1. Cover Letters Project Mentor New Jersey City University
Jersey City, NJ
Partially funded by a grant from the NJ Commission on Higher Education

2. What Is a Cover Letter?
A cover letter introduces you to a prospective employer, expresses your interest in and qualifications for a position.

3. What Does a Good Cover Letter Accomplish
A good cover letter captures the reader’s interest
It begins the process of “selling” yourself to the prospective employer
It demonstrates your interest and knowledge of the company

4. Format No longer than one typed page Three Parts
Why you are sending your resume
How your qualifications match the job
Conclusion
Begin each paragraph with a clear topic sentence

5. Introductory Paragraph
Your first paragraph should:
Get the reader’s attention
Stimulate interest
Be appropriate for the job you are seeking
Make your goal clear to readers

6. The Body Paragraphs Highlight your strongest qualifications
Match qualifications to the position you are seeking
Demonstrate how your skills and qualities will benefit the employer
Refer to your enclosed resume for more detail

7. Use Clear Active Language
Examples
I organized and advertised a conference… Attendance increased by 25%
Developed menus for members of a senior center
Designed the web page for our local food bank
Use concrete words to describe your experience and results
Use present tense to discuss current activities and past tense for previous job duties or accomplishments
Be as specific as possible in descriptions

8. Concluding Your Letter
I look forward to the opportunity to meet with you, at your convenience, to discuss my qualifications and learn more about XYZ Company. You can reach me at the above address, phone numbers and . Thank you for considering me for the position of IT technician.
Conclude by asking for a personal interview
Be flexible regarding a date and time for the interview
Be specific about how the interviewer should contact you
Include a thank you

9. Summary First Second Explain why you are sending a resume
Tell how you learned about the position or the organization (a job posting at your school, a website, an individual who works at the organization)
Convince the reader to look at your resume
Second
Focus on elements of your background (education, work experience, activities) that are relevant to a position you are seeking
Give one or two specific examples. Indicate your positive qualities (attitude, personality, motivation, enthusiasm, and communication skills) 
Provide any information that was requested in the job posting that might not be covered in your resume (e.g. availability date or including a writing sample) 

10. Third
Indicate your desire for an interview
“I look forward to hearing from you.“
Say you will follow up
“I will call your office in the next two weeks to see if you require any additional information regarding my qualifications." 

11. Check List Proofread Use same paper as your resume Signature
Spelling
Grammar
Typos
Use same paper as your resume
Good letter quality
No designs or colors
Signature
Full name
Write neatly
Make sure both the resume and letter are enclosed

12. Additional Letter Writing Assistance
NJCU Office of Academic Career Planning and Placement