CGHS Career Services

A good cover letter indicates to the reader your interest in the position you are seeking; demonstrates that you have the skills, education, and knowledge to do the job well; and discloses how well you will interact with other employees and customers based on your values or goals. Cover letters should complement your resume without repeating detailed information that can be found in your resume.

It is essential that your cover letter is well structured and shows that you have researched the position and hiring organization. How well the document is written may determine whether or not you are invited to interview. The following are items employers evaluate when reviewing prospective candidates' cover letters:

• Evidence of professional writing and letter formatting skills;
• Ability to clearly communicate your ideas;
• Ability to spell and use grammar correctly;
• Attention to detail (typographical errors may signal otherwise);
• Initiative demonstrated by researching the organization; and
• Proof of your analytical skills.

• Cover Letter Recommendations
• Cover Letters: What's the Point?
• 11 Rules for Better Writing, or How Not to Use a Thesaurus