A cover letter
Cover Letters
University of Wisconsin – River Falls
Career Services – 24 East Hathorn Hall
(715) 425-3572 www.uwrf.edu/ccs There are five types of cover letters used during the job search process: application letters (serve as an introduction to your resume), prospecting letters (an inquiry about possible vacancies or a request for an informational interview), thank you letters (a follow-up to an interview), acceptance letters (to accept a job offer), or rejection letters (used to thank an employer for a job offer, but to reject it). Many job seekers concentrate their efforts on developing a resume, but dedicate little time to writing effective letters. While a resume is important, a letter is an opportunity to further market your qualifications. And both the resume and cover letter provide the employer with a first impression of your communication skills.
Application Letters
This type of letter is used to apply for specific openings and accompanies your resume. It gives you an opportunity to introduce yourself to an employer and provides a link between the job, your skills, and experience. The application letter should inform the reader why he or she is receiving the resume. If you have already spoken to them by phone or in person, note this in your letter (preferably in the first paragraph!)
Hiring officials talk to many applicants each day. Do not assume they will remember you.
Should give detailed information about your qualifications without repeating information from your resume verbatim. Instead, state the value of your experiences, education, or personal qualities. Ask yourself “What have I learned from these experiences?” Then relate this to the skills you can provide to the employer. Emphasize what you can do for the employer, not how you will personally benefit from being hired for the job.
When applying for a specific position, your letter should reflect the qualifications listed in the actual job posting. The closer the
University of Wisconsin – River Falls
Career Services – 24 East Hathorn Hall
(715) 425-3572 www.uwrf.edu/ccs There are five types of cover letters used during the job search process: application letters (serve as an introduction to your resume), prospecting letters (an inquiry about possible vacancies or a request for an informational interview), thank you letters (a follow-up to an interview), acceptance letters (to accept a job offer), or rejection letters (used to thank an employer for a job offer, but to reject it). Many job seekers concentrate their efforts on developing a resume, but dedicate little time to writing effective letters. While a resume is important, a letter is an opportunity to further market your qualifications. And both the resume and cover letter provide the employer with a first impression of your communication skills.
Application Letters
This type of letter is used to apply for specific openings and accompanies your resume. It gives you an opportunity to introduce yourself to an employer and provides a link between the job, your skills, and experience. The application letter should inform the reader why he or she is receiving the resume. If you have already spoken to them by phone or in person, note this in your letter (preferably in the first paragraph!)
Hiring officials talk to many applicants each day. Do not assume they will remember you.
Should give detailed information about your qualifications without repeating information from your resume verbatim. Instead, state the value of your experiences, education, or personal qualities. Ask yourself “What have I learned from these experiences?” Then relate this to the skills you can provide to the employer. Emphasize what you can do for the employer, not how you will personally benefit from being hired for the job.
When applying for a specific position, your letter should reflect the qualifications listed in the actual job posting. The closer the