Networking Wednesday: Covers Letter 101

Cover letters are always difficult to write up! Trust me, I’m in the process of writing one to supplement an application, and I’m on my fifth version! Here are some quick tips to help you out with generating your own.
 

 Cover letters need to be specific to the position you are applying to. This may be tedious and time consuming, but you want to be sure every aspect of your application is polished. Never duplicate it!

 

      Address the letter to the person reviewing the position’s applications. This is sometimes difficult for students because we have to contact professionals, something that may be uncharted territory for us. If you cannot find the contact information through the position posting or on the company’s website, try checking out Hire-A-Vol. Log in to your account via MyUTK, and go to the Employers tab. Every company that UT has had contact with is listed. Some companies even have contacts with phone numbers and emails listed. This can help students figure out who they should address their cover letter to!

      In the first paragraph, include the specific position, location, and where you learned about this opportunity.

      Include “You attitude” wording. Highlight why the company should hire you, and what you could bring to the table. Include the company name and position throughout. Be sure to highlight why you would be an asset for this particular company and position.

      Highlight a couple of things on your resume in more detail. Have two or three paragraphs where each one highlights a different experience on your resume as to why you are the best applicant for the position. Perhaps you are applying to a research position and you have on campus research experience. Look at the job posting and see which skills they are looking for. Incorporate those into your cover letter!

      Thank the professional for reading your cover letter. End it with a thank you and how they can contact you in the future regarding the nest steps in the application process.

      Keep it to one page!

The hiring manager that looks over your application may not even read your cover letter. However, if he or she does, you want to be sure to wow them with your written communications skills.  For more information on cover letters, check out resources on our website, http://career.utk.edu/students/resumes-interviewing/cover-letters/.