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How to Create a Resume and Cover Letter

Resume tips.

• Use clear, easy-to-read formatting with heading and contact information
• Include education information that highlights achievement (GPA, honors) and pertains to skills and capabilities
• Make sure each line demonstrates your value proposition
• Describe experiences organized from most recent to least recent, while trying to position the most important or most relevant ones higher on the page
• Highlight specific actions that show leadership ability, professional/technical skills, etc.- and quantify whenever possible
• Describe impact and achievement, not companies or organizations
• Showcase any other relevant skills, honors, activities, interests (if appropriate)

Check out Jobscan to see how your resume compares to the jobs you are applying to

Cover Letter Tips

• Demonstrate targeted interest and industry knowledge/awareness
• Show a good understanding of the job description (use keywords in the cover letter)
• Highlight how you would be a great fit for the job with relevant examples spaecific to the position
• Describe your clear value proposition, with the most relevant skills and capabilities backed up by specific action-driven experience
• Use professional, formal language with a confident tone

Need a Resume or Cover Letter Template?

View editable resume and cover letter templates and resources  here .

Manage Your Job Search

• Target 20-30 job/internship applications per week
• Create alerts (job title with “entry-level”, “associate”, “junior”, “recent grad”, “engineering intern”, “summer 2021 intern” and any other relevant keywords)
• Search by location and career level to filter out irrelevant positions
• Review recent grad placement outcomes here for more information about relevant titles and companies for each NYU Tandon major to help find additional keywords to search for
• Check out this guide to setting up job search alerts on Google and LinkedIn 
• Use this company directory to search for opportunities in industries you are interested in
• Also, consider Clutch.co for reviews of the work done by various companies across multiple industries to help build out a target company list

Additional Job Sites and Resources Include:

• Ziprecruiter
• Google job search
• Angel List  
• RippleMatch
• WayUp Keep a spreadsheet of the positions you apply to include the date, company, and job title, link to the position, and the status of your application.

Thursday, August 3: The NYU Events Calendar is currently undergoing scheduled maintenance. Please check back later today if events are not appearing.

On-Campus Interviews

There are many ways in which NYU students can engage with employers in order to find job/internship opportunities and access career advice. The On-Campus Interviews (OCI) program is one of those avenues for NYU juniors, seniors, and graduate students specifically.

September through April, organizations from a wide variety of industries connect with the Wasserman Center to interview both undergraduate and graduate students for their open full time roles or internships through OCI. OCI operates under a hybrid model. Interviews will be conducted both in person at the Wasserman Center, or virtually, depending on the employer’s preferences.

OCI is open to students in the Class of 2025 for full-time employment after graduation (excluding Law, Medicine, Dentistry and M.B.A. students) and students in the Class of 2026 for summer  internships.

Students in the Class of 2026 will receive an email invitation during the Fall 2024 semester inviting them to participate in On-Campus Interviews.

Participate in OCI

In order for NYU students to gain access to OCI, they must read the  On- Campus Interviews (OCI) Orientation Manual  in its entirety and submit a final quiz at the end. After submitting the final quiz, students will gain access to view and apply for OCI positions in the Handshake "Jobs" section within 3-4 business days (excluding weekends and holidays).  We highly recommend that students have their resume reviewed and prepare for interviews by scheduling an appointment with a career coach . A sharp resume, powerful cover letter, and polished interviewing and professional networking skills are the keys to success in a job or internship search.

Fall 2024 Recruitment Dates:

(*No interviews or events)

September 3: Fall term classes begin September 4: Employer presentations begin (full-time and internship) September 9: Interviews begin (full-time and internship) October 3-4: No interviews or events October 14: NYU Fall Break* November 28-29: Thanksgiving Break* December 12: Last day of classes, interviews & employer presentations

Students must abide by the OCI Honor Code or risk losing access to Handshake. 

By actively participating in the OCI program, I agree to the following terms: 

• Acknowledge that all information on my resume, unofficial transcript, Handshake profile, and other social media platforms is up-to-date, truthful, and accurate. 
• Give my permission to the Wasserman Center to provide my resume and other job search documents to prospective employers. 
• I will cancel on-campus interviews two (2) business days before the scheduled interview date. 
• Sign up for interviews with only those employers I am interested in working for. 
• Exercise professional and respectful conduct during all recruitment related activities. 

Confidentiality: 

• I will not share my Handshake login information nor share job listings found on Handshake with any other individuals/institutions. 

