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Resume & Cover Letters

Write a resume & cover letter.

Crafting an organized, actionable, and focused resume and cover letter is crucial for getting a job or internship. These are two components to your search process and how you can tell your story.

How We Can Help

• Download our Resume Guide & Tips and our Cover Letter Guide & Tips. These guides can be found in the Resources Library in your Handshake account.
• Meet with a Career Ambassador to review your resume, cover letter, or application for a part-time job, internship, or campus leadership position.
• Schedule an appointment with a Career Coach in Handshake .
• Attend our resume and cover letter workshops to learn how to create a professional resume and how to customize your resume and cover letters for each job application.

The average employer only spends less than 10 seconds reviewing each resume, so you need to ensure that yours is targeted, error-free, and easy to skim.

Get started and hone in

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VMock–Virtual Resume Review

VMock is a 24-7 online resume review tool that leverages technologies to provide instant, personalized feedback on your resume. The feedback is based on criteria gathered from employers and global best practices. VMock is designed to work with resumes from many different fields across various industries.

VMock will:

• Provide you with resume guidelines based on your industry template to ensure that you do not miss the fine details and establish a great first impression.
• Give you an aggregated resume score to assess the strength of your resume benchmarked against your GW peers.
• Tell you how well you have marketed your communication skills and leadership experience; and how impactful your bullet points are.
• Give you line-by-line suggestions to improve your resume content.

Access VMock

Make sure you are using your  [email protected]  to register. If you use your  [email protected] , the system will not allow you to register. For FAQs and more information on getting started with VMock, check out  this article in Handshake .

A cover letter is a primary way to provide an introduction to a potential contact or employer. Your cover letter should:

• Communicate your accomplishments, skills, and experience. Convey your writing style and thought processes.
• Access the  Cover Letter guide in Handshake  for a template on structure and examples. 
• Capture the attention of your reader and compel them to continue reading.

Resumes & Cover Letters

Your resume and cover letter are powerful ways to tell your story to an employer.

More About Resumes

To apply for internships, jobs, and other opportunities, your one-page resume should connect your past experience with the employer’s needs and demonstrate why you’re qualified for an opportunity. Follow these steps to create or tailor your resume:

• Decide what you want the employer to know about you and your experience.
• Organize your information under descriptive headings that summarize your relevant experience for the employer.
• Describe each experience, focusing on directly-related skills that demonstrate you are a good match for the position.

Check out our resume resources.

Editable Resume Templates

Create a resume by starting with one of our editable resume templates.

Stanford Career Education’s Handshake Resources

Learn more about writing a resume and cover letter from Stanford Career Education’s Handshake resources.

• Note: Search for “resume."

If you are a PhD student or Postdoc, watch this video for helpful tips on writing a compelling resume. 

Cover Letters

The purpose of a cover letter is to illustrate your future potential with an organization. It is a one-page document that is tailored for one role and one organization that uses examples from your past experience to demonstrate why you’re qualified for this target role. A compelling cover letter includes four sections:

• An introduction and why you’re interested in the role
• Why you’re qualified for the role (with examples)
• How your experience aligns with the organization
• Summary and thank you

Check out our cover letter resources .

Cover Letter Examples for Students and Recent Graduates

Find cover letter examples and templates in Cover Letter Examples for Students and Recent Graduates.

11 Essential Cover Letter Tips

Discover the 11 Essential Cover Letter Tips.

Additional Resources

• Writing Your Resume
• Resume Tips for Athletes
• Action Verbs
• For more help with a resume or cover letter, make an appointment with a Career Coach .

How to Write a Cover Letter [Full Guide & Examples for 2024]

After weeks of heavy job searching, you’re almost there!

You’ve perfected your resume.

You’ve short-listed the coolest jobs you want to apply for.

You’ve even had a friend train you for every single interview question out there.

But then, before you can send in your application and call it a day, you remember that you need to write a cover letter too.

So now, you’re stuck staring at a blank page, wondering where to start...

Don’t panic! We’ve got you covered. Writing a cover letter is a lot simpler than you might think. 

In this guide, we’re going to teach you how to write a cover letter that gets you the job you deserve.

We're going to cover:

What Is a Cover Letter?

• How to Write the Perfect Cover Letter, Step by Step
• 15+ Job-Winning Cover Letter Examples

Let’s get started.

A cover letter is a document that you submit as part of your job application, alongside your resume or CV.

The purpose of a cover letter is to introduce you and briefly summarize your professional background. On average, it should be around 250 to 400 words long .

A good cover letter is supposed to impress the hiring manager and convince them you’re worth interviewing as a candidate.

So, how can your cover letter achieve this?

First of all, it should complement your resume, not copy it. Your cover letter is your chance to elaborate on important achievements, skills, or anything else that your resume doesn’t give you the space to cover. 

For example, if you have an employment gap on your resume, the cover letter is a great place to explain why it happened and how it helped you grow as a person. 

If this is your first time writing a cover letter, writing about yourself might seem complicated. But don’t worry—you don’t need to be super creative or even a good writer .

All you have to do is follow this tried and tested cover letter structure:

• Header. Add all the necessary contact information at the top of your cover letter.
• Formal greeting. Choose an appropriate way to greet your target audience.
• Introduction. Introduce yourself in the opening paragraph and explain your interest in the role.
• Body. Elaborate on why you’re the best candidate for the job and a good match for the company. Focus on “selling” your skills, achievements, and relevant professional experiences.
• Conclusion. Summarize your key points and wrap it up professionally.

Now, let’s take a look at an example of a cover letter that follows our structure perfectly:

New to cover letter writing? Give our cover letter video a watch before diving into the article!

When Should You Write a Cover Letter?

You should always include a cover letter in your job application, even if the hiring manager never reads it. Submitting a cover letter is as important as submitting a resume if you want to look like a serious candidate.

If the employer requests a cover letter as part of the screening process, not sending one is a huge red flag and will probably get your application tossed into the “no” pile immediately.

On the other hand, if the job advertisement doesn’t require a cover letter from the candidates, adding one shows you went the extra mile.

Putting in the effort to write a cover letter can set you apart from other candidates with similar professional experience and skills, and it could even sway the hiring manager to call you for an interview if you do it right.

