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Cover Letters
A cover letter is not a generic document–it is tailored to a specific organization. You can create a prototype cover letter which you can personalize for each organization.
Illustrate how you have used the skills the organization is seeking and show how you have successfully used these skills in the past. You do not need to have used the skills in the exact same setting as the job you are applying to–skills can transfer from one setting to another.
Key Points
- Your cover letter should not be longer than one page.
- Proofread your cover letter. Read it out loud to yourself and ask a friend to proofread it too.
- Always address your letter to an individual, avoiding general salutations like "To Whom it May Concern." Search the organization's website for an appropriate contact name. When in doubt, use "Dear Search Committee" or "Dear Hiring Manager."
- Save your cover letter as a .pdf file, using your name in the file name, such as jane-doe-cover-letter.pdf.
Cover Letter Review
A CCPA advisor can provide a review of your cover letter for a job or internship position. Schedule an Cover Letter Review appointment in Handshake to meet with a CCPA Advisor.