# Ask an Expert: Cover Letters 101

**Source**: https://careernetwork.msu.edu/blog/2022/07/01/ask-an-expert-cover-letters-101/
**Parent**: https://careernetwork.msu.edu/channels/write-a-resume-or-cover-letter/

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Bill Morgan, Experiential Learning & On-Campus Internship Coordinator

**Question: I’m applying to a role that asks for both a resume and a cover letter. What’s a cover letter? Does it really matter? How do I write an effective cover letter?**

A cover letter is definitely one of the weirder writing assignments you’ll have as a college student (or college graduate).

Imagine the following documents laying on the table in front of you:

- On the left: A printed job posting describing the work and qualifications
- On the right: A copy of your resume
- In the middle: Your cover letter

In a cover letter, your task is to describe to a potential employer how your experience and skills (resume stuff) is compatible with the opportunity they’re recruiting for (job posting stuff). So yes, a cover letter does matter! It’s one of your first chances to highlight relevant strengths and highlight some of your most valuable experience.

You’ll create a [document](https://careernetwork.msu.edu/resources/sample-cover-letters/) (one-page, single spaced, 4-5 paragraphs) that includes the following:

**Header:** The same header (your name, contact information) that you use on your resume.

**Date:** When you wrote the letter.

**Recipient:** The name and title of the recipient (if known), or name of organization.

**Salutation:** “Dear [contact’s name],” or “Dear Hiring Committee.”

**Intro:** State the reason you’re writing, making sure to refer to the role you’re applying for, and highlight the experiences/skills you’re bringing to the table (that you’ll then cover in your body paragraphs).

**Paragraphs 2, 3, and 4:** Describe the [experiences](https://careernetwork.msu.edu/channels/gain-experience/) and skills you have to offer that align with the position description, making sure to illustrate your claims through examples from your resume (previous internships, student group engagement, part-time roles, volunteerism, etc.).

**Conclusion:** Express gratitude for your readers’ time and attention to your candidacy and invite them to stay in touch to continue the conversation.

**Closing**: “Sincerely,” followed by your signature (if you can print out/sign a copy of your letter or insert a digital signature) and your typed-out name.

Looking back at what you’ve written, you’ll see that you’ve:

(1) Made a compelling argument for why you’re a good candidate worthy of an interview, and

(2) Prepared for the interview by highlighting some key accomplishments.

A few final tips:

- A cover letter is a demonstration of your writing skills, so carefully proofread everything to make sure it is error-free.
- Where appropriate, integrate in the same language used in the job posting (for example, “public speaking,” in place of, “group presentation”).
- You’ll need to customize every cover letter for the specific opportunity and employer. That said, you can use previous cover letters (and content from them) as a guide for crafting new ones.

By Bill Morgan 
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Bill Morgan
Experiential Learning & On-Campus Internship Coordinator, Career Services Network

[Send Email](mailto:morganw6@msu.edu)\

[linkedin](https://www.linkedin.com/in/billmorgan231/)

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