Need to write a letter to help get you into a good school or volunteer program? Check out our guide to learn how to write a motivation letter !

How to Write the Perfect Cover Letter

Now that you know what a cover letter is, it’s time to learn how to write one!

We’ll go through the process in detail, step by step.

#1. Choose the Right Cover Letter Template

A good cover letter is all about leaving the right first impression.

So, what’s a better way to leave a good impression than a well-formatted, stylish template?

Just choose one of our hand-picked cover letter templates , and you’ll be all set in no time!

As a bonus, our intuitive AI will even give you suggestions on how to improve your cover letter as you write it. You’ll have the perfect cover letter done in minutes!

#2. Put Contact Information in the Header

As with a resume, it’s important to start your cover letter with your contact details at the top. These should be in your cover letter’s header, separated neatly from the bulk of your text.

Here, you want to include all the essential contact information , including:

• Full Name. Your first and last name should stand out at the top.
• Job Title. Match the professional title underneath your name to the exact job title of the position you’re applying for. Hiring managers often hire for several roles at once, so giving them this cue about what role you’re after helps things go smoother.
• Email Address. Always use a professional and easy-to-spell email address. Ideally, it should combine your first and last names.
• Phone Number. Add a number where the hiring manager can easily reach you.
• Location. Add your city and state/country, no need for more details.
• Relevant Links (optional). You can add links to websites or social media profiles that are relevant to your field. Examples include a LinkedIn profile , Github, or an online portfolio.

Then it’s time to add the recipient’s contact details, such as:

• Hiring Manager's Name. If you can find the name of the hiring manager, add it.
• Hiring Manager's Title. While there’s no harm in writing “hiring manager,” if they’re the head of the department, we recommend you use that title accordingly.
• Company Name. Make sure to write the name of the company you're applying to.
• Location. The city and state/country are usually enough information here, too.
• Date of Writing (Optional). You can include the date you wrote your cover letter for an extra professional touch.

#3. Address the Hiring Manager

Once you’ve properly listed all the contact information, it’s time to start writing the content of the cover letter.

The first thing you need to do here is to address your cover letter directly to the hiring manager.

In fact, you want to address the hiring manager personally .

Forget the old “Dear Sir or Madam” or the impersonal “To Whom It May Concern.” You want to give your future boss a good impression and show them that you did your research before sending in your application.

No one wants to hire a job seeker who just spams 20+ companies and hopes something sticks with their generic approach

So, how do you find out who’s the hiring manager?

First, check the job ad. The hiring manager’s name might be listed somewhere in it.

If that doesn’t work, check the company’s LinkedIn page. You just need to look up the head of the relevant department you’re applying to, and you’re all set.

For example, if you’re applying for the position of Communication Specialist at Novorésumé. The hiring manager is probably the Head of Communications or the Chief Communications Officer.

Here’s what you should look for on LinkedIn:

And there you go! You have your hiring manager.

But let’s say you’re applying for a position as a server . In that case, you’d be looking for the “restaurant manager” or “food and beverage manager.”

If the results don’t come up with anything, try checking out the “Team” page on the company website; there’s a good chance you’ll at least find the right person there.

Make sure to address them as Mr. or Ms., followed by their last name. If you’re not sure about their gender or marital status, you can just stick to their full name, like so:

• Dear Mr. Kurtuy,
• Dear Andrei Kurtuy,

But what if you still can’t find the hiring manager’s name, no matter where you look?

No worries. You can direct your cover letter to the company, department, or team as a whole, or just skip the hiring manager’s name.

• Dear [Department] Hiring Manager
• Dear Hiring Manager
• Dear [Department] Team
• Dear [Company Name]

Are you applying for a research position? Learn how to write an academic personal statement .

#4. Write an Eye-Catching Introduction

First impressions matter, especially when it comes to your job search.

Hiring managers get hundreds, sometimes even thousands, of applications. Chances are, they’re not going to be reading every single cover letter end-to-end.

So, it’s essential to catch their attention from the very first paragraph.

The biggest problem with most opening paragraphs is that they’re usually extremely generic. Here’s an example:

• My name is Jonathan, and I’d like to work as a Sales Manager at XYZ Inc. I’ve worked as a Sales Manager at MadeUpCompany Inc. for 5+ years, so I believe that I’d be a good fit for the position.

See the issue here? This opening paragraph doesn’t say anything except the fact that you’ve worked the job before.

And do you know who else has similar work experience? All the other applicants you’re competing with.

Instead, you want to start with some of your top achievements to grab the reader’s attention. And to get the point across, the achievements should be as relevant as possible to the position.

Your opening paragraph should also show the hiring manager a bit about why you want this specific job. For example, mention how the job relates to your plans for the future or how it can help you grow professionally. This will show the hiring manager that you’re not just applying left and right—you’re actually enthusiastic about getting this particular role.

Now, let’s make our previous example shine:

Dear Mr. Smith,

My name’s Michael, and I’d like to help XYZ Inc. hit and exceed its sales goals as a Sales Manager. I’ve worked as a Sales Representative with Company X, another fin-tech company , for 3+ years, where I generated an average of $30,000+ in sales per month and beat the KPIs by around 40%. I believe that my previous industry experience, passion for finance , and excellence in sales make me the right candidate for the job.

The second candidate starts with what they can do for the company in the future and immediately lists an impressive and relevant achievement. Since they’re experienced in the same industry and interested in finance, the hiring manager can see they’re not just a random applicant.

From this introduction, it’s safe to say that the hiring manager would read the rest of this candidate’s cover letter.

#5. Use the Cover Letter Body for Details

The next part of your cover letter is where you can go into detail about what sets you apart as a qualified candidate for the job.

The main thing you need to remember here is that you shouldn’t make it all about yourself . Your cover letter is supposed to show the hiring manager how you relate to the job and the company you’re applying to.

No matter how cool you make yourself sound in your cover letter, if you don’t tailor it to match what the hiring manager is looking for, you’re not getting an interview.

To get this right, use the job ad as a reference when writing your cover letter. Make sure to highlight skills and achievements that match the job requirements, and you’re good to go.

Since this part of your cover letter is by far the longest, you should split it into at least two paragraphs.

Here’s what each paragraph should cover:

Explain Why You’re the Perfect Candidate for the Role

Before you can show the hiring manager that you’re exactly what they’ve been looking for, you need to know what it is they’re looking for.

