{"id":45094,"date":"2024-12-03T09:44:12","date_gmt":"2024-12-03T15:44:12","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/wp.stolaf.edu\/pipercenter\/?page_id=45094"},"modified":"2026-06-25T10:21:52","modified_gmt":"2026-06-25T15:21:52","slug":"cover-letter-guide","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/wp.stolaf.edu\/pipercenter\/how-to-guides\/cover-letter-guide\/","title":{"rendered":"Cover Letter Guide"},"content":{"rendered":"<div data-modular-content-collection>\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center has-medium-font-size wp-block-paragraph\">When applying for a job or internship, your cover letter should introduce you to the organization, express your interest in the position, and match your skills and experiences to the role. A well-written cover letter shows employers that you have taken the time to craft a personal response to their specific job opportunity and that you are serious about the position.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center has-medium-font-size wp-block-paragraph\"><em>The tips below will help you create a strong and compelling cover letter that will catch the reader&#8217;s interest and grant you an interview.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center\"><a href=\"https:\/\/wp.stolaf.edu\/pipercenter\/files\/2024\/10\/Piper_Center_Cover_Letter.pdf\" class=\"btn\">COVER LETTER HANDOUT<\/a><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center\"><a href=\"https:\/\/wp.stolaf.edu\/pipercenter\/how-to-guides\/cover-letter-guide\/what-are-examples-of-cover-letters\/\" class=\"btn\">COVER LETTER SAMPLES<\/a><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Preparing to Write<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em>Before you begin writing, it is important to have a thorough understanding of the position and organization you are applying to.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><em>Examine the job description and ask yourself:<\/em><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Which of your past experiences have prepared you for this role?<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>What skills does the job require?<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Which of those skills do you have, and what have you done that proves you have those skills?<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Organizing and Writing<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><em>Opening paragraph<\/em><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>State your reason for writing (&#8220;I am writing to apply for&#8230;&#8221;)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Explain how you found the position\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>If a person at the organization referred you and you have permission to use their name, mention them here<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Why you are interested in the position and why you would be a good fit for the organization\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Be specific and reflect on why you are applying<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u2014 what is it about the role or organization that you connect with or feel strongly about?<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><em>Body paragraph(s) (1-2)<\/em><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>State your major(s)\/concentration(s) and relevant academic background<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Connect a few past experiences to the 3 or 4 most important qualifications for the position\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Give examples of specific skills and how they would transfer to the position<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Why should the organization hire you?<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><em>Closing paragraph<\/em><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Briefly summarize your interest in the role and show how much you would like to become part of the team<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>State that you hope to hear from the organization and look forward to speaking with them further<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Thank the reader for their time and state how they can reach you<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Formatting<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em>All cover letters generally follow a similar format and style.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>No more than one page<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Don&#8217;t indent paragraphs<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Single spaced, with a space between paragraphs<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Use a well-known font such as Times New Roman or Arial size 10-12 font<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Heading should include the date, name of contact person, organization, address, and phone number<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center has-medium-font-size wp-block-paragraph\"><em>Drop in to the Piper Center and meet with a <a href=\"https:\/\/wp.stolaf.edu\/pipercenter\/connect-with-us\/peer-advisors\/\">Peer Advisor<\/a> for more help.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center has-medium-font-size wp-block-paragraph\"><em>After your initial critique, <a href=\"https:\/\/app.joinhandshake.com\/appointments\">schedule an appointment<\/a> on Handshake with a Piper Center <a href=\"https:\/\/wp.stolaf.edu\/pipercenter\/connect-with-us\/staff\/\">Career Coach<\/a> specializing in your field for the finishing touches.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><!-- begin-migrated-from-panel-builder --><!-- end-migrated-from-panel-builder --><\/p>\n<\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>When applying for a job or internship, your cover letter should introduce you to the organization, express your interest in the position, and match your skills and experiences to the 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