Getting Started

Cover Letters 101

View this quick 60 second overview of the basics of writing a cover letter.

What does a cover letter look like?

An effective cover letter will improve your chances for an interview and ultimately a job offer. Take some time to think about yourself – what makes you special, what you’ve accomplished, what abilities you most enjoy using, etc. Address your strongest attributes and don’t attempt to include everything about yourself. Thinking through the following questions will help you write a letter that connects your qualifications with an employer’s needs.

Consider your USP

(Unique Selling Proposition – an advertising term used to market a product)

• What are your unique qualities and strengths?  
• What is it about this employer that attracts you?
• How would you utilize your talents with this organization?  

Think about your job and internship experiences

• What skills and abilities have you used to accomplish your work?  
• What accomplishments did you achieve?
• What are you most proud of?
• Identify examples where you exhibited qualities employers are looking for:
  • Communication skills
  • Strong work ethic
  • Teamwork
  • Initiative
  • Interpersonal skills
  • Problem-solving
  • Analytical skills
  • Flexibility/adaptability
  • Computer skills 

Review your coursework and identify what you have learned

• What class assignments and group projects have resembled “real world” experiences?  
• Identify the knowledge, skills, and leadership qualities you have acquired through your coursework 

Think about your campus and community involvement

• What organizations have you been involved with?
• What leadership positions have you held?  
• What skills have you strengthened or developed? 

Cover Letter Example

JANE Q. DOE 
123 Main Street | Iowa City, IA | 52242 
(515) 296-7787 | jane-doe@uiowa.edu 

Date 

Name of Contact Person 
Their Title 
Organization Name 
Street Address 
City, State, Zip 

Dear Contact Person (Mr./Ms. and last name): 
(If a contact name is not listed, call the organization to ask for the appropriate contact. If you cannot locate a specific individual, address your letter to Members of the Search Committee or Human Resources Director.) 

Opening Paragraph 
Use this paragraph to get the employer’s attention. Show your initiative, and what you have learned about the company that makes it attractive to you. Identify what position you are applying for and how you learned about the position. If you have been referred to the position by someone in you network, include that information here. Your goal is to convince the employer that you are a strong candidate qualified for an interview. 

Body of the Letter 
This section of the letter is where you justify why you should be considered as a candidate. Relate your qualifications to the specific job requirements, using examples of your experiences and achievements to convey your knowledge and skills. Do not simply duplicate the information your resume; rather highlight or add pertinent details of interest to the employer. Use wording similar to the job description and make a connection between your experiences and the duties/tasks of the position. 

Closing Paragraph 
The final paragraph is used to express an interest in an opportunity to interview for the position or to meet to discuss your qualifications. Indicate a willingness to supply the employer with additional information. Also, indicate that you will take the next step, which may be a follow-up phone call (be sure to mark your calendar and then make the call). Remember to thank the employer for reviewing your application. 

Sincerely, 
Your Signature (use black ink) 
Your typed name 

Enclosure (if you are including a resume or another document with your cover letter)

Utilizing the Job Description

When writing your cover letter, it is important to relate your skills and knowledge to the position for which you’re applying. What related experiences can you emphasize to show a connection between your abilities and the position? Also, think about developing your cover letter from the employer’s perspective. If roles were reversed and you were hiring for this position, would you consider yourself a strong candidate qualified for an interview? In short, have you sold yourself on paper and linked your experiences to what is asked within the job description and desired qualifications? 

The following position was posted on Handshake, the University of Iowa’s online job and internship database. The italicized text illustrates where the applicant intends to detail their experiences that connect to that particular job task or desired skill. The following cover letter will demonstrate how the applicant relates their experiences to the job description. 

We Offer Cover Letter Reviews!

If you would like to have your cover letter reviewed, please schedule a meeting with a Career Coach or Peer Advisor! If you have a time sensitive request, come in to the Pomerantz Career Center (C310) during drop-in hours from 10 a.m.–3 p.m. Monday–Thursday while classes are in session.