Most people incorrectly assume that the cover letter is simply a brief, general introduction for your resume – similar to the cover page for a report. While important information is definitely included in your resume, there are things you can accomplish through your cover letter that cannot be done via your resume. You should specifically be referencing the position and organization to which you are applying and connecting the position description to the experience detailed in your resume. Below are some resources.
Here are some recommendations on approaching your cover letter.
COVER LETTER STRATEGY
Here are some tips as you prepare your next cover letter. Your cover letter should speak specifically to the position to which you are applying.
SECTIONS OF A COVER LETTER
Similar to your resume, the information included in your cover letter needs to be well-organized to make a strong impression. The accompanying resource provides a framework for communicating critical information.
SAMPLE COVER LETTER
Here is a sample cover letter for a teaching position. Use a business letter format and submit as a PDF. The letter should be directed at the hiring manager or the head of human resources (if you are unable to find the hiring manager). Generally, avoid addressing it to a generic “To Whom It May Concern.” Here is a cover letter template in MS Word to help you get started. Also check out the USC Career Center’s resource for resume and cover letter writing.
OTHER RESOURCES
MAT Cover Letter Writing Workshop provides tips to future teachers preparing a cover letter for their first teaching job search. This is directed to our MAT and MAT-TESOL students, but applicable for others as well.