14
COVER LETTERS AND REFERENCES
Cover letters and e-mail messages to employers create a first impression of your communication skills,
interests and motivation, and knowledge about the organization or field. Make every effort to target and tailor
each letter or e-mail to show the connection between your qualifications and the employer’s requirements.
While this takes more time, targeted letters are far more effective in helping candidates land interviews.
Do I need to send a cover letter with my résumé?
It is always a good idea to include a cover letter — even when it is not required — when you are applying
for a position and when you will not be having a face-to-face conversation with the person in charge of hiring.
Many job or internship applications only request a résumé; however, a well-written cover letter serves to introduce
your résumé and gives you the opportunity to direct your reader’s attention to specific areas of your background.
In addition, you can clearly outline for the employer what specifically about the job or internship is interesting
to you and what appeals to you about their particular company or organization — something you cannot do
with a résumé.
› If someone has referred you to this position
or company (e.g., an alumni contact,
family friend, or parent), mention this
at the beginning of the letter.
› Your cover letter will most likely be sent
via e-mail (as an attachment, or as the
message itself), or it may be uploaded
as part of an online application along
with other supportive materials. In very
rare cases, a hard-copy printed version is
requested to be sent via the postal service.
Goals of a cover letter:
References:
A reference page provides a list of people who are willing to speak with potential employers about your skills
and experiences.
› Introduce yourself, your major, degree anticipated,
and how you learned of the opportunity.
› Express your interest and enthusiasm in the position
and the organization.
› Demonstrate your experiences through specific,
related examples and “match” your experience
with the position requirements whenever possible.
› Keep your references informed on your search.
Specifically, let them know when a potential
employer might be contacting them. This will
ensure your references are prepared to speak
on your behalf, rather than be caught off guard.
› Convince the employer that you possess the skills and
abilities they are looking for in potential candidates
and that they should call you in for an interview.
› Make it memorable!
› Target your letter to match each particular
organization or position being sought.
› Match your skills to the skills the employer
is seeking and give concrete examples.
› Address your cover letter to a specific
individual whenever possible. When a
name is not available, use “Hiring
Manager,” “Internship Coordinator,” or
“Human Resources” instead of “To Whom
It May Concern” or “Sir/Madam.”
Things to
consider
› Always get permission to use someone’s name as
a reference. At the very least, provide each of
your references with a copy of your résumé.
› Bring copies of your reference page to interviews.