Cover Letters

Explore the following links and handouts to help develop your cover letter. Career counselors are available to assist in creating and critiquing your cover letter. Call the Center for Career and Calling at 206-281-2485 to make an appointment.

The purpose of a cover letter is to introduce both your resume and yourself. It is the first impression employers have of you and you know what they say, 'you never get a second chance to make a first impression.' Therefore, a cover letter should be well written and include additional information not found in your resume. The cover letter is an excellent opportunity to convey your knowledge of the company and how your skills, strengths, education and experience match the requirements of the job description and how you will add value to their organization.

SPU Center for Career and Calling Resources
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• Cover Letter Guideline
• Bullet point cover letter (PDF)
• Paragraph cover letter (PDF)
• Paragraph cover letter II (PDF)
• 2-Column cover letter (PDF)

Careerlab
Advice on how to write great cover letters

Collegegrad
Follow the Collegegrad.com steps to ensure a great cover letter

JobStar
Answers to why you need a cover letter and a list of additional web resources

Monster
Great samples and tips on writing particular types of cover letters