SELL YOURSELF MEET THE EMPLOYER'S NEEDS PROPERLY

Updated August 2018 Page 1 of 8

An important but often confusing part of the job application process is the cover letter. Your résumé tells employers about

your qualifications, education, and experiences, but it is your cover letter that piques their interest enough to move you

further in the process. In your cover letter, you emphasize and expand on information provided in your resume. You have

the opportunity to personalize and tailor your message and to highlight your written communication skills.

SELL YOURSELF

Get the reader interested in you and your experiences. Show how you are the perfect fit for the position.

MEET THE EMPLOYER’S NEEDS

Many companies will do key word searches of your cover letter and résumé to filter the candidates that most closely

match their job description. Speak to the requirements of the job and use the correct industry language and buzzwords.

Also tell the employer not just how you will do the duties of the job, but how you will add value to the organization.

Show how you have already used the skills the organization is looking for previously, if possible.

PROPERLY ADDRESS YOUR COVER LETTER

Find out the name and title of the person in charge of hiring for the position. If you cannot get this information online,

you may have to call the employer to find out. Make sure to spell their name correctly and use their proper job title.

Beginning your cover letter with “To Whom It May Concern” or other generic phrasing is not recommended. If you

are unable to identify the proper contact, use “Dear Hiring Official” or “Dear Search Committee” in your greeting. If

you are sending your résumé via e-mail, in many cases the e-mail message becomes your cover letter.

GET TO THE POINT

Brevity is key. Employers do not have time to read long cover letters. Keep it to one page. In the first sentence of your

cover letter, explain what position you’re applying for and where you found the position. Be concise and make your

letter easy to read.

DO NOT OVERUSE THE WORD “I”

After completing the first draft of your cover letter, mark every sentence that begins with I to identify if it’s been

overused. Vary your sentence structures and reduce “I” usage. Read the cover letter to ensure it flows well and sounds

professional.

CONVEY THE RIGHT IMAGE

Never be negative or speak poorly about a previous employer. Make sure your language conveys a confident tone.

Instead of saying "I feel" and "I think" be confident and use strong verbs when describing things. It leaves the reader

with a much more positive impression.

BE ASSERTIVE

If the purpose of sending your cover letter is to get an application or arrange an interview, say so in your closing. Be

grateful, while showing that you’re interested. For instance, “Given the opportunity, I would be pleased to meet with

you and discuss my ability to work for Company Y. I can be reached at…” Remember to thank the reader for their

time, too.

MAKE IT PERFECT

Spell correctly and watch your grammar. Have multiple people proof your cover letter. Visit the ISU Career Center

during Walk Ins (M–F, 10-12 and 1-3) to review the content and format. The ISU Writing Center is available to assist

with grammar and sentence structure. Save a copy of your document as a PDF to ensure un-altered formatting.

MATCH YOUR RÉSUMÉ

Make sure to use the same paper, color, and font style as your résumé.

CUSTOMIZE

Every cover letter should be tailored to each company, industry, and position. Showcase your experience as it relates

to the specified position.

Cover Letter Writing Guide

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Remember to connect the company’s needs with your experience. Highlight the key words used in the job

description, then include as many key words as appropriate in your examples. Provide details and support when

possible to show your skills, as well as highlight how you will be an asset to the company. The example below

shows this connection.

Job Description

Examples in Cover Letter (body paragraph)

 Data management, including coordinating

GPS data collection, validation, storage and

transfer of observations inventory to Midwest

Invasive Species Identification Network and

granting agencies

 Ensure invasive species treatment is

conducted according to best management

practices, following the EGLE and MISIN

best practices for data collection, and

MDARD requirements for CAKE-CISMA’s

cost share program. This includes securing

landowner permissions and state permits as

necessary.

I developed an interest in invasive species after

completing my Bachelor of Science in Biology and

interning for the New York State Department of

Environmental Conservation. During my internship, I

worked with invasive plant species, identifying,

collecting, validating and inventorying data gathered

through GPS programs, then removing them in lake,

wetland, and beach environments. I became familiar

with the role of plants in Great Lakes beach

ecosystems, and participated in dune restoration

projects like planting dune grass. In addition to

hands-on work experience, my internship allowed me

to interact with various stakeholders, pursue grant

opportunities, and learn about state and county

landowner policies and permits.

