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Writing Cover Letters

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A cover letter, or letter of application, should always accompany your resume — whether it is snail-mailed, e-mailed or faxed. It is written specifically for each potential employer and should reflect your interest in that organization.

A professional cover letter should be typed, with no errors, on paper matching your resume in a business format.

Evaluating Your Cover Letter

  • Is it employer focused?
  • Is it addressed to a person?
  • Does it clearly state your purpose?
  • Is the prolific use of "I" avoided?
  • Does it elaborate on what is mentioned in the resume?
  • Does it reflect research and knowledge of the company?
  • Have you avoided using qualifiers such as, I feel, I think, in my opinion, etc.?
  • Have you indicated the next step you will take? For example, "I will call you next week to confirm receipt of my resume."
  • Have you included your contact information: name, address, phone number and e-mail?
  • Is it formatted as business correspondence?
  • Have you checked for correct spelling, grammar and punctuation?
  • Is it limited to one page?

If you are able to answer yes to all of these questions, chances are good that you have written a strong cover letter. CAFNR Career Services will happily critique your resume. Schedule an appointment via e-mail or call 573-882-0088.

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