Cover Letter Resources - Career Services | Wartburg College, Waverly, Iowa USA

Cover Letter Guidelines:

A standard cover letter contains four paragraphs. Each paragraph represents a separate part of your representation to the prospective employer. Make sure you provide a glimpse of your personality and communicate your value. You want to entice the employer to interview you.

Paragraph 1-The Opening
Capture the prospective employer's interest and explain why you are applying for the position. State your employment objective (the position or area in which you are interested) and describe your academic qualifications (degree level and major, if relevant).
You may also describe how you learned of the position or organization (a personal referral, posting on the employment Web site, ad in the newspaper, etc.)

Paragraph 2-The Body
Describe your “competitive advantage” over other candidates.
Relate your qualifications to the specific job requirements and type of organization and use examples to back up these qualifications.
Describe your educational and work experience and how it would make a "good match" with the needs of that specific organization

Paragraph 3 –The “Sell”
Research the company or organization and incorporate any relevant research into this paragraph. Highlight anything that impressed or excited you about the company or organization – show why you are interested in working at the organization. Show how your skills and their needs are a perfect match by using concrete examples.

Paragraph 4-The “Close”
Always thank the employer for considering your application.
Provide a phone number and e-mail address where you can be reached. Request an interview at the employer's convenience and indicate that you will call to arrange an interview. End the letter with Sincerely and your name.

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