Start by doing a bit of research. Learn what the most important skills and responsibilities of the role are according to the job ad, and focus on any relevant experience you have that matches them.

For example, if you’re applying for the position of a Facebook Advertiser. The top requirements on the job ad are:

• Experience managing a Facebook ad budget of $10,000+ / month
• Some skills in advertising on other platforms (Google Search + Twitter)
• Excellent copywriting skills

So, in the body of your cover letter, you need to show how you meet these requirements. Here’s an example of what that can look like:

In my previous role as a Facebook Marketing Expert at XYZ Inc. I handled customer acquisition through ads, managing a monthly Facebook ad budget of $40,000+ . As the sole digital marketer at the company, I managed the ad creation and management process end-to-end. I created the ad copy and images, picked the targeting, ran optimization trials, and so on.

Other than Facebook advertising, I’ve also delved into other online PPC channels, including:

• Google Search

Our example addresses all the necessary requirements and shows off the candidate’s relevant skills.

Are you a student applying for your first internship? Learn how to write an internship cover letter with our dedicated guide.

Explain Why You’re a Good Fit for the Company

As skilled and experienced as you may be, that’s not all the hiring manager is looking for.

They also want someone who’s a good fit for their company and who actually wants to work there.

Employees who don’t fit in with the company culture are likely to quit sooner or later. This ends up costing the company a ton of money, up to 50% of the employee’s annual salary , so hiring managers vet candidates very carefully to avoid this scenario.

So, you have to convince the hiring manager that you’re passionate about working with them.

Start by doing some research about the company. You want to know things like:

• What’s the company’s business model?
• What’s the company’s product or service? Have you used it?
• What’s the company’s culture like?

Chances are, you’ll find all the information you need either on the company website or on job-search websites like Jobscan or Glassdoor.

Then, pick your favorite thing about the company and talk about it in your cover letter.

But don’t just describe the company in its own words just to flatter them. Be super specific—the hiring manager can see through any fluff.

For example, if you’re passionate about their product and you like the company’s culture of innovation and independent work model, you can write something like:

I’ve personally used the XYZ Smartphone, and I believe that it’s the most innovative tech I’ve used in years. The features, such as Made-Up-Feature #1 and Made-Up-Feature #2, were real game changers for the device.

I really admire how Company XYZ strives for excellence in all its product lines, creating market-leading tech. As someone who thrives in a self-driven environment, I truly believe that I’ll be a great match for your Product Design team.

So, make sure to do your fair share of research and come up with good reasons why you're applying to that specific company.

Is the company you want to work for not hiring at the moment? Check out our guide to writing a letter of interest .

#6. Wrap It Up and Sign It

Finally, it’s time to conclude your cover letter.

In the final paragraph, you want to:

• Wrap up any points you couldn't make in the previous paragraphs. Do you have anything left to say? If there’s any other information that could help the hiring manager make their decision, mention it here. If not, just recap your key selling points so far, such as key skills and expertise.
• Express gratitude. Politely thanking the hiring manager for their time is always a good idea.
• Finish the cover letter with a call to action. The very last sentence in your cover letter should be a call to action. This means you should ask the hiring manager to do something, like call you and discuss your application or arrange an interview.
• Remember to sign your cover letter. Just add a formal closing line and sign your name at the bottom.

Here’s an example of how to end your cover letter :

I hope to help Company X make the most of their Facebook marketing initiatives. I'd love to further discuss how my previous success at XYZ Inc. can help you achieve your Facebook marketing goals. Please don’t hesitate to reach out to me at the provided email address or phone number so that we may arrange an interview.

Thank you for your consideration,

Alice Richards

Feel free to use one of these other popular closing lines for your cover letter:

• Best Regards,
• Kind Regards,

Cover Letter Writing Checklist

Once you’re done with your cover letter, it’s time to check if it meets all industry requirements. 

Give our handy cover letter writing checklist a look to make sure:

Does your cover letter heading include all essential information?

• Professional Email
• Phone Number
• Relevant Links

Do you address the right person? 

• The hiring manager in the company
• Your future direct supervisor
• The company/department in general

Does your introductory paragraph grab the reader's attention?

• Did you mention some of your top achievements?
• Did you use numbers and facts to back up your experience?
• Did you convey enthusiasm for the specific role?

Do you show that you’re the right candidate for the job?

• Did you identify the core requirements for the role?
• Did you show how your experiences helped you fit the requirements perfectly?

Do you convince the hiring manager that you’re passionate about the company you’re applying to?

• Did you identify the top 3 things that you like about the company?
• Did you avoid generic reasons for explaining your interest in the company?

Did you conclude your cover letter properly?

• Did you recap your key selling points in the conclusion?
• Did you end your cover letter with a call to action?
• Did you use the right formal closing line and sign your name?

15 Cover Letter Tips

Now you’re all set to write your cover letter! 

Before you start typing, here are some cover letter tips to help take your cover letter to the next level:

