2024-2025 Purdue University Career Planning Handbook

Winning Cover Letter Developing a

A cover letter is a type of job search correspondence that is sent with your resume to a prospective employer to indicate your interest in a position; it serves as the bridge between your resume and the job listing. What is a Cover Letter?

PURPOSE

• Refers the reader to your enclosed resume. • Specifies the action(s) that you will take in pursuit of this employment opportunity.

• Identifies the position for which you are applying. • Indicates interest in the position and employer. • States your main qualifications, with supporting examples.

GUIDELINES

• Typical length is 1 page of approximately 3-5 paragraphs; 2 pages may be allowed for some academic positions or programs. • Use specific, relatable examples in alignment with job description, company, and industry. • Avoid grammatical errors, boastfulness, exaggeration, and inconsistency. • Proofread often and come into the CCO for staff to provide feedback for improvement. • W hether submitting via email or postal mail, send a typed document on white paper.

FORMAT

Opening paragraph: Pique the interest of the employer. 1. Name the position for which you are applying and how you heard about it. 2. Give information to show your interest in the specific company. 3. Briefly preview your skills and values and how they match the company. Middle paragraph(s): Create a desire on the part of the employer to know more about you. 1. Explain why you are interested in working for this employer. 2. Point out your achievements or qualifications in this field, especially those that meet the job description or requirements. 3. Reference a relevant fact, accolade, or unique aspect of the company’s operations and connect this with your desire to work there. 4. Avoid repetition between cover letter and resume by explicitly stating how your skills and experiences will contribute to position/company. Closing paragraph: Pave the way for the interview. 1. Ask for an interview.

2. State that you will contact the employer in the near future. 3. Thank the employer for the consideration of future employment.

Use CCO, online, and personal resources to research the values and identity of the company to help craft your cover letter to best match it to them. • Career Research Portal • Career Fairs • Company Website • Social Media • Your Network RESEARCHING EMPLOYERS

COVER LETTERS

www.cco.purdue.edu 17