Cover Letter
A cover letter is a very important document in the job application process. While a cover letter certainly won’t make up for a weak resume, it will help a strong applicant to stand out from the crowd. At the same time a weak cover letter that exhibits either poor research of the employer or bad grammar can kill an application in its tracks.
With regards to cover letters, here is the perspective of a BYU Alumnus currently in a recruiting role (2008):
"...Cover letters really are important. I didn't really like cover letters when I was at school, but I think they are SO IMPORTANT now. A well written cover letter can convey messages which cannot be conveyed via a resume. It can explain why experience that does not seem relevant is both relevant and pertinent. As a student, I assumed no one ever read the cover letters submitted; however, in our review of applicants this year I think we probably looked at the cover letter more than the resume in some cases."
Several important elements to remember in writing a quality cover letter.
1. Write the letter to a specific person (Never write: To Whom it May Concern)
2. Research the employer and mention applicable recent news
3. State your interest in the position and why - using information from your research
4. Include clear and easy to find contact information
5. Tell the reader what response you are expecting or what future actions you will take
6. Close expressing your appreciation
7. Be brief, professional, and engaging in your writing
Resources:
HBLL Business Resource - Resumes & Cover Letters tab
Cover Letter PPT by Bill Brady
Do's and Don'ts of a Cover Letter
"How to Say It" by Rosalie Maggio (HBLL 1st floor)