Job Description

Examples in Cover Letter (body paragraph)

 Enrolled or recently graduated from college

or university in marketing, business,

communications, or similar field

 Any customer service, account management,

or marketing experience welcome

 Effective communication skills, both written

and verbal, as well as a strong command of

English required

 Helpful to have knowledge or experience in

social media including the following:

blogging, Facebook, Twitter, Youtube,

Pinterest, Instagram, TikTok, and more

 Flexibility and ability to work within tight

deadlines

 Self-starter, multi-task orientated, and

computer literate

My communication skills and ability to multi-task in

a fast-paced environment will fit well with the

Graduate Media and Marketing’s social media

coordinator internship. With a major in

Communications, my educational background has

provided me with an understanding of a variety of

social media components and the ability to clearly

articulate my thoughts and ideas. Additionally, I

have gained practical experience as the marketing

coordinator for the Sycamore Union Board. Through

this experience, I have enhanced my communication

skills, in order to effectively lead a team, increase

students’ awareness of campus programming, and

meet deadlines. While serving in the role, I have

increased our social media outlets, including

YouTube and Instagram, to market events and honed

my ability to manage several projects and events at

one time.

Cover Letter Writing Guide

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COVER LETTER EXAMPLE

Your Street Address

City, State Zip Code

Telephone Number

Indiana State University Email Address

Month Day, Year

Mr./Ms./Dr./First Name Last Name

Title

Name of Organization

Street or P.O Box Address

City, State Zip Code

Dear Mr./Ms./Dr. Last Name:

Opening paragraph: This is your introduction. State why you are writing the letter, the specific position or type of work

you are applying for, and how you learned of the organization or position (Career Center, name of publication or website,

friend, employment service, etc.). Additionally, you may choose to include basic information about yourself, such as your

education background. This is where you also would mention why you are interested in this employer and this specific

position, brag about them and why you want to work there!

Body Paragraph(s): (One to two paragraphs) In this section, demonstrate that you know enough about the employer or

position to relate your background to the employer or position. Do your research! Mention specific qualifications that

make you a good fit for the employer’s needs. Use some of the key words they use in the job description. This is also an

opportunity to explain in more detail relevant items in your résumé. If possible, describe how you have used important

skills in at least one specific accomplishment or project. Do not restate full sections of your résumé, but rather give

concrete examples of how you possess specific qualities and skills. Examples will indicate to the employer the type of

work you will perform for them in the future.

Conclusion Paragraph: In the closing paragraph, indicate that you would like the opportunity to interview for the

position. Repeat your contact information and offer any assistance that will help promote a speedy response and that you

would be glad to provide the employer with any additional information needed. State that you would be glad to provide

the employer with any additional information needed. Thank the employer for his/her consideration.

Sincerely,

(Your handwritten signature [on hard copy])

Your name typed

Enclosure(s) (refers to résumé, portfolio, demo etc.)

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SAMPLE COVER LETTER (BASIC)

234 Locust Street

Terre Haute, IN 47809

(812) 122-3334

jleaf@sycamores.indstate.edu

February 10, 2020

Mr. Joe Smith

Special Programs Assistant

Vigo County Wilderness Challenge

432 Margaret Ave.

Terre Haute, IN 47802

Dear Mr. Smith,

I am a sophomore at Indiana State University working toward my bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice. I am seeking an

internship for the summer 2020 and found your internship posting through the ISU Career Center. I have had a variety of

related experiences, both in and out of the classroom, that have prepared me well and given me knowledge of how to best

work with adolescents. Additionally, I know the Vigo County Wilderness Challenge works to rehabilitate and educate

juvenile offenders so they can contribute positively to society. I feel strongly about giving teens a second chance, and I

know your organization strives to do the same.

My related experiences include volunteering 10 hours a week as a hotline assistant for a local intervention center. After a

50 hour training program, I counseled teenagers about personal concerns and referred them, when necessary, to

appropriate professional services for additional help. My experience as a residence hall assistant also lends itself to this

opportunity. This role requires me to establish rapport with 50 residents and advise them on personal matters as well as

University policies. In addition, I developed social and educational programs and activities each semester for up to 200

participants.

As a Criminal Justice major, I have taken courses on the psychological theories and best practices when working with at

risk youth. Additionally, by completing case studies for my coursework, I have been able to read about what practices

have proven successful – or not – and how to implement the successful practices when working with youth. The Vigo

County Wilderness Challenge fits in line with successful practices I have studied, and I hope to contribute to your work

with these juveniles.

I would welcome the opportunity to meet with you to discuss my qualifications in greater detail. Please feel free to contact

me at 812-122-3334 or jleaf@sycamores.indstate.edu. If not contacted sooner, I will follow up in two weeks to see where

you are in the process. Thank you for your time and consideration.

Sincerely,

Jamie Leaf

Enclosure: Résumé

Cover Letter Writing Guide

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