A cover letter is a letter written to a prospective employer with the purpose of explaining who you are and how your experiences make you a qualified candidate for a specific position. Think of as a persuasive essay that tells your professional story and how it relates to the role you’re applying to.

The main purpose of a cover letter is to answer this question: Why are you the best candidate for the position?

Basic Tips

Cover letters should be customized for each position you apply for. However, that doesn’t mean you have to start from scratch each time. Try to create a general guideline for yourself to follow when writing.

1. Create a basic format. Use the templates found the Cover Letter page for examples.
2. Brainstorm specific examples of how you fit the requirements for the position.
3. Research the organization.