• Customize Your Cover Letter for Each Job. Make sure your cover letter is tailored to the job you're applying for. This shows you're not just sending generic applications left and right, and it tells the hiring manager you’re the right person for the job.
• Showcase Your Skills. Talk about how your skills meet the company’s needs. And while your hard skills should be front and center, you shouldn’t underestimate your soft skills in your cover letter either.
• Avoid Fluff. Don’t make any generic statements you can’t back up. The hiring manager can tell when you’re just throwing words around, and it doesn’t make your cover letter look good.
• Use Specific Examples. Instead of saying you're great at something, give an actual example to back up your claim. Any data you can provide makes you sound more credible, so quantify your achievements. For example, give numbers such as percentages related to your performance and the timeframe it took to accomplish certain achievements.
• Research the Company. Always take time to learn about the company you're applying to. Make sure to mention something about them in your cover letter to show the hiring manager that you're interested.
• Follow the Application Instructions. If the job posting asks for something specific in your cover letter or requires a certain format, make sure you include it. Not following instructions can come off as unattentive or signal to the hiring manager that you’re not taking the job seriously.
• Use the Right Template and Format. Choose the right cover letter format and adapt your cover letter’s look to the industry you’re applying for. For example, if you’re aiming for a job in Law or Finance, you should go for a cleaner, more professional look. But if you’re applying for a field that values innovation, like IT or Design, you have more room for creativity.
• Express Your Enthusiasm. Let the hiring manager know why you're excited about the job. Your passion for the specific role or the field in general can be a big selling point, and show them that you’re genuinely interested, not just applying left and right.
• Address Any Gaps. If there are any employment gaps in your resume , your cover letter is a great place to mention why. Your resume doesn’t give you enough space to elaborate on an employment gap, so addressing it here can set hiring managers at ease—life happens, and employers understand.
• Avoid Quirky Emails. Your email address should be presentable. It’s hard for a hiring manager to take you seriously if your email address is “[email protected].” Just use a [email protected] format.
• Check Your Contact Information. Typos in your email address or phone number can mean a missed opportunity. Double-check these before sending your application.
• Mention if You Want to Relocate. If you’re looking for a job that lets you move somewhere else, specify this in your cover letter.
• Keep It Brief. You want to keep your cover letter short and sweet. Hiring managers don’t have time to read a novel, so if you go over one page, they simply won’t read it at all.
• Use a Professional Tone. Even though a conversational tone isn’t a bad thing, remember that it's still a formal document. Show professionalism in your cover letter by keeping slang, jargon, and emojis out of it.
• Proofread Carefully. Typos and grammar mistakes are a huge deal-breaker. Use a tool like Grammarly or QuillBot to double-check your spelling and grammar, or even get a friend to check it for you.

15+ Cover Letter Examples

Need some inspiration? Check out some perfect cover letter examples for different experience levels and various professions.

5+ Cover Letter Examples by Experience

#1. college student cover letter example.

Check out our full guide to writing a college student cover letter here.

#2. Middle Management Cover Letter Example

Check out our full guide to writing a project manager cover letter here.

#3. Team Leader Cover Letter Example

Check out our full guide to writing a team leader cover letter here.

#4. Career Change Cover Letter Example

Check out our full guide to a career change resume and cover letter here.

#5. Management Cover Letter Example

Check out our full guide to writing a management cover letter here.

#6. Senior Executive Cover Letter Example

Check out our full guide to writing an executive resume here.

9+ Cover Letter Examples by Profession

#1. it cover letter example.

Check out our full guide to writing an IT cover letter here.

#2. Consultant Cover Letter Example

Check out our full guide to writing a consultant cover letter here.

#3. Human Resources Cover Letter

Check out our full guide to writing a human resources cover letter here.

#4. Business Cover Letter Example

Check out our full guide to writing a business cover letter here.

#5. Sales Cover Letter Example

Check out our full guide to writing a sales cover letter here.

#6. Social Worker Cover Letter

Check out our full guide to writing a social worker cover letter here.

#7. Lawyer Cover Letter

Check out our full guide to writing a lawyer cover letter here.

#8. Administrative Assistant Cover Letter

Check out our full guide to writing an administrative assistant cover letter here.

#9. Engineering Cover Letter Example

Check out our full guide to writing an engineer cover letter here.

#10. Receptionist Cover Letter Example

Check out our full guide to writing a receptionist cover letter here.

Need more inspiration? Check out these cover letter examples to learn what makes them stand out.

Plug & Play Cover Letter Template

Not sure how to start your cover letter? Don’t worry!

Just copy and paste our free cover letter template into the cover letter builder, and swap out the blanks for your details.

[Your Full Name]

[Your Profession]

[Your Phone Number]

[Your Email Address]

[Your Location]

[Your LinkedIn Profile URL (optional)]

[Your Personal Website URL (optional)]

[Recipient's Name, e.g., Jane Doe],

[Recipient's Position, e.g., Hiring Manager]

[Company Name, e.g., ABC Corporation]

[Company Address]

[City, State/Country]

Dear [Recipient's Name],

As a seasoned [Your Profession] with [Number of Years of Experience] years of industry experience, I am eager to express my interest in the [Job Title] position at [Company Name]. With my experience in [Your Industry/Sector] and the successes I've achieved throughout my education and career, I believe I can bring unique value and creativity to your team.

In my current role as [Your Current Job Title], I've taken the lead on more than [Number of Projects/Assignments] projects, some valued up to $[Highest Project Value]. I pride myself on consistently exceeding client expectations and have successfully [Mention a Key Achievement] in just a [Amount of Time] through [Skill] and [Skill].

I've collaborated with various professionals, such as [List Roles], ensuring that all [projects/tasks] meet [relevant standards or objectives]. This hands-on experience, coupled with my dedication to understanding each [client's/customer's] vision, has equipped me to navigate and deliver on complex projects.

My key strengths include:

• Improving [Achievement] by [%] over [Amount of Time] which resulted in [Quantified Result].
• Optimizing [Work Process/Responsibility] which saved [Previous Employer] [Amount of Time/Budget/Other Metric] over [Weeks/Months/Years]
• Spearheading team of [Number of People] to [Task] and achieving [Quantified Result].

Alongside this letter, I've attached my resume. My educational background, a [Your Degree] with a concentration in [Your Specialization], complements the practical skills that I'm particularly eager to share with [Company Name].

I'm excited about the possibility of contributing to [Something Notable About the Company or Its Mission]. I'd be grateful for the chance to delve deeper into how my expertise aligns with your needs.

Thank you for considering my application, and I look forward to hearing from you soon.

The Heart of Your Job Search - Creating a Killer Resume

Your cover letter is only as good as your resume. If either one is weak, your entire application falls through.

After all, your cover letter is meant to complement your resume. Imagine going through all this effort to leave an amazing first impression in your cover letter, only for the hiring manager to never read it because your resume was mediocre.

But don’t worry; we’ve got you covered here, too.

Check out our dedicated guide on how to make a resume and learn everything you need to know to land your dream job!

Just pick one of our resume templates and start writing your own job-winning resume.

Key Takeaways

Now that we’ve walked you through all the steps of writing a cover letter, let’s summarize everything we’ve learned:

• A cover letter is a 250 - 400 word document that’s meant to convince the hiring manager that you’re the best candidate for the job.
• Your job application should always include a cover letter alongside your resume.
• To grab the hiring manager’s attention, write a strong opening paragraph. Mention who you are, why you’re applying, and a standout achievement to pique their interest.
• Your cover letter should focus on why you’re the perfect candidate for the job and why you’re passionate about working in this specific company.
• Use the body of your cover letter to provide details on your skills, achievements, and qualifications, as well as make sure to convey your enthusiasm throughout your whole cover letter.
• Recap your key selling points towards the end of your cover letter, and end it with a formal closing line and your full name signed underneath.