Accepting and/or rejecting offers: 

• I will promptly notify the employer of acceptance or non-acceptance of an offer, either verbally or in writing. 
• I will withdraw from the recruiting process after accepting an offer by emailing [email protected] du . 
• I understand that if I renege on a verbal or written offer of OCI, my Dean will be contacted and I will have to meet with Wasserman's Recruitment Manager. 

OCI Policies

If you need to cancel or reschedule the interview, you must notify the employer and the recruitment team at least two (2) days in advance of the interview. If you cancel with less than 2 business days' notice or are a no-show to your interview, your OCI access will be immediately suspended.  

If you have to cancel your interview due to illness or an emergency, email  [email protected] so we can support you in rescheduling your interview.

• We require employers to give students three weeks to decide about full-time job and summer internship offers made through OCI.
• If a summer internship is converted to a full-time offer, students have until October 1, 2024 to decide.
• After accepting an OCI offer, please email [email protected]  to withdraw yourself from future recruiting processes. 

NYU highly discourages students from reneging on employment offers. Companies that experience reneges from NYU students may decide to discontinue recruiting students in the future. 

If a student reneges on an offer they accepted through OCI, we at the Wasserman Center will contact your Dean to alert them of the renege, require you to meet with the Wasserman recruitment team to discuss the matter, and revoke your OCI access. 

If you are thinking about reneging on an offer, email  [email protected] to talk about the situation and make an appointment with a Career Coach to talk about the decision and its potential impacts.

On-Campus Recruitment

[email protected]

Office Locations

212.998.4737

OCI is open to NYU sophomores, juniors, seniors, and graduate students enrolled in a degree program. NYU Law, Medicine, Dentistry and M.B.A. students are not eligible to participate in OCI. We encourage students in these schools to connect with their school’s independent career center for recruitment support.

All OCI postings are visible on the Handshake job portal. To gain access to OCI on Handshake, students first need to complete a virtual orientation and quiz, which is open between August and May of each year. Once you complete the quiz, you will gain access to OCI on Handshake within 2-3 business days as long as you are part of one of the eligible class years.

Update your Handshake profile with as much information about yourself, highlighting your accomplishments and successes. View a checklist with tips on how to complete your Handshake profile.

Make sure your Handshake email notifications are “Active” in the Handshake settings. 

Upload your resume! Employers will not be able to find you unless you have a resume.

OCI occurs during both semesters of the academic year.Employer presentations and interviews beginning in early September and end in mid-May. You can see important dates for the current semester above.

NOTE: OCI jobs are posted on a rolling basis during the academic school year, and are most active during an industry’s standard recruiting timelines (e.g., consulting roles are usually posted in August - October). For this reason, you may not see active OCI jobs on Handshake during less popular recruiting months.

Both F-1 and J-1 visas allow for practical employment off campus in a student's field of study through OCI. However, many OCI positions and companies do not offer CPT/OPT or sponsorships for employment visas.

If you are an international student, it is your responsibility to thoroughly review the OCI job details, and check if the role is eligible for CPT/OPT/visa sponsorship before you apply for the position on Handshake. OCI employers that do not provide CPT/OPT/Visa Sponsorship information in their OCI job posting have advised they will not meet with international students seeking this criteria.

Learn more about Navigating Conversations with Employers about Work Authorization .

Each OCI job has a set of qualifications for the most desired candidates, like student class year and GPA. It’s important to consider how many points of the job’s “eligibility criteria” you do and do not meet before you apply to the role, because you may not receive a request for an interview if you do not meet most of the criteria.

Please check the Handshake job board for all open opportunities! There are thousands of postings for internships and full-time jobs available. Additionally, Wasserman offers a large number of career fairs, information sessions, and other networking events to connect with employers throughout the school year, all of which can also be found on Handshake. We encourage students to check the Violet Network or LinkedIn to connect directly with alumni that work in the field.

Our team of Career Coaches at Wasserman are available to guide you in your job search planning and strategy. Students are encouraged to schedule a coaching appointment via Handshake to discuss their personalized job search strategy with a coach.

Diverse employers from a range of industries utilize OCI each year. It varies year to year depending on recruiting needs. We do not provide a list of common OCI industries or companies.

Additionally, we do not directly provide recruiter information for privacy reasons. Students who are interested in directly connecting with a recruiter or hiring manager should check Handshake and/or an organization's corporate website for job opportunities, as these postings often contain contact information for recruiters or hiring managers.

