Résumé Guide
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PREPARE YOUR COVER LETTER<br />
PURPOSE<br />
A cover letter should always accompany your résumé. The purpose is to introduce you and your résumé<br />
to potential employers. It is the first impression employers have of you. It should not simply repeat your<br />
résumé content but provide specific examples and expand upon your experience.<br />
CONTENT<br />
Salutation<br />
The salutation should be personalized if at all possible, for example Dear Ms. Jill Fortson. If you do not<br />
know the name of the individual, research the company’s website, the employer contact information in<br />
your College Central Network account, or call the company and politely ask for the name of the hiring<br />
manager in charge of the position. If you are unable to locate a specific name it is recommended to use<br />
Dear Hiring Manager rather than To Whom It May Concern.<br />
Paragraph One<br />
In the initial paragraph, state the specific position or type of work for which you are applying and<br />
indicate where you learned of the opening (Career Center, etc.).<br />
Paragraph Two<br />
Explain why you are interested in the position and organization. Indicate that you understand their<br />
needs and why you believe you are a good fit for the position. Use this opportunity to show that you<br />
researched the organization. Bring out some information about the company that makes them interesting<br />
to you.<br />
Paragraph Three<br />
State your request for an interview and how you can be reached. Thank them for the opportunity. We<br />
encourage you to be proactive by adding a statement regarding your intention to reach out to them in a<br />
few weeks to discuss the position further.<br />
COMMON MISTAKES<br />
• Rehashing your résumé. Your cover letter should serve as an introduction to the résumé.<br />
• Too long. Keep your cover letter concise and down to one page.<br />
• Irrelevant Information. Be sure the information you share is pertinent to the job and the values of<br />
the organization.<br />
• Assuming Gender. If you are unsure of the gender of the recruiter, do not use Ms. or Mr. Instead<br />
address the letter to the full name of the recipient. For example, Dear Chris Jones, rather than Mr.<br />
or Ms. Jones.<br />
Cover Letter Example<br />
Back to Table<br />
of Contents<br />
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