A resume is quick and concise, whereas a cover letter allows for elaboration. A cover letter allows you space to describe how your skills and experience relate directly to the position you are applying for, in addition to adding a personal touch. Well-written cover letters can help you stand apart from other candidates. It is usually in your best interest to include a cover letter if there is an opportunity to do so, even if a cover letter is optional. 

Whether you are creating or are in the process of updating your cover letter, check out our resources below.

Cover Letter Tips & Tricks

• Provide a one-page summary of your skills, abilities, and accomplishments.

• You should tailor your cover letter for each position you apply to. If you’re applying to similar roles, you can use a previous cover letter as a starting point or source of inspiration. Always triple-check that you’ve updated all the contact information correctly if you do. 

• The content needs to be relevant to the co-op or job posting and demonstrate how you will add value to the organization.

• Use the job post to your advantage! The job post will tell you what the employer is looking for in a candidate. Match your education, experience, skills, and qualifications to what the role entails.

• Use AI to enhance your own voice.

• AI can be a helpful tool for gathering inspiration for your cover letter. However, be sure to personalize any generated content to make it your own before submitting.

• Use the same heading as your resume to keep your application consistent and clear. 

• Maintaining consistency between your resume and cover letter reinforces your personal brand. It also ensures that if the documents get separated, the hiring manager can easily identify who they belong to.

 

 Important Final Steps to Perfect Your Cover Letter Submission

• Design 

• Use readable fonts! We recommend Times New Roman and Garamond.

• Use full sentences, unless stylistically creating a bullet-pointed list within your cover letter.

• Content

• Tailor your cover letter to each specific job description.

• Use strong action verbs to highlight results, impact, and achievements.

• Quantify your accomplishments whenever possible. 

• Never falsify information.

• Save your cover letter as a PDF, and title it: FirstName LastName_CoverLetter

• Grammar and Syntax

• Use professional language and frame your content in a positive manner.

• Avoid acronyms and abbreviations.

Contact Us - 

Fall and Spring Semester Hours  

During the academic year, Lindner Career Services is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.  

Drop-in Hours  - 

Drop-in peer career coaching is available Monday through Friday from 1-4 p.m. in Lindner Hall, Suite 1420 during the fall and spring semesters.   

Please contact your assigned Career Advisor for their specific drop-in hours.Replace with your text