Missouri State University Career Guide - Flipbook - Page 23
COVER LETTER TIPS
The cover letter is a separate document to support the resume. This is your chance to talk about why you're excited to work at the
organizationand what specific experienceyou will bring to it. It's not a place to repeat the items in your resume but to elaborate about
your top qualifications. It is important to tailor each cover letter to the specific position you are applying to. Before you send your cover
letter to any organization,ask at least two people to proofread it for spelling and grammatical errors.
The Basics
When Applying By Email
• Unless it is specifically discouraged, include a cover
letter with every resume.
• Use an 11-12 point professional font, preferably
matching your resume.
• Limit to one page and frame document with a o.8"-1"
margin.
• Format like a business letter.
• Use the same header as your resume in order to create
your personal letterhead.
• Save as a Microsoft Word document or a PDF with a
basic title (YourNameCoverLetter).
• Attach as a separate document from your resume.
• Write a brief email addressed to the person to whom
you are emailing.
• Identify the position for which you are applying.
• Include a sentence or two summarizing your
qualifications to entice the reader to review your cover
letter and resume, without repeating either document.
• Inform them of your attachments.
Research Before You Write
• Start by researching the company to understand its
mission and core values. This can be accomplished by
reviewing their website, Linkedin, and other social
media channels.
• Demonstrate how your goals align with theirs and what
you like about the company culture. Focus on what you
have to offer the company.
• Address letter to a specific person; avoid impersonal
statements like "To Whom it May Concern."
• If not listed in the job posting, contact the company's
Human Resources Department, search the company's
website, or use Linkedin to find the name of the hiring
manager or head of the department - including accurate
spelling, appropriate salutation (Dr., Mrs., Mx., or
other), and title.
Use Keywords from the Job Posting
• Job descriptions contain keywords you will want to
incorporate throughout your cover letter.
• Start by making a list of the most frequently used words
in the job posting.
• Repeat this practice for any cover letters you write so
that the language is specific to the particular positions.
CAREER GUIDE 2025
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