The cover letter is your introduction to the employer on paper or via email. It is designed to accompany a resume when you apply for a job. The goal of the cover letter is to tell the employer why you are appropriate for this position and why they should review your resume for further consideration.

Write the letter to sell yourself for the particular job you are seeking. Identify your experience, education, and skills that are most directly related to that job. Highlight items covered in your resume but DO NOT repeat your resume.

You want the employer to READ your resume so only give the most important pieces of
information from your resume, written in concise sentences that tell the SHORT story of you. Continue to use the key words from your resume to focus on your skills.

A cover letter should be no more than one page. You MUST INCLUDE:

• WHAT position it is you are applying for
• How you found out about the position
• Why you want to work for THIS company
• Why you are the RIGHT person for the job
• How your education and area of study fit with the position
• How your past experience has prepared you for this position (focus on SKILLS)
• How to contact you


Be sure your letter is individually tailored for the job and addressed to the contact individual by name (call and find out the name if you do not know it), including his or her correct job title, company name, and address

As a last resort, use the title given on the job description such as “Dear General Manager” but please do NOT use “To whom it may concern”. You can follow the format below for any role applied for. Just ensure it is tailored to each vacancy. Do not use a one size fits all, as you will reduce the chances of been asked to interview.