At Novorésumé, we’re committed to helping you get the job you deserve every step of the way! 

Follow our career blog for more valuable advice, or check out some of our top guides, such as:

• How to Make a Resume in 2024 | Beginner's Guide
• How to Write a CV (Curriculum Vitae) in 2024 [31+ Examples]
• 35+ Job Interview Questions and Answers [Full List]

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UVA Career Center

What is a cover letter.

• An introduction to a potential employer.
• A way to connect a job description to your skills and experience
• Concise, well-written and intriguing
• Always important, even if employers don’t ask for one
• A way to show enthusiasm and sincere interest in the position. 

Cover Letters Should ✅

• Highlight your skills and abilities using specific accomplishments and examples.
• Show off your knowledge of the company
• Be  tailored to the company and the job
• Be one page

Cover Letters Should Not ⛔

Simply repeat the facts from your resume in your cover letter. Use the letter to point out and expand on information that directly relates to the job you're seeking.

• Be a generic, one-size-fits-all letter.
• S ell yourself capabilities you don't have or make extravagant claims like, "There's no task I can't accomplish.”
• Don't  include personal material unless it relates to the job

Organization

THE FIRST PARAGRAPH: INTRODUCTION

Keep it to 2-3 sentences outlining the position, how/where you heard about the position (if you have heard of a vacancy), and why you are interested in working for that specific organization. Also, briefly introduce your background and experience.​ If you are writing as the result of a personal referral or recommendation, mention the person’s name in the first sentence. 

The Body can be 1-2 paragraphs long. It should expand on specific experiences and involvement that are relevant to the position. Excellent guidance for this section is the position description. If the potential employer is asking for someone with excellent communication skills, expanding on your previous experience working as part of a committee to plan an event will directly connect your experience and background to the skill set the employer is seeking. The cover letter is the place to expand on experiences such as study abroad or coursework that you may not have had the opportunity to describe on the resume. Focus on drawing a link between your resume and the company, and be sure to show that you have done your research. Make sure you:

• State what you can do for the company, not what the company can do for you.
• Sell your abilities, skills, and experience, mainly as they relate to the employment needs of the company.
• Write in a direct manner. For example: "I know I will be a valuable addition to your organization."

THE CLOSING

The closing paragraph should be brief and clearly outline what action you will take to follow up (e.g. via email in two weeks). Request an interview and tell the employer that you will call him or her within a specific period of time. It is helpful to include your preferred contact information. Be sure to thank the employer for his or her time and consideration of your letter.

Some examples:

• “I welcome the opportunity to speak with you about how I can contribute.”
• “I am very excited to learn more about this opportunity and share how I will be a great fit for XYZ Corporation.”
• “I would appreciate the opportunity to meet with you to discuss how my qualifications will be beneficial to your organization’s success.”
• “I will call you next Monday to follow up on my application and arrange for an interview.” 

CLOSING SIGNATURE

Opt for a more formal language and tone — a cover letter is no place for a casual "take care" as a closer. Examples including sincerely, regards, best, respectfully

What's in a Cover Letter?

• Identifying Information : Use the same contact information and heading you list on your resume 
• Letter Heading: Includes Date, Name of person and title, company and address
• Letter Salutations: Address to an individual rather than to a sir or madam. Names of persons to contact can usually be found on Handshake, company sites, or by calling the company directly. If you can’t find a person, use “Dear Hiring Committee.”

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How to Write a Cover Letter

Advice for tackling one of the toughest parts of the job-hunting process.

Perhaps the most challenging part of the job application process is writing an effective cover letter. And yes, you should send one. Even if only one in two cover letters gets read, that’s still a 50% chance that including one could help you. Before you start writing, find out more about the company and the specific job you want. Next, catch the attention of the hiring manager or recruiter with a strong opening line. If you have a personal connection with the company or someone who works there, mention it in the first sentence or two, and try to address your letter to someone directly. Hiring managers are looking for people who can help them solve problems, so show that you know what the company does and some of the challenges it faces. Then explain how your experience has equipped you to meet those needs. If the online application doesn’t allow you to submit a cover letter, use the format you’re given to demonstrate your ability to do the job and your enthusiasm for the role.

No one likes job hunting. Scouring through online job listings, spiffing up your résumé , prepping for grueling interviews  — none of it is fun. For many, the most challenging part of the process is writing an effective cover letter. There’s so much conflicting advice out there, it’s hard to know where to start. Do you even need one, especially if you’re applying through an online system?

• Amy Gallo is a contributing editor at Harvard Business Review, cohost of the Women at Work podcast , and the author of two books: Getting Along: How to Work with Anyone (Even Difficult People) and the HBR Guide to Dealing with Conflict . She writes and speaks about workplace dynamics. Watch her TEDx talk on conflict and follow her on LinkedIn . amyegallo

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Cover Letters

Your cover letter is just as important as your resume . It’s more specific than a resume and highlights projects or efforts that align with the requirements of the position or program you’re applying for. A cover letter ties together your resume and the description posted by the organization.

You should submit a cover letter along with your resume (or CV ) for every position or program that you apply for, unless the internship/job posting specifically notes not to include one.

Page Format

Since your cover letter will accompany your resume, match the style and formatting: Use the same font type, font size, and document margins.

