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It focuses on selling the candidate, aligning experience with employer needs using job keywords, and addressing the hiring manager correctly. The guide advises keeping the letter concise (one page), managing sentence style to avoid overusing “I,” maintaining a confident tone, and ensuring grammar and formatting accuracy. 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Also match the résumé font style, size, and color.","https://schema.org",{"og:url":78,"og:type":120,"og:title":59,"og:site_name":91,"og:description":61},"article",{"robots":122,"canonical":78},"index,follow",{"doc_id":124,"site_id":56},255489,1790173105,{"code":4,"msg":5,"data":127},{"doc_id":124,"user_id":128,"nickname":88,"user_avatar":129,"doc_module":9,"category_id":40,"category_name":41,"doc_title":59,"doc_description":61,"doc_content":130,"file_id":131,"file_url":132,"file_type":133,"file_size":134,"view_count":30,"is_deleted":4,"is_public":9,"is_downloadable":9,"audit_status":9,"page_count":79,"language":135,"language_code":57,"site_id":56,"html_lang":57,"table_of_contents":136,"faqs":137,"seo_title":138,"seo_description":61,"update_tm":139,"read_time":73},962085564549,"https://ap-avatar.wpscdn.com/davatar_085a072bc5b1113ac321206ff7593b45","COVER LETTER WRITING GUIDE  \nA cover letter is a key – but often confusing – part of the job application process. It expands on your résumé, personalizes your message, and showcases your written communication skills to move you forward.  \nSELL YOURSELF   \nGet the reader interested in you and your experiences. Show how you are the perfect fit for the position.  \nMEET THE EMPLOYER’S NEEDS   \nMany employers use keyword searches to find candidates who best match the job description – use industry language and speak directly to the role. Show how you’ve applied required skills before and how you’ll add value.  \nPROPERLY ADDRESS YOUR COVER LETTER   \nFind the name and job title of the hiring manager, ensuring correct spelling and proper title. If unknown, call the employer or use a formal greeting like “Dear Hiring Official” or “Dear Search Committee.”  \nGET TO THE POINT  \nKeep your cover letter brief – one page only – as employers have limited time. Start by stating the position you’reapplying for and where you found it, using clear and concise language.  \nDO NOT OVERUSE THE WORD “I”  \nAfter drafting your cover letter, highlight each sentence starting with “I” to check for overuse. Vary sentence structures to reduce “I” statements and ensure the letter flows smoothly and professionally.  \nCONVEY THE RIGHT IMAGE  \nAvoid negativity or criticism of past employers and maintain a confident tone. Replace phrases like “I feel” or “Ithink” with strong verbs like “I know” to create a positive impression.  \nBE ASSERTIVE   \nClearly state your goal, such as requesting an application or interview in your closing. Express gratitude and interest, and provide your contact information. Always thank the reader for their time.  \nMAKE IT PERFECT   \nSpell correctly and watch your grammar. Have multiple people proofread your cover letter. Save a copy of your document as a PDF to ensure un-altered formatting before submitting it to an employer.  \nMATCH YOUR RÉSUMÉ  \nMake sure to use the same font style, size, and color as your résumé .  \nCUSTOMIZE  \nEvery cover letter should be tailored to each company, industry, and position. Showcase your experience as it relates to the specified position.  \nWEB BASED COVER LETTER RESOURCE   \nHiration is an AI-powered platform designed to support job seekers with their career development. It offers tools for résumé and cover letter building, LinkedIn profile optimization, and interview practice leveraging AI to provide feedback. Visit [https://indstate.hiration.com/](https://indstate.hiration.com/), login with your ISU email, and get started!  \nBe sure to have your résumé and cover letter reviewed by Career Center staff Monday-Friday at: Sycamore One Stop in Normal Hall: 8 AM – 12 PM • Walk-In Hours at Career Center: 12 PM – 3 PM  \nUpdated July 2026  [indianastate.edu/career-center](indianastate.edu/career-center) Page 1 of 4  \nRemember to connect the company’s needs with your experience. Highlight the keywords used in the job description, then include as many keywords as appropriate in your examples. Provide details and support when possible to show your skills, as well as highlight how you will be an asset to the company. The example below shows this connection.  \n\n| Job Description | Examples in Cover Letter (body paragraph) |\n| --- | --- |\n| • Provide compassionate and patient-centered care to individuals across the lifespan in clinical, acute, and long-term settings\u003Cbr>• Administer medications and monitor vital signs, documenting in compliance with hospital and state regulations\u003Cbr>• Collaborate with interdisciplinary healthcare teams to implement care plans and support patient education\u003Cbr>• Maintain compliance with HIPAA and safety protocols, and uphold a standard of professionalism in all interactions\u003Cbr>• Prior experience in critical care, emergency, or pediatric settings preferred\u003Cbr>• Proficient in electronic medical records ( EMR) systems and clinical documentation software | My clinical rotations during nur","cbCaitYoTbeAvI3Y","https://ap.wps.com/l/cbCaitYoTbeAvI3Y","pdf",383608,"English","# Cover Letter Essentials\n## Sell Yourself\n## Meet Employer’s Needs\n## Proper Addressing and Tone\n# Writing and Formatting Tips\n## Get to the Point\n## Avoid Overusing “I”\n## Be Assertive and Convey Confidence\n## Make It Perfect and Customize","[{\"question\":\"What should a cover letter do beyond repeating a résumé?\",\"answer\":\"A cover letter expands on the résumé, personalizes the message, and demonstrates written communication skills to strengthen the application.\"},{\"question\":\"How can candidates align their cover letter with job requirements?\",\"answer\":\"Use industry language from the job description, include relevant keywords, and explain how required skills were applied previously and how they add value.\"},{\"question\":\"What steps help ensure a cover letter is polished and professional?\",\"answer\":\"Keep it to one page, avoid negativity, proofread for spelling and grammar, and save a PDF to preserve formatting. Also match the résumé font style, size, and color.\"}]","Cover Letter Writing Guide - 2026 | PDF",1789289937]