A cover letter is an essential part of your job search correspondence with an employer. When mailing a résumé, you should always include a cover letter explaining why you are sending the résumé. While the résumé provides an overview of your background, the cover letter allows you the opportunity to highlight those aspects of your background that are relevant to the particular position you are seeking. A well-written letter can help heighten the employer's interest in learning more about you by reading your résumé and meeting you for an interview. It also gives the employer a sample of your writing skills.
A cover letter is most effective when it is individually written for a particular organization. Letters should be addressed to a specific individual (preferably the person in charge of hiring or a manager/supervisor in a department of interest). Names of contact people may be obtained by checking Career Center directories, organization literature, alumni listings, or by calling the employer directly. For the most up-to-date and accurate contact information, you may want to call the organization to ask for the appropriate person's name and title and to be certain you have the correct spelling.
Drop by the Career Center (southeast corner of Mudd Library), or call 920-832-6561 for an appointment.
Use the links on the left of your screen to navigate the Job Hunt Correspondence Guide.
