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This guide will demystify this crucial document and show you how to write one in a few simple steps.  \nIt’s important to personalize your cover letter to the specific opportunity to which you are applying, but there is more to it than mentioning the organization’s name a few times or quoting the job description. Doing this well means thinking about your target audience and demonstrating the value you can add to your future employer.  \nIf you are... Start with the... On Page...  \n\n| New to cover letter writing | Anatomy of a Cover Letter | 3 |\n| --- | --- | --- |\n| Applying to a specific opportunity | Sample Letter: Response to a Job Lead\u003Cbr>Worksheet: Interpreting a Job Description | 4 & 5 |\n| Sending an internship inquiry | Sample Letter: General Inquiry \u003Cbr>Worksheet: Organization/Agency Information | 6 & 7 |\n| Seeking further inspiration | Weak-Better-Best Sample Sentences | 8 |\n\n Basic Principles of Cover Letter Writing   \n1  \nA well-written cover letter can set you apart from candidates who don’t submit one.  \n• Not all employers will ask for – or read – cover letters, but knowing how to thoughtfully convey your interestsand qualifications is an integral part of the recruitment process.  \n• A cover letter answers three basic questions: Who are you and what are you applying for? What value can you add to this organization? Why are you interested in this particular opportunity?  \n• It is an opportunity to introduce yourself and showcase your value to the organization.  \n• Be thorough, yet concise. Keep it to half a page, approximately 250-300 words.  \n2  \nA cover resume  \nletter is more than ain paragraph form.  \n• Cover letters provide the context around – and highlights from – the experiences outlined on your resume.  \n• This is your chance to demonstrate you know what the organization needs and that you are the candidate who can provide it.  \n3  \nThe format, content and purpose of a cover letter are highly individualized.  \n• Follow basic professional writing standards, paying special attention to differences in uploading a cover letter into an online application or using your letter asthe body of an email message.  \n• Match the tone of the job description or vibe of the organization’s website.  \n• Know that employers can tell when a letter reads like a generic template.  \nCenter for  \nCAREER  \nDevelopment  \nPRINCETON UNIVERSITY  \n2  \nANATOMY OF A COVER LETTER  \nThis page is meant as a guide, not a formal template. Consider your own writing style and that of the organization to which you are writing when composing your cover letters.  \nTraditional Business Format:  \nYour street address City, ST 00000  \n[Recommended: Use same header style as your resume]  \nMonth Day, YYYY  \nContact’s Name  \nContact’s Title (Note: Start here if contact name unknown) Organization Name  \nStreet Address City, ST 00000  \nTIP  \nIf you are sending your cover letter in the body of an email, omit the information to the left and begin with the salutation. Be sure to add in a subject line, such as“Candidate for [Job Title]”  \nSalutation  \nDear Mr./Ms./Mx./Dr. Lastname: [or Dear Firstname Lastname]  \n* Note: If name unknown, write Dear Recruiter/Hiring Manager/Internship Coordinator (pick one!) or something similar.  \nOpening paragraph:  \nStart by highlighting something interesting about yourself, like how a course inspired you or an internship confirmed a career path. Avoid introducing yourself by name or filling in blanks (“I am a   major applying for   position with   company.”) . Write with enthusiasm and demonstrate you recognize what this organization is trying to accomplish. Tell the reader what appeals to you about that role/firm. Include c","cbCaikJStSfYssfU","https://ap.wps.com/l/cbCaikJStSfYssfU","pdf",461962,8,"English","# HOW TO USE THIS GUIDE\n# Basic Principles of Cover Letter Writing\n# Anatomy of a Cover Letter\n## Traditional Business Format\n## Tips for Email Submissions\n## Salutation\n## Opening paragraph\n## Middle paragraph(s)\n## Last paragraph\n## Closing\n# Sample Letter: Response to a Job Lead","[{\"question\":\"What is the purpose of a cover letter in the recruitment process?\",\"answer\":\"A cover letter can distinguish candidates by providing context around resume experience and highlighting qualifications relevant to the opportunity. It also answers who the applicant is, what they are applying for, and what value they add.\"},{\"question\":\"How should a cover letter be tailored to an opportunity?\",\"answer\":\"Personalize it to the specific organization and role by focusing on the target audience and demonstrating how your experiences connect to the organization’s mission, needs, and goals.\"},{\"question\":\"What sections should be included in a standard cover letter format?\",\"answer\":\"Use a business-letter structure with a header and date, contact information, salutation, opening paragraph, middle paragraphs for accomplishments and connections, a closing paragraph expressing appreciation, and a sign-off with your name.\"}]","Cover Letter Guide - How to Write a Cover Letter | PDF",1789291841]