Cover Letters

The cover letter is connected to your resume, but it should not duplicate exactly what is already on your resume. A good cover letter can inspire the employer to look more carefully at your resume. As with resumes, cover letters need to be well-written, error-free and tailored to each position to which you are applying. It is not advisable to write a “general” cover letter to be used for every application.

Before you begin writing a cover letter, you should review the job/internship posting and identify how your skills and experiences line up with those listed in the position.

A cover letter should make it clear to the employer why you are interested in the position and what value you can bring to the organization. Take a look at the cover letter samples and review the writing your cover letter handout for an outline of what to include in a cover letter.

• Writing Your Cover Letter (PDF)
• Sample Cover Letter Job Specific 1 (PDF)
• Sample Cover Letter Job Specific 2 (PDF)
• Sample Cover Letter Education 1 (PDF)
• Sample Cover Letter Education 2 (PDF)
• Sample Cover Letter Internship (PDF)
• Sample Cover Letter On-Campus Job (PDF)
• Sample Prospecting Letter (PDF)

Additional Resources on Business Correspondence

• E-mail Etiquette (PDF)
• Career Ready Skills (PDF)
• Job Search Correspondence Guide (PDF) (includes all business correspondence handouts)
• Sample Acceptance Letter (PDF)
• Sample Networking Letter (PDF)
• Sample Offer Decline Letter (PDF)
• Sample Resignation Letter (PDF)
• Sample Thank You Letter (PDF)
• Sample Withdrawal Letter (PDF)
• “Cover Letters and Other Correspondence” – Riley Guide

As with your resume, have your cover letter reviewed by the Career Center during Express Hours before sending it to prospective employers.