The Cover Letter

Length: typically 3-4 paragraphs Never longer than one page. Format as a formal letter.

Purpose: Should accompany your resume and many application forms. Introduces you as a person, not as a set of data. Two principal pieces of information: Why do you want this job? Why does this job want you?

Resumé and Cover letter Your resume will likely be glanced at first. If your qualifications are roughly what they’re looking for, they’ll read your cover letter next. If they’re still interested, they’ll read your resume in more depth.

n Your resumé explains your qualifications. n Your cover letter tells them who you are, and how you might fit into their organization.

Why do you want this job? Express your interest. Why this organization appeals to you. Why you’re interested in this job. Avoid long anecdotes about your childhood. Do your research ahead of time. Find out whatever you can about the organization, and the position. Don’t assume anything you’re not sure of – incorrect assumptions look foolish.

Show, don’t tell. n Describe why you’re interested in this position: “I looked at your program and think it’s fantastic. I’d love to be a part of it.” Vs. “My lab experience in materials research seems suited to your company’s work on synthesizing germanium nanowires.”

Why does this job want you? Talk about your most relevant experience and accomplishments. “I am an experienced team leader who understands the importance of responsibility.” vs. “I managed a group of six programmers for a year, developing custom medical software.”

Name dropping: Someone you know in the organization. Someone you’ve worked with who they’ll recognize. Someone impressive who will vouch for you if contacted. Mention their name, and mention it early in the letter. Standard name-dropping opening line: “Doanna Liu, your head of marketing, recommended that I contact you regarding your position…”

Other tips: Yes, this is about you, but it’s not an autobiography. Not every sentence should be an “I…” statement. Talk about your field of interest and paint a portrait of that field with you in it. Remember, they already have your resumé Discuss the highlights. Don’t summarize your resumé.

Other tips (cont.) n Don’t apologize for your resumé's shortcomings, or make excuses for them. This only draws attention to your worst features. Instead, focus on your positive qualifications. If there’s something in your resume that clearly requires an explanation, choose your words carefully. Keep it short – mention it in passing, not as the subject of an entire paragraph.

Other tips (cont.): Write a separate cover letter for each application: Jobs don’t compare notes, but a cookie-cutter letter can be obvious. Talk about specific people, departments, etc. You can (and probably should) re-use many ideas between cover letters, but don’t cut and paste large sections.

Finally: n Get feedback. As much as possible. Professionals in your field can give valuable feedback on content. Professionals in other fields can give feedback on style and clarity. Friends and family members can spot grammar and spelling errors that everyone else has missed.