position for which you are applying, including the job title and posting number, if any. Mention where you found the job listed (company website, college website, Monster, newspaper, etc.)

Middle
Explain why you are interested in working for this particular employer and/or in this particular type of job. Do not merely reiterate information from your resume, but highlight items that match the requirements the employer has stated. If relevant, provide additional appropriate information not in your resume. Demonstrate by what you say that you know something about the company and understand the basics about what the job entails.

Closing
Avoid telling the employer that you know you are “the perfect person for the job”, or that you are their “ideal candidate.” You don’t know that. Instead, reiterate your strong interest in the position and indicate your desire for an interview. If follow-up is possible, indicate that you will follow up by a specific date (usually a week or two). Be sure your cover letter includes your contact information, which should, in general, match the contact information on your resume.

Use simple and correct grammar.

Limit your letter to one typewritten page.

Proofread your letter carefully.

Be sure to hand sign your letter and make sure your return address is included. Your name and contact information should generally match that which is on your resume.

Keep a copy of all correspondence.

How We Can Help

This Site