We highly discourage canceling an interview with an employer. However, should you need to cancel or reschedule, you must notify both the employer and the Recruitment team no less than 2 days in advance of your scheduled interview. Canceling an interview with less than 2 days notice will result in your removal of OCI participation.

If you have an emergency or have accepted another offer, please contact the Recruitment Team, as we are able to make exceptions for these circumstances.

There are two different ways you may be notified about receiving an OCI interview: 1) you will receive a notification/email from Handshake stating you’ve been selected as a candidate, and that you should select an interview time slot on Handshake, or 2) the recruiter will email you directly to let you know you’ve been selected and to schedule an interview with them.

During the school year, Wasserman hosts and shares numerous information sessions (also known as employer presentations), featuring a wide array of employers. Some information sessions are held virtually, but many of them occur in person at Wasserman. No matter the format, students can access a current list of information sessions on Handshake in the Events section.

During an information session, recruiters will present to students about their company, speaking about its mission, vision, and work culture. Information sessions are a great way for students to learn more about specific industries or companies, and directly interact with recruiters who represent these companies.

Please review the Information Session description carefully to understand their hiring criteria and if your school year or major matches their needs.  

Yes, you are eligible for OCI while studying away. If you are selected for an interview, please sign up for an interview slot in eastern standard time, and then reach out to [email protected] as soon as possible so that we can confirm with the employer that they would be willing to conduct a virtual interview with you.

Support NYU Law

• Public Interest Law Center
• Career Resources

PILC Career Resources

PILC offers an extensive range of career resources and guidance to NYU Law students and alumni who are exploring and pursuing public interest careers, including job search guidance for both JD and LLMs, in-depth information about different practice areas, resources for your summer and postgraduate job search, advice and tips around network and job applications and information about the NYS Pro Bono Requirement for admission to the Bar.

JD Public Interest Job Search Guide

PILC has compiled extensive guidance on all aspects of the public interest job search, including an overview of public interest career opportunities, application guidance, networking advice, and interview prep and follow up.

LLM Public Interest Job Search Guide

On this page, you will find resources for LLM students about careers in public interest domestically and internationally.

Practice Area Resources

PILC offers a variety of resources to students and alumni about the range of career options in the public interest sphere, as well as targeted guidance on specific areas of public interest legal work.

Job Search Resources

PILC has compiled an assortment of resources to help you with your internship and post-graduate job search, including PILC guides, internal and external job listings, and career fairs.

Application Guidance

PILC has reviewed thousands of public interest job applications, and has guidance for applicants at each step of the process. We have also collected some particularly strong cover letter and resume samples covering a variety of types of applications.

Networking is a critical part of your internship and post-graduate job search. It will help you develop relationships in your areas of focus and learn more about different fields and career trajectories that can help you plan for your legal career.

Alumni Resources

PILC's full range of career support extends not only to NYU Law students, but to alumni throughout their public interest careers, including those looking to transition between practice areas, from the private sector, or even into non-legal pubic interest roles.

NYS Pro Bono Requirement

Under the New York State Pro Bono requirement, persons applying for admission to the New York State Bar must file an affidavit showing that they have performed fifty hours of pro bono service.

© 2024 New York University School of Law. 40 Washington Sq. South, New York, NY 10012.   Tel. (212) 998-6100

Career Resources at NYU Shanghai

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• English Resume Guide
• Chinese Resume Guide
• English Cover Letter Guide
• Chinese Cover Letter Guide
• Monster HK - Career Guide Classified articles range from job search strategy to salary negotiation, nearly cover every steps in finding a job.
• Firsthand This link opens in a new window Firsthand, formerly known as Vault, provides insights into potential employers, including organizational culture, pros and cons of working at a firm, etc. Vault also has a series of "Best of" employer lists across different industries and functions. Vault's ebook "Guides" provide information about careers, including work environment, education requirements, a day in the life, and career outlook.

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Wasserman Resume & Cover Letter Workshop

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Hosted by the GPH Office of Student Affairs and the NYU Wasserman Center for Career Development Please note, this event is for NYU GPH students only

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Types of cover letters: a complete guide

A cover letter introduces you to potential employers, highlighting your suitability for the role. Getting it right can make a strong first impression, differentiate you from other candidates, and increase your chances of securing an interview.

Taralika crafts compelling narratives that illuminate modern hiring practices and HR technology trