NORTHWESTERN CAREER ADVANCEMENT

A cover letter introduces you to a potential employer, highlighting your interest in the opportunity and your most relevant experiences. You should use a business-letter format and keep to one page of three to five paragraphs. Each cover letter should be tailored to the specific employer and position to align with the organization’s culture and the requirements of the role. There may be applications that do not require a cover letter. If an employer indicates that a cover letter is optional, it is still a good idea to submit one to further demonstrate your interest in and qualifications for the role.

By clearly highlighting your strengths and credentials, a cover letter should capture the employer’s interest. 

• Use the same header on both your cover letter and résumé for a cohesive and polished look. When available, include the name, title, company, and address of the person you’re writing.
• If you don’t know the recruiter or hiring manager’s name, address your letter to “Recruiting Team” or “Hiring Manager.” Avoid using “To whom it may concern.”
• Use the opening paragraph to introduce yourself. State why you’re writing and how you learned about the position. Demonstrate your level of interest and knowledge of the organization in two to three more sentences. The final sentences of the opening paragraph should grab the reviewer's attention and encourage them to continue reading.
• If someone referred you or you’ve established a contact through networking, include the person’s name and affiliation with the employer.
• The middle paragraphs should emphasize and elaborate on your strongest qualifications and key relevant experiences. Address qualifications specified in the job description and give specific examples of when you’ve demonstrated the skills the employer is seeking. Don’t repeat all the content from your résumé; instead, select two or three experiences that showcase the positive impact of your relevant skills.
• Use the closing paragraph to express thanks for consideration and to request an opportunity to discuss the position. For long-distance searches, let the employer know of any plans to visit the area so that you might arrange an in-person interview.
• If you’re using the header from your résumé, do not repeat your contact information in the signature. 

Share drafts with NCA staff, professional contacts, and peers to solicit feedback on your cover letter. Ask your reviewers, “What did you learn about my qualifications and interest in the position?” Make sure to proofread your letter carefully before sending it.  

To learn more, visit the NCA Career Guide (PDF)