Applying for a job? Consider writing a cover letter to describe key skills and experiences you have related to the job for which you're applying. It is a useful tool for elaborating on your interest in the position.

On This Page:

What is a Cover Letter?
Why Customize Your Cover Letter?
Research the Company
Writing Your Cover Letter
Additional Cover Letter Resources

What is a Cover Letter?

Why Customize Your Cover Letter?

Research the Company

Conducting research into the company will help you customize your cover letter. Company websites, LinkedIn pages, Reference Solutions - among others - can help you learn about the following (and more!):
- Job listings
- Business demographics
- Current company news
- Key company contacts
- Business trends
Use information you learn to strengthen your understanding of the company and establish your "Why" for applying.
Additional research tools.

Writing Your Cover Letter

Email Cover Letter Sample

Who Do I Address My Cover Letter To?

Dear contact name (if listed in the job posting or if you are emailing your cover letter and know the contact's name).
Dear Hiring Manager or Hiring Team (if no contact name is known or listed in the job posting).
Reference Solutions can be helpful for identifying key contacts at a company.

Be sure the employer can read your document.

Additional Cover Letter Resources

For additional cover letter resources, visit the Career Connections Library Guide.