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Cover Letters

Up to Finding a Job
Advice and resources for writing effective cover letters.
Resumes and CVs

Customized Cover Letters
You can generate all your math department cover letters in a snap using Mary Pugh's LaTeX files, now updated for 1997. You'll need to customize the address list. Hint: customize your cover letters by adding a custom content field or two to your address file. (To download this file, right click on the link and select "Save As...")
The Commandments of Cover Letter Creation
by Peter Fiske, Science's Next Wave. "I've always hated the term "cover letter." It implies that the letter you send out to accompany your résumé, the opening shot in your job-hunt campaign, is merely "decoration" for your résumé. A good cover letter does far more than just cover: It engages the reader and makes her want to explore your job qualifications more fully. A good cover letter also highlights your qualifications, guides the reader through the most important parts of your work history, and demonstrates your flawless command of the English language. That's a lot to cover in only three paragraphs!"
The Basics of Cover Letter Writing
"'In almost no time we can reject half our applicant pool just by looking at their cover letters,' says Susan Lord, associate professor of electrical engineering at the University of San Diego."
The Cover Letter: Door Opener Par Excellence
by Dave Jensen, ScienceCareers.org. "Let's face it, cover letters are read and resumes are skimmed. In light of this, why is it that so many of us put such little effort into writing the cover letter? For most people, this is because they incorrectly believe that the cover letter is a throwaway, and that the resume or CV inside that envelope is what counts. Although it is entirely true that the resume has to be well written and have good content, the cover letter's job is to point to what lies inside, and to make it more specific to that reader. Just like the cover of a magazine."
Writing a Winning Cover Letter
"A good cover letter, like a good sales pitch, has several characteristics. First, like a good doctor, it does no harm; it avoids making a negative impression. Second, it demonstrates that the product suits the consumer's--your future employer's--specific needs. Third, it assures the customer that the quality of the product (you!) is superb. Accomplishing all this is easier said than done."
Cover Letters for Professional and Faculty Positions
"A persuasive cover letter not only answers the questions 'Who are you?' and 'What do you want?' but also convinces the reader that you can exceed the hiring organization/unit’s specific expectations and must be interviewed before you are snagged by a competitor." Tips from the Duke University Career Center
Writing a Great Cover Letter
by Search Masters International recruiter Dave Jensen. "A scientist or engineer beginning a search for employment must first master the art of writing a good letter of introduction--one of the most deceivingly difficult jobs of written communication. Whether you are stepping out of a graduate program and into your first job, or seeking to move up and out of your current position, the letter that "covers" your resume must favorably reflect your personality, your stature, and your credibility. That's a lot to ask of one sheet of paper."
Cover Letters: Cover the Marketing
by David Bomzer, ScienceCareers.org. "Cover letters are not technically required when applying for a job, but you should approach them as if they were. A cover letter is the chance to create a one-page marketing brochure aimed at convincing the reader to hire you. It differs from a résumé in that, whereas a résumé is a list of facts and dates about you and a description of you accomplishments, the cover letter is an opportunity to explain why you are the best one for the job. This article will provide a corporate talent-acquisition specialist's insights into getting the most from your cover letter."