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Be sure to demonstrate your excitement for the position to which you are applying.  \n• You will need to tailor your cover letter for each position to which you apply.  \n• Your cover letter should be focused on the needs of the employer, not your own, and should always accompany a résumé.  \nGetting Started  \n1. Do NOT use any kind of a template. This way you can fully control the formatting, and your cover letter will be more likely to pass through Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) used by many employers to screen professional documents used for hiring.  \n2. Begin with a blank document set to single line spacing and 0 pts before and after paragraphs.  \n3. Do not use any graphics or tables to ensure your cover letter passes ATS systems.  \n4. Set margins to between .5\" and 1\" for the entire document. Use the same size margin as your résumé .  \n5. Go no longer than one page.  \n6. Do not use acronyms.  \na. SUNY = State University of New York  \n7. We suggest you do not use AI. Use your own words for an authentic letter in your own voice.  \n8. See a sample cover letter on the next page for reference.  \nSections of the Cover Letter  \n1. YOUR ADDRESS  \nKeep your contact information formatted the same as your résumé’s contact information.  \n2. EMPLOYER ADDRESS  \nEmployer Name and Address  \nRe: Job Title  \n3. GREETING  \nDear   ,  \nHiring Manager  \nHiring Team  \nIndividual’s name  \n4. FIRST PARAGRAPH  \nWhy them?  \nUse the first sentence to let the employer know what you are applying for and how you found the position. If someone referred you, start the cover letter with the person’s name (Example: Barb Smith recommended I apply for…) . Highlight why you are applying to this organization, and specifically why you are interested in the organization.  \n5. BODY PARAGRAPH  \nWhy you?  \nHere is your chance to expand on your qualifications with concrete examples demonstrating your skills and experience. Use the job description (if you have one) to guide you in mapping your experience to the organization’s needs in this paragraph. Incorporate industry language and verbs from the job description.  \n6. THIRD PARAGRAPH  \nReiterate interest and your desire to speak further.  \nThis can be a simple paragraph reiterating your interest in the position and thanking the employer for taking the time to read your cover letter. Be sure to indicate how or when the employer can reach you. You may want to include that you will follow up within a week to ensure they received your application and/or answer any questions. Following up is a great way to show your enthusiasm for the position.  \n7. CLOSING Sincerely,  \n*Your signature here  \nYour Name  \nNOTE: Creating cover letters takes time and you will go through many versions and revisions. Plan to have your cover letter(s) reviewed by a career counselor, professor, employer or others in your field. Always spell check before sending it out! Small grammatical mistakes may result in an employer rejecting you for an interview.  \nHelpful Hints:  \n• Avoid overusing \"I\"  \n• Tailor to employers needs  \n• Use keywords from job description  \n• Spelling/Grammar error free  \n• Avoid the word 'passion '  \n• Address the letter to a specific person. If you're unsure who, contact the company directly  \n• Followup in a week if no response, confirm receipt of resume and application, share continued interest in the position.  \nEXAMPLE COVER LETTERS  \nCharles Wantajob  \n44 Pierrepont, Potsdam, NY, 13676 [studentemail@potsdam.edu](studentemail@potsdam.edu)  \n(315)555-1234  \nElectric Lady Sound Studios 1633 Broadway, New York, NY February 10, 2025  \nRe: Internship Position  \nDear Hiring Committee,  \nAs a Music Business major at the Crane School of Music, I a","cbCaiscUpAQY5ygf","https://ap.wps.com/l/cbCaiscUpAQY5ygf","pdf",402607,6,"English","# Getting Started\n## Sections of the Cover Letter\n## Helpful Hints\n# Example Cover Letters","[{\"question\":\"What is the purpose of a cover letter in a job application?\",\"answer\":\"A cover letter introduces you to potential employers and demonstrates how your strengths and background match the job description. It also gives you a chance to explain why you are applying and to show your interest in the position.\"},{\"question\":\"How should you format a cover letter to improve compatibility with ATS systems?\",\"answer\":\"Avoid templates, graphics, and tables, and keep margins between 0.5\\\" and 1\\\" with single line spacing. Do not use acronyms and keep the cover letter to no longer than one page.\"},{\"question\":\"What sections should the cover letter include?\",\"answer\":\"Include your address, the employer address, a greeting, a first paragraph explaining why you are applying, body paragraphs expanding on qualifications with concrete examples, a third paragraph reiterating interest and next steps, and a closing with your signature and name.\"}]","SUNY Potsdam Cover Letter Guide - Fall 2025 | PDF",1789283796]