Before you apply for any open positions, it’s important to have your cover letter prepared. While a cover letter is not always required for an application, you’ll have a MUCH better chance of being hired if you use this documents to highlight your work experience, skills, and enthusiasm.
Employers often sift through hundreds of applications for each position, and some might even discard applications that do not include a resume or cover letter. These documents are your first introduction to an employer, which makes them an important tool in showing them you are a strong candidate for the job.
Why do you need a cover letter and a resume?
Resumes and cover letters present some of the same information, but they serve two distinct purposes.
A resume is a one to two page document—often in the form of a bulleted list—that provides an overview of your professional qualifications. Resumes are typically written in the third person, and use as few words as possible to summarize your experience.
An effective cover letter is a short declaration of your enthusiasm for the job itself, and an extra chance to make yourself look like the ideal candidate. While a resume is concise and to the point, a cover letter can provide detailed examples of how your work experience relates to the job you’re applying for.
It can feel like a challenge to write these documents, but the Library has resources, materials, and staff expertise to help you!
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Library staff can review your resume and cover letter, conduct a mock interview, and more!
Book an Appointment online or Contact Us: 412-622-3114 or info@carnegielibrary.org
Here are some general resources to help you get started:
Library Resources
Northstar
Northstar Online Learning is a resource for self-directed learning that won't be overwhelming. Learn and build your computer skills to make your life easier, get ahead in the job market, and gain confidence.
DigitalLearn: Creating Resumes
DigitalLearn a rich resource for self-directed learning that won’t be overwhelming. All courses are broken down into short videos with helpful handouts so you can follow along. You can learn everything from computer basics to Microsoft Excel and more! Click here to see all DigitalLearn courses.
* Log into LinkedIn Learning with your Library card number, then search for the class title.
Print Books Available at CLP: Expert Resumes Series
The Expert Resumes book series is a useful resource if you’re looking for resume examples for specific job types. These books can give you examples of good (and bad!) resumes, as well as provide guidance on how to think about getting your work history down onto paper and into resume shape.
Print Books Available at CLP: Knock ‘Em Dead Series
The Knock ‘Em Dead series is another great resource for resume examples, templates, and more.
Internet Resources
A cover letter is the place to connect the content of your resume to the opportunity and demonstrate that you have done your research about your potential employer, plus any details that may strike an employer as odd. Maybe there is a large gap between jobs or you wanted to expand on a project in your resume. You will want to gather those extra details and the research you did about the job to compile into a cover letter that will show your personality to the employer.
Our Cover Letter Worksheet can help you collect these thoughts and create an outline to write a strong and personal cover letter. There is also a template included.
Here are some more resources to get you started with your cover letter:
Library Resources
* Log into LinkedIn Learning with your Library card number, then search for the class title.
* Log into Udemy with your CLP Library card number, then search for the class title.
Print Books Available at CLP: These books will help you learn about how to tailor your cover letters to each individual job posting efficiently and successfully. They’ll also provide information on common mistakes so you can avoid them.
Internet Resources
GCFGlobal: Cover Letter Tutorial
Indeed: How to Write a Cover letter
Monster: How to Write a Cover Letter
Harvard Business Review: How to Write a Cover Letter
The Muse: How to Write a Cover Letter: The All-Time Best Tips
Robert Half: Writing a Cover Letter That Will Stand Out
Cover Letter Samples and Templates
Indeed: Cover Letter Samples by Industry
How to Format a Cover Letter
You can start your cover letter by using a template from one of the resources listed above, or through Microsoft Word and Google Docs. Generally, your cover letter should:
Parts of a Cover Letter
Heading: In most cases, your heading should match the look and format of your resume. You’ll include your full name and contact information. Remember to use a professional email address, preferably with your first and last name. If you do not have an email address, library staff can help you set one up, or you can click here for a quick guide.
You can also include the employer’s name and address, especially if you are presenting a hard copy cover letter by hand or mail.
Greeting: Do your best to avoid a generic salutation like “To Whom It May Concern." Instead, aim to address your letter to the hiring manager, the direct supervisor of the position, or the head of the department. The best ways to learn contact names are to call the organization’s front office or to review their website. Find out more about cover letter salutations at The Balance Careers, Indeed, and The Muse.
First Paragraph: In your opening paragraph, mention the job title, where you heard about the opportunity, and express your enthusiasm for the position. Is there a specific reason you chose to apply? What interests you about the company or organization? This is where you can explain your reasons and show a little about what you know about the employer.
Middle Paragraph: The middle paragraph will serve as your body paragraph. Here is where you will identify what the employer is looking for in a candidate and connect that to your own skills and experience to demonstrate that you are a strong candidate for the job. It is also good to set yourself apart from other candidates by including something unique about yourself, such as an anecdote about a time your skills helped you achieve a goal or solve a problem.
Pro Tip: Remember to incorporate keywords and phrases from the job posting in your cover letter. Find out more at Indeed, or The Balance Careers.
Third Paragraph: This will be the conclusion to your letter. Focus on another key achievement or skill that is relevant to the position, or expand on specific stories that display why you would be a good fit for the role. Invite the employer to contact you via the methods listed in the heading. Make sure you thank them for their time and end with your signature!
Customizing Your Cover Letters
Taking the time to customize your cover letter for each of your job applications can make a real difference in your hiring prospects. Personalizing your letters to each company or organization will present a compelling argument for why you are the best fit for the position. Here are some ways that you can tailor your cover letters to each position:
Resources for Customizing Your Cover Letters
Indeed: How to Write a Personalized Cover Letter
TopResume: How to Tailor Your Cover Letter for Each Job Application
The Balance Careers: How to Write a Custom Cover Letter
The Muse: This Is the Cover Letter Advice Everyone Misunderstands