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Cover Letter Resources

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Want to make your application stand out to employers? We recommend writing a cover letter tailored to the role you are seeking. A complementing cover letter and resume tailored to a job may give you the edge that other candidates don’t have! 

Understanding the ATS 

Cover letters often go through ATS, but their processing can be less reliable than resumes. Despite this, they are crucial for providing context and showcasing communication skills. Some companies focus more on resumes and use cover letters for additional insights into a candidate’s fit and personality. Others use them to gauge motivation and communication skills. Many hiring managers still value cover letters highly and review them manually after the initial ATS screening. 
 

Cover Letter Basics

Fonts

  • Use easy-to-read fonts such as Arial, Calibri, or Times New Roman.  

  • We recommend sans serif fonts. You can easily find a list on the web.  

Cover Letter Length

  • Cover letters should be no more than 1 page and 3-4 paragraphs long. The main body of the cover letter (excluding contact information, company details, date, signature, etc.) should range from 250 to 400 words. 

  • If necessary, you may use bullet points for a portion of the cover letter to organize and highlight key information, but the majority of the letter should be in paragraph form. Use 

Keywords and Metrics  

  • Achievement-orientated keywords from the job description and your resume should be scattered throughout your cover letter. 

  • Use metrics: quantifiable data will make your cover letter stand out.  

  • Your cover letter should complement, not duplicate, your resume. Instead of reiterating your work history, focus on expanding upon key experiences or achievements that showcase your qualifications for the role.  

  • Highlight 3-4 skills that align most closely with the job requirements. Support each skill with a brief anecdote or achievement that illustrates how you've applied that skill in a previous role. 

  • Demonstrate your enthusiasm and knowledge about the company by referencing specific details you've learned through research. Explain why you are interested in working there and how your values or career goals align with the company's mission or culture. 

Spelling and Grammar 

  • Check the cover letter for spelling and grammatical mistakes. You can use a web tool like Grammarly to check spelling mistakes.  

Additional Resume Resources 

  • Hiring Insights Part 1 (powered by Idealist) 

  • 7 Essential Tips on How to Format a Cover Letter (powered by Resume.io) 

  • Don’t forget to check out UCLA Extension Career Services’ ABCs of Resume Writing and the Sample Resume.