1. Write one.
It may sound silly, but I’m amazed at how many people don’t include
a cover letter unless it is specifically requested in the job announcement.
2. Consider the purpose of your cover letter. Use the cover letter to show how your
knowledge, skills and abilities fit with the minimum requirements and the
responsibilities of the position. This
makes it easier for the reviewer to understand how you would fit in the
position and at the institution. Also,
it makes it more likely that the reviewer will consider offering you an
interview.
3. Tailor it to the specific job. This is particularly important if you are
applying for multiple jobs at the same institution. Your cover letter is the glue between your
resume and the job announcement. Ensure
that you use the opportunity to explain why you are a good fit for the specific
position.
4. Be concise. Your cover letter should be one to two pages
in length. Make each word count.
5. Sell yourself. This is your opportunity to share your
accomplishments and what you enjoy doing.
Share your passion and your enthusiasm for the field in which you work. What is your greatest achievement?
6. Use their words. Using the words from the job announcement is
another way to make it easier for the reviewer to consider you. For example, if the job announcement is
looking for experience with flipped classrooms and your resume shows that you
taught a hybrid class, use the term “flipped classroom” in your cover letter
and explain the connection. Be careful, too much cutting and pasting from the
job announcement may seem a little odd.
7. Make it easy to read. Remember that reviewers could be considering
a hundred or so applications for a position.
In your cover letter, use headings in bold or italics to highlight the
significant areas of responsibilities and describe your experience or how the
knowledge, skill or abilities transfer.
Here’s an example:
Budgeting
Experience
I’ve been responsible for a 2 million dollar budget as the Coordinator for Student Life. I oversaw the purchasing requisitions, purchase orders, invoicing and approval for the department. I understand how funding works at a public institution and these skills are a perfect fit for the position you are seeking.
I’ve been responsible for a 2 million dollar budget as the Coordinator for Student Life. I oversaw the purchasing requisitions, purchase orders, invoicing and approval for the department. I understand how funding works at a public institution and these skills are a perfect fit for the position you are seeking.
8. Proofread! Your cover letter is a writing sample.
9. Tell a story. For the more creative and if you can, relate
the position you are seeking to an experience on an anecdote in your life.
10. Be more formal. Skip the
abbreviations or the text speak such as LOL or J!
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