• Alignment: Left aligned after the header.
• Length: 1 page, maximum 3–4 paragraphs.
• Header: Include the same header that is on your resume .
• Date: Spell out the month and include the year.
• Addressing Your Letter: If possible, address your cover letter to a specific person. Usually, this is the hiring manager or the person who will supervise this position; try checking LinkedIn and the organization’s website. It also could be a recruiter or the contact listed in Handshake .
• Salutation or Greeting: If you are addressing a specific person, use their first and last name. If not, use something generic, such as “hiring manager,” “hiring committee,” or “selection committee.”
• Introduction and Interest (paragraph 1): Include what position/program you are applying for, what you know about the organization, and why you are interested.
• The Evidence (paragraph 2): Outline what you can do for the organization; make a case for why you are the candidate to hire.
• The Connection (paragraph 2–3): Make the connections between the desired qualifications listed in the posting and your experience/skills.
• The Closing (paragraph 3–4): Reiterate your interest, express gratitude, and note that you look forward to hearing from them. Also, provide contact information if it is not already in the header.
• Signature: Use “Sincerely,” followed by your full name on the next line.
• Cover letter sample 1 (pdf) , showing paragraph style
• Cover letter sample 2 (pdf) , showing bullet style
• Cover letter sample 3 (pdf) , showing preferred name and bullet style

Workshop: How to Write a Cover Letter

Learn how to write a cover letter for a job application that will catch the attention of employers! This video discusses cover letter formatting, how to tailor your cover letter to a job description, and tips for creating a compelling cover letter for jobs and internships. Master the perfect cover letter format today.

• Attend a cover letter presentation to get started. Check the calendar for upcoming sessions .
• Read more tips and advice on the blog .
• Bring a draft in for a cover letter review .

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Resumes and Cover Letters

Resumes and cover letters are essential marketing tools when applying for:

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The Career Development Center provides resources and services to help you develop your marketing and professional communication package.  Review and follow the steps below.

Whether you are preparing a resume and/or cover letter for a professional position, internship, class assignment or graduate school application, it is important to understand the basics of a professional resume and cover letter.  

Writing Your Resume and Cover Letter Info Session Attend an info session to learn about resume types and styles, the best way to arrange your resume, and which topics should and should not appear.  Learn about the key elements of a well-written cover letter and when and how to send these marketing materials.  For dates and times see  Schedule of Events.

Resume and Cover Letter Samples These samples will assist you in writing an effective resume and cover letter.

• Introduction to Resume Preparation ( action verbs for your resume )
• Introduction to Cover Letter Preparation

Federal Resume A federal resume written to apply for a position with the federal government differs in both content and format from a traditional resume. Click here for more information.

1. Reflect on your skills (...before you write) Understanding your unique strengths and qualifications will help you to prepare an effective, targeted resume and cover letter and prepare for a subsequent interview.  Remember, you can continue to develop transferable skills through participation in other experience-building activities . 

• Transferable skills are talents that you acquired through your coursework, campus activities, employment, volunteer work and leisure time activities. These talents can translate into marketable qualifications for an internship or job.   Click here  for a transferable skills worksheet. 
• Career tests are another way for you to understand your strengths, workplace values and interests.   Click here  for more information.

2. Research your field of interest to become more familiar with the skills and abilities employers/graduate schools are looking for (before you write) 

• Visit the ONET website to research occupations of interest.  Click on Find Occupations, then type in keywords or phrases related to your occupational goal in the top left search box. Select the job titles that interest you, then review the tasks, tools and technology, and knowledge descriptions. 
• Review actual job postings/announcements in your occupational field.  What are the keywords, nouns and phrases used in this industry?  Click here for a list of job search sites, choose one, then search for postings by job title or keywords.

Compare your skills to the requirements that employers are seeking. These are the skills that you want to highlight on your resume/cover letter and during an interview.

3. Prepare your draft Create your resume and cover letter in an MS Word document. Do not use a resume template. Font size and style, margin width, line spacing, use of bullets and white space all impact the readability of your resume and cover letter, and therefore the impression you make on prospective employers and graduate schools. Highlight your qualifications by using these elements to create reader-friendly and organized documents. Click here for specific formatting guidelines:

• Click here for resume
• Click here for cover letter

4. Finalize your resume and cover letter "You'll never have a second chance to make a good first impression." Proofread and edit your resume and cover letter. Read through your documents carefully making sure they are:  

• Clear (raise no questions)
• Concise (to the point)
• Consistent (font, spacing, and format)

5. Save your resume in multiple formats and upload to Handshake for employers to view You will need formatted and unformatted versions of your resume for various modes of distribution.  Be sure to save your documents using a professional file name such as your first and last name.

• Create a PDF file of your resume for sending as an attachment

Download our resume template and create your best resumes! Don't forget to have it reviewed by our staff!

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Google Doc Version of CDC Resume Template (make a copy of this template to have easy fill-in access)

The CDC staff will make suggestions to improve your content, grammar, organization, formatting and style consistency. Reviews are intended to help you tailor your resume and cover letter to your individual needs after you have reviewed and applied the basic content and format recommendations noted on this page.  A review is not a tutorial on how to write a resume or cover letter. Please note: You may have each of your documents reviewed up to two times a year (July-June).

Want to have your cover letter or resume drafts reviewed for feedback?  You may either 1) schedule a 1:1 in-person appointment using Handshake (go to Career Center, then Appointments, then 'In-person Resume or Cover Letter Review'), 2) stop by the Career Development Center Mon. - Fri. from 2-4pm in Stratton 113 (first-come, first-served), or, 3)  submit your resume for a staff member to review it and provide written feedback through Handshake.

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What exactly is a "Cover Letter" on Handshake?

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How to write a job-winning cover letter

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Writing a cover letter for a job application but not sure where to start? 🤔 Career.io host, Kevin, is here with expert tips that will help break writing a cover letter down into simple and easy steps to follow.

💡 Use a MATCHING resume template to go with your cover letter: https://career.io/resume-builder

VIDEO CHAPTERS 0:00 Introduction 0:25 Purpose 0:41 Greeting 0:53 Introduction paragraph 1:11 Body 1:39 Conclusion

#coverletterwriting #coverlettertips #careerexpert #jobsearch

USEFUL LINKS

👉Build a resume that hiring managers want to see: https://career.io/resume-builder

👉Need some inspiration? Browse resume examples for your target career! https://career.io/resume-examples

👉Prepare the *perfect* job pitch using a cover letter template: https://career.io/app

👉Get more career advice and insights by reading our blog: https://career.io/career-advice

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If you want to quickly and easily increase your chances of finding the job you want on Handshake, add your job interests to your profile. When you fill in your interests, two really great things happen:

• Handshake will send you better, more relevant job recommendations.
• You’re more likely to have a recruiter message you!  80% of students  who share their interests on Handshake receive a message from a recruiter. The more you include, the better your chances of having a recruiter find you.

