Cover Letters

Goal: Provide more nuanced information about yourself and help employers recognize how you can benefit them and those they serve

Most professional job applications include a cover letter in addition to a resume and reference sheet. In some cases, cover letters are not requested by an employer. However, it is generally wise to submit a cover page or (at least) include a cover letter in the body of an email, along with an attached resume or job application.

Cover letters can also serve as a useful aid when preparing for an interview, since they include professional language to describe your most exemplary qualifications for a particular position.

Cover letters provide job applicants with the opportunity to:

  • Introduce themself - in a more narrative and nuanced way than is possible in a resume
  • Highlight their most relevant and impressive qualifications
  • Make it clear what they have to offer the employer and those they serve
  • Proactively address resume information gaps - if deemed necessary
  • Express enthusiasm and interest in a position and/or business/organization
  • Inspire employers to invite you to an interview
Templates & Tips

A cover letter should emphasize what you can do for the employer (vs. the other way around).  Therefore, your cover letter should answer the following questions for them:

  • Does this applicant really want this job – ie. for the right reasons?
  • Will this applicant be better at this job than other applicants?
  • Could this applicant be a great fit for this business/organization?
  • Would it be worthwhile to interview this applicant?

Aids

The following links lead to examples of cover letter content formatting, content, and language, which are free.  (Please note that GCC is not promoting any for-fee tools or services embedded in these resources.)

Additional Considerations

4 cartoon looking resume documents