A cover letter introduces you and your resume to potential employers or organizations you seek to join (non-profits, educational institutions, etc). It is the first document an employer sees, so it is often the first impression you will make. Take advantage of this important first impression and prepare the reader for your application, stating why you are writing, why you are a good match for the job and the organization, and when you will contact him or her.
The Ability of the Cover Letter:
Explain your experiences in a story-like format that works with the information provided in your resume
Allow you to go in-depth about important experiences/skills and relate them to job requirements
Show the employer that you are individualizing (tailoring) this job application
Provide a sample of your written communication skills
In order to impress prospective employers when writing a cover letter, you must first know what they are looking for in candidates. Learning more about the company itself—and what they value—can help you do this. Here are some suggestions:
Read the job advertisement carefully
Research the corporate website, read and try to understand their mission statement (sometimes an organization's mission may not be overtly stated)
Call "insiders" (people that work with the company)
Refer to your university's career center if you are at college
Once you have thoroughly researched a job, you are now prepared to begin your cover letter. Other than the handouts you received in class, here are some great links to peruse concerning the ins-and-outs of the cover letter.
LINKS
Purdue's OWL on Formatting Cover Letters in MS Word
Sample Cover Letters for ANYTHING that Requires a Cover Letter
Virginia Tech's Cover Letter Emporium
Cover Letter Tips
Making Your Cover Letter Impressive