What are job interests?

The “Looking For” section of your Handshake profile includes:

• Job type : select part-time job, full-time job, or internship. Looking for a part-time job for now and an internship for next summer? You can select more than one job type, and we’ll share recommendations for each.
• Roles:  select at least three job roles that interest you. We’ll give you suggestions based on your major, school and city. You can also search our  job role pages  to learn more about what you’d like to do.
• Industries: select industries you are interested in. Begin typing to produce results in the dropdown menu.
• Locations:  choose the places that you’d like to work in or near. There are thousands of incredible employers on Handshake from every corner of the country, so we recommend being open to exploring jobs in a few different locations.

Your Handshake profile is the key to finding jobs and internships that are right for you. These are common fields that employers use to search for potential candidates—so including them in your profile is important to getting recruited by the employers you want to work for.

Ready to find the right job or internship for you? Login at  uw.joinhandshake.com   with your  UWNetID credentials and fill in your interests today!

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Generative AI for Career

Career and professional success ai position statement.

Artificial intelligence (AI) has emerged as a powerful career development tool, offering a variety of advantages while also presenting certain limitations. AI can expedite job and internship searches, enhance application materials, and provide on-demand career insights. As helpful and transformative as AI can be, it is also imperative to be aware of its limitations. Remember to exercise critical thinking techniques when employing AI tools for your career development.  

This page is designed for students to stay up to date with the latest AI tools and resources. You can effectively leverage AI to achieve career success by responsibly integrating AI into your career development strategy and consulting with your CaPS College Team by making an appointment in Handshake . 

Commonly Used AI Tools

One of the most notable generative AI tools is ChatGPT. ChatGPT can be used for resume building, cover letter drafting, interview preparation, and more. 

To learn more and get started, check out OpenAI’s Help Center: https://help.openai.com/en/  

All UNH students, staff, and faculty have access to Co-Pilot. When logged in with your institutional M365 account, you are in a USNH-protected environment, so any data shared or uploaded is not shared externally or used to train the tool.  

For a tutorial on how to use Co-Pilot, click here: https://aka.ms/Copilot/Try  

Gemini, formerly Bard, is the generative AI tool created by Google. AI Overviews have been implemented for many Google searches on the engine. https://gemini.google.com/faq

AI tools with a more specific career focus can be found in the drop downs below. 

Writing a Resume Using A College-Provided Template

Upload a copy of the resume template specific to your major and a copy of what you have already written for your resume then follow these recommended prompts when using generative AI to effectively fill in the relevant sections and create a professional resume. 

Please remember: (1) Do not include your personal information in your prompt (name, address, phone number, and LinkedIn url) and (2) meet with a CaPS team member in your college for feedback before sending out your resume.  

Sample Prompts for Resume Sections

1. Relevant Coursework and Projects: 

• Which related courses should I highlight in the relevant coursework section? Add in your completed coursework. 
• Can you help me describe the projects I've completed in a way that demonstrates my skills and knowledge? List projects you might consider using. 

2. Work Experiences

• Can you help me highlight my accomplishments and contributions in each role? Provide descriptions for any previous jobs (summer, part-time, full-time, internships, etc.) 
• What related skills should I include in the skills section of my resume? Specify the industry you are targeting. 
• Can you suggest a format for presenting my skills, such as categorizing them into technical and soft skills? 

4. Leadership and Activities

• Which leadership experiences should I emphasize in this section? List involvement/activities.
• How can I showcase my involvement in clubs, organizations, or volunteer work effectively? 

5. Customization for Each Application

• How can I modify my relevant coursework, projects, work experience, and skills sections to match the requirements of each job or internship application? Provide job description. 

6. Proofreading and Review

• Can you help me review my completed resume to ensure it is error-free and consistent with the college-provided template? 

By using these specific prompts, AI tools can guide you in filling out the relevant sections of the college-provided resume template effectively. Make sure to customize the content for each application, proofread carefully, and adhere to any specific guidelines from your college. 

Cover Letter

Cover letter writing with ai.

If you have never written a cover letter, consider checking out our cover letter guidelines and samples before getting started. Follow these six simple steps for cover letter generation:

1. Open your resume

• Reminder: Make sure it is the most recently updated version of your resume!
• If you need to build or update your resume, consider using VMock to get started.

2. Find an internship or job posting

• Next, select one internship or job posting from Handshake or a company website for which you would be interested in applying. 

3. Open ChatGPT, Co-Pilot, or your preferred AI tool

• Copy and paste the following prompt:  Can you help me write a four-paragraph cover letter for a summer internship [or job]? I will provide the job posting information first, then I will provide you with the resume details. 

4. Send the position description

• Once the AI responds, copy and paste this prompt:  Excellent, thank you. First, here is the job posting information: [copy and paste only the relevant job description details for a cover letter, such as the requirements and qualifications.] 

5. Send your resume details

• Next, give ChatGPT the following information:  Next, here are the resume details: [copy and paste the resume details needed. You do not need to, nor should you, include your personal information in the header of your resume.] 
• Review and edit your cover letter to make it your own!
• Ensure the letter does not include hyperbolic language, experience inaccuracies, or extraneous information and details. 
• In later iterations, you can send previous cover letters so that the AI tool can mimic your tone and writing style. 

Interviewing

Coming soon!  Standout

Networking is crucial for a successful job search, as it involves seeking career information and advice from people you already know, UNH community members (alumni, staff, faculty), and industry professionals. By dedicating time and effort to building a solid network, you can uncover valuable opportunities and insights often missed through traditional methods! 

For sample prompts on using AI to get you started networking, check out:  ChatGPT Prompts for Networking

Job & Internship Search

Coco (Handshake): [beta]

Use critical thinking skills when employing and using AI resources, responses, and content. Be aware of the risks, such as the accuracy of AI-generated information and legal implications of using AI content. 

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How to Write a Great Cover Letter

Kathryn Handley

February 16, 2021

Structure and Formatting

Your contact information should be in the top right hand corner. Usually you should include your current address, email and phone number.

Their address and contact information will appear directly above the first line (“Dear...”).

Don’t forget to use the right sign-off - it is “Yours Sincerely” if you know their name and “Yours Faithfully” if you don’t!

