By Caitlin Sahm
A cover letter is your first impression on a potential employer. A good cover letter will have them scanning your resume with interest, while a bad cover letter could get your application tossed in the trash before page two. Writing a cover letter can feel daunting for a new graduate because it’s a kind of writing a student has never really had to do before. When writing papers you knew what was required—the appropriate tone to take, what needed to be covered, and the basic format. A cover letter, on the other hand, is uncharted territory. Your cover letter will be pitched to a variety of people, not all of whom will share the same tastes (just look up “how to write a cover letter” and see all the conflicting advice), but I’ve outlined some tips below that, when infused with your personal experience and style, will help you to come off as professional and results-driven to any employer.
Get typing!
The first thing you’ll want to do is to create your header. Every cover letter, even those sent over e-mail, should have your full contact information at the upper-right corner (like the return address on an envelope) with the date beneath it. The name of the person you’re addressing should come just below the date. To know whose name » Read more: Resumes: Post-Grad Guide– Writing Your First Cover Letter
