Writing cover letters-Why

1. Writing cover letters-Why • If you’re allowed to submit (some online sites don’t allow), do so: - Do you really have to submit a cover letter? If your competitors submit cover letters, could you later regret that you didn’t do so? • Introduces you to potential employer • Consistent with the “Overview” on your resume and says why you’re a good fit for employer’s position • Usually in response to an opportunity; “cold” cover letter is not in response to an opportunity

2. Writing cover letters-How • First write your resume, including “Overview” (or “Summary” or “Objective”) section • Carefully read position description and identify what skills/experience are essential (Job description may list 25, but only three or four might be essential.) • If you possess most of the essential skills and experience, go ahead and apply. • But, as needed, revise your resume’s Overview section to align better with position’s requirements

3. Writing cover letters-How-continued • Use Overview section of your resume to write first paragraph • As appropriate, use Education and/or Work Experience sections of resume to write next paragraph(s) • In last paragraph, say you “would welcome the opportunity to interview” and “look forward to hearing from and, potentially, meeting” the person you’re writing

4. Writing cover letters-Example Background: • Let’s return to Tommy’s Overview: Overview Candidate for Master’s in Biology at Yale University. Experienced researcher. Excellent oral and written English. Highly-organized. Aides Department Chairman in research concerning diabetes among Chinese children. Assisted Yale Medical School geneticist deliver lecture series in China. Arranges for pharmaceutical industry executives to speak before student club. Seeks to parlay education and experience at leading pharmaceutical company.

5. Writing cover letters-Example Re: Research intern-Eli Lilly-BoehringerIngelheim joint venture (JV) Dear Mr. Green: As a candidate for my Master’s in Biology at Yale University, I am very interested in this Eli Lilly-BoehringerIngelheim JV internship. Thanks to my experience assisting the Chairman of Yale’s Biology Department in diabetes research, aiding a Yale Medical School geneticist conduct a lecture series, and arranging for pharmaceutical company executives to speak before a Yale student club, I would be able to add value to this JV team. I would welcome the opportunity to interview with you and your colleagues for this exceptional position. I look forward to hearing from and, potentially, meeting you. Best regards, Tommy Xu