The cover letter should be no longer than one page and set out in clear short paragraphs. 

You can use our Cover Letter Template to make sure that you have the correct format! Just select “Make a Copy” in Google docs or “Download” as a Word document to use this template for your applications. 

Check the job posting for any specific requirements for the cover letter, e.g. a breakdown of grades or explanation of a particular skill. 

If there are no specific requirements, then a the general rule is to explain: 

• Why you want to work at that organisation. 
• Why your skills meet the requirements. 
• Why they should choose you over any other candidate. 

When writing this, you should pay attention to the primary responsibilities, as well as the desired skills and experience for candidates. Keep the posting handy so you can refer back to it while you write.  Often, employers scan CVs and cover letters for keywords related to the job. Make sure you incorporate any skills or experience that you have that are listed in the description.

Customise your Cover Letter 

You should never use the same generic letter for all of your applications. Employers will be able to tell you didn’t take time to create a unique letter for them. To show the employer that you have tailored your letter, open by sharing why you’re interested in the role and the organisation.  

Supplement your CV, Don’t repeat it

Rather than listing your experience, which you should have already done in your CV, you should use the cover letter to highlight unique reasons why you’re a good fit for the job. 

Cover letters provide an opportunity to talk about desirable soft skills like communication and project management. Anecdotes from your time during a particular job or experience are a great way to demonstrate these skills. 

For example, if you want to highlight your leadership skills, you can detail the time you led a major group project that received rave reviews from your professor. Or perhaps your manager at your part-time job regularly compliments your talent for turning angry customers into happy ones, demonstrating your people skills. 

Address any missing pieces

If you have any special circumstances - for example reasons why your grades were slightly lower or why you have a gap in your education or work experience, it's good idea to include this in the cover letter if you feel comfortable doing so. You can turn these circumstances into a positive statement about your abilities as a candidate: as evidence of resilience, determination and ability to work under pressure. 

If you don’t meet all of the qualifications listed in the posting, mention this in your letter. Be forthright and use this opportunity to explain to the hiring manager why you’re still a good fit for the job.

Proofread and ask for feedback

Carefully read through your cover letter when it’s ready and check for spelling, punctuation and grammar mistakes. Have a friend or family member review it as well and give their feedback. 

Don’t forget to contact your school’s career centre and schedule an appointment to go over your cover letter, resume, and other application questions you may have.

Get started on your cover letter by downloading our free template.

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Resume Guidelines and Samples

Resume Samples

Purpose of resume (overview), resume header, education section of resume, experience section of resume, skills section of resume, resume checklist.

Download resume guidelines as a pdf List of resume action verb How to write effective resume bullets

How to have your resume reviewed

• 4 Resume Samples  (PDF format)  
• Sasha Cazenove
• Seona Bates
• Sierra Tower
• Sophie McAfee

Your resume is generally a one-page document that clearly presents your current and past experiences and accomplishments so that your reader can understand the unique value that you bring to the table. As you begin to draft your resume, consider the following. Your resume is:

• Your first opportunity to make an impression. Step back from the details to consider what story you want to communicate.
• Foremost, about the content and demonstrating your experiences. Begin by writing your resume in Google docs or Word, and avoid using templates that focus on form over content.
• A living document that you will tailor to specific positions and will evolve throughout your career.
• Not a laundry list of every experience; it is a carefully curated list of relevant experiences. 
• Easy to read. Consider font type and size, formatting, and a balance of text and white space.
• Shared with potential employers as a pdf document.

The header provides your full name and contact information (email address & telephone number). This section should not include personal information (e.g., sex, date of birth, marital status). Items that may be included in your header:

• Wellesley and/or home address: If you choose both, be sure to label each address accordingly. 
• Personal website, links to professional social media (Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn) 

If you are a current student or recent alumna, the education section should be just below the heading, with the most recent education listed first. Generally, you should not include your high school on your resume; however, first-year college students may include relevant high school experiences. Necessary information includes:

• Your institution and its location (City/Town and State) 
• Your degree (Bachelor of Arts), any major(s) and/or minor(s) 
• Expected graduation date. 
• Optional: Study abroad programs and institutions where you cross-registered for classes. 

In this section, provide details about your various experiences, highlighting accomplishments, learning outcomes, and transferable skills. “Experience” is broadly defined and can include full- or part-time work, summer jobs, internships, research, academic projects, campus leadership, volunteer opportunities, etc. Describe your experiences using strong, specific verbs, and emphasize the results and impact of your work. You can create separate and distinct Experience sections to highlight those positions or skills (e.g., Research, Leadership, Extracurricular, or Volunteer). 

• List experiences in reverse chronological order (most recent first). 
• Include name and location of the organization where this experience took place and the title of your role. 
• Include start and end date for your experience. If it is ongoing, list your end date as “Present.” 
• Describe your experience in accomplishment statements, using short phrases starting with a strong verb. Be specific and quantify your experiences whenever you can. 
• Create 2-5 accomplishment statements for each experience. 

This section provides an immediate view of the kinds of tasks you are ready to undertake. While you will want to be selective and only list relevant skills, these might range from technical skills, like expertise using a digital tool, to experience-based skills, like project management or database design. This section can also include certifications, languages, etc. In general, it’s best to avoid general skills like people skills, time management or critical thinking. As this section grows, you may divide it into several distinct skills sections, like Software Expertise, Language Skills, Teaching Skills, Design Skills, etc.

Is your resume... 

☐ Easy to read? 

☐ Simple, clean font (e.g. Times, Arial, Garamond) 

☐ 10 to 12 pt. font 

☐ 0.5 to 1 in. margins 

☐ Error free (grammar & spelling)? 

☐ Devoid of personal pronouns (I, me, my, we)? 

☐ Concise? 

☐ Reverse chronological? 

☐ Tailored to the type(s) of opportunities you are seeking?

Does your resume… 

☐ Effectively communicate your relevant skills and experience? 

☐ Effectively communicate your personal brand? 

☐ Use consistent formatting for dates, job accomplishments, etc.? 

☐ Display your strongest or most relevant qualifications near the top of the page or section? 

☐ Highlight all your related/transferable experience? 

☐ Utilize action verbs and results-oriented language to describe your experience?

☐  Display on the screen without formatting errors as a pdf attachment?

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