Create Cover Letters
A cover letter is a letter that you often send to the employer with your resume. The cover letter makes your resume more personal, and is targeted to a job lead and employer. This shows the employer that you read and understood the job description and gives the employer key points about why you are the right person for that job. You can use a cover letter sample (pdf) to get started. Make sure each cover letter is different.
| Parts of a Cover Letter |
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Heading and greeting Every cover letter needs the date. List your name and how to contact you. Address the letter to a specific person when possible. |
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Opening and introduction Explain who you are and why you are writing. Tell them how you found out about the position. |
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Body Sell yourself. Reveal why you are a perfect and unique match for the position. Explain why you have chosen the employer. No more than 2 short paragraphs. |
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Assertive closing Be positive. Tell them that you will contact them and thank them for their time. |
References
When you apply for jobs, you will likely be asked for references. References are people who can talk about your skills and work history. Choose your references carefully. You want to list about 3 people who will say good things about you.
Here are some rules about getting and listing references.
If possible, talk to your supervisor before you leave a job and ask if he/she will give you a reference. The best possible reference is a recent supervisor. If you don’t have a good one you can use past supervisors, coworkers, supervisees, volunteer managers, teachers, etc. Other nonstandard but acceptable reference providers: current/former clients, counselors, business partners, funders, colleagues at another company/agency, and church leaders. If you have a job and don’t want your current employer to know that you are looking for a new one, ask a colleague that you can trust.
References come in a variety of shapes and sizes. In order from best to worst, they are:
- Someone who knows you well, thinks you’re great, is interested in helping you to advance your career, and will respond quickly and cheerfully to a telephoned reference request.
- Someone who knows you well, thinks you’re great, is interested in helping you to advance your career, but can’t give details over the phone for legal reasons. Ask him/her to write you a general letter of recommendation.
- Someone who will confirm your past employment over the phone.
- Someone who says they will do any of the above, and then doesn’t. Feel free to check by having a friend call them and pretend to be a prospective employer!
Always tell your reference that you are listing them. Make sure they have an updated copy of your resume, and a good idea of what kind of jobs you are applying for, so they can be prepared to answer questions well.
Online Cover Letter & References Resources
