Business Writing Center

Tools

Cover Letter

The goal of your cover letter and resume is to get you the interview. While the resume details your experience, the cover letter introduces you and relates your experience directly to the job for which you are applying. To create an effective cover letter, follow these guidelines:

Original - Write an original letter for each position for which you apply. Don't make the mistake of using a generic cover letter to introduce yourself to all potential employers.  Write an original letter for each. Recruiters and human resources specialists can spot a generic cover letter, and they may assume that you don't want the job enough to write an original letter.

Targeted - An original letter allows you to target yourself specifically for the available position. Interpret the information on your resume to match the requirements of the job. For example, if the job description asks for a candidate with a CPA or equivalent experience, describe how your accounting experience qualifies you for the position.

Specific - Address your cover letter to a specific person if possible. If you are responding to an advertisement without a specific name, avoid the outdated "To whom it may concern" or "Dear Sir or Madam." Instead, do some research to discover who is the decision-maker. Also, indicate where you learned of the job opening.

If you cannot find out who will read your letter, use the AMS Simplified format and skip the salutation entirely. After your address, double space and begin your text as illustrated in Employment Package three.

Brief -Keep your cover letter to one page. Remember that the goal of your cover letter is to introduce you to the company and generate enough interest to get an interview.

Benefit-Oriented - Translate your experience into your qualifications for the job and detail the contributions you can make. Rather than specifying that you have completed coursework in communication and business writing, tell your potential employer about your experience producing effective business letters, proposals, and making professional presentations.

Express Interest in the Job - Discuss why you are interested in a particular job for that specific organization. Do a little homework on the available position and the company; relating your qualifications to the company's needs or mission will show that your interest level is strong.

Detail the Next Steps Clarify when you are available for an interview and ask for the interview. If possible, take a pro-active approach and tell your reader that you will contact him or her on a specific date.

Demonstrate Business Writing Skills - Use the cover letter as an opportunity to demonstrate your strong writing skills through the use of document design, active voice, and strong communication strategy.

By following these guidelines, you will create a cover letter that complements your resume and gets you the interview by matching your skills and experience to the requirements of the available position.

The following sample cover letter is in Adobe Acrobat and Word Document format in order to facilitate editing and adjustment of the text to suit your purposes.

1. AMS Simplified Cover Letter (Word)   (PDF)

1999 by Molly Epstein, Management Communication, Goizueta Business School, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia. For more information, send e-mail to Molly_Epstein@bus.emory.edu