Writing a job-application (cover) letter

What are your central goals?

• to capture the reader’s attention
• to make clear that you are qualified for the job/internship
• to offer your availability for an interview

How do you meet these goals, and in what order?

• Identify the position you seek.
• State how you heard about the position.
• Briefly explain, if applicable, why you care about the position and the organization.
• Demonstrate some knowledge of the organization and its goals.
• Summarize your qualifications for the position: pertinent educational background; pertinent work experience; activities that reveal qualities the position may require. You’re summarizing, not repeating, your resume/cv: highlight some of its strongest and most relevant points. The letter is an introduction to your resume/cv.
• Note that your resume/cv is enclosed.
• Note your availability for an interview.

Writing tips

• Address employer by name, if possible.
• Use active voice.
• Convey confidence—but not overconfidence. Avoid statements like, “I am the ideal/perfect candidate for this position.”
• Keep your letter to one page.
• PROOFREAD, PROOFREAD, PROOFREAD: You should have no grammatical, punctuation, or spelling errors.