Many job seekers don’t know what to say in cover letters, so opt to repeat the information included on their resume or CV. Instead, the purpose of a cover letter is to make a persuasive argument for you to be selected for an interview for the position for which you’re applying. Thus, filling in the blanks of a generic cover letter template is not likely to be persuasive. A persuasive argument in a cover letter grows out of the research you’ve conducted about the organization and the requirements of the position. It focuses on the audience rather than you, the applicant, and includes vivid, specific examples of your competencies for the job. A good cover letter illustrates the aspects of your background, values, and knowledge that align with the position and appeal to the organization. It closes by asking explicitly for an interview.

In collaboration with Warner’s Career Services, Writing Support Services is pleased to offer two workshops on how to write resumes and cover letters. A personal consultation about your applications can be arranged with Harriette Royer in Career Services. https://www.warner.rochester.edu/students/academics/writing-services

To join any workshop remotely, please follow this link https://rochester.zoom.us/my/warnerwritingsupport 

All workshops are free and open to any member of the community. Preregistration is not required. Workshops are recorded via Zoom; Please contact the WSS coordinator at warnerwritingsupport@warner.rochester.edu for access to the recording. 

Learn more about Warner Writing Services