Wichita State University Career Guide - Flipbook - Page 25
Cover Letter
A cover letter showcases your skills, qualifications, and why you want a specific role. A cover letter should go in-depth into a few
relevant experiences that pertain to the role you are applying for. The information included should be customized based on the
job description. The cover letter aims to make a strong first impression and complements your resume by providing additional
context to capture the recipient's attention. Some jobs require them and some do not.
Sections of a Cover Letter
1.
Contact Information: Provide simple, clear introduction information at the top
of your document. This should include your name - set in bold or larger than
surrounding text to stand out, a professional email, phone number, city, state
location, and a link to your LinkedIn profile.
2.
Introduction: Begin with clearly addressing a person or team. If you are unsure who
the hiring manager is, you can address the hiring team or office. Then include a clear
introduction of yourself and your background, making sure to tailor your information
to the job you are applying for.
3.
Main Body: Focus on one or two experiences to highlight in your main body section.
These should be the experiences with the most relevant skills to the position you are
applying for and should effectively communicate your strengths and abilities.
4. Closing: The closing section is your final statement to the employer who will read
this letter. You should thank the hiring team for their time and make sure to
restate your interest in the role. Finish this statement with a call to action! For
example, "I look forward to meeting you and your team."
5.
Signature: Sign off your cover letter with a simple phrase such as "Sincerely" or
"Thank you." Follow that statement with your full name.
Explore industry specific cover letters at
wichita.edu/CoverLetter
SCA Quick TIP: Upload your resume and cover letter to the Application Materials
section in Shocker Central. Each of these documents are reviewed by a career
coach and either marked “approved” or “pending requested updates.” This
review status is an indicator that your resume meets industry standards. Your
documents being in “approved” or “pending updates” status does not prohibit
you from applying to jobs.
COVER LETTER REMINDERS
1.
No Resume Summary
A cover letter should add to
your resume, not summarize
it. This document is used
to bring more context, not
repeat the same experiences.
2.
One Page
Similar to a resume, keep
your cover letter to a single
page. This is the perfect
amount for a recruiter to
read without becoming
overwhelming.
3.
Focus on Yourself
This document should
focus on you and your
qualifications. When
elaborating about an
experience make sure you
are focusing on your role and
impact.
4. Match Key Words
Your cover letter is your
explanation of why you
are a good fit for this
position. Make sure to pick
out keywords and match
your document to the job
description.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is
changing how people find jobs. It
can be a powerful tool to help you
write your resume, practice for
interviews, and explore the job
market. However, it is important
to remember that AI is only a tool
and should be used in an ethical
and safe manner. Because AI is
evolving every day, use this link
to connect with the most recent
best practices in using AI on your
career journey
wichita.edu/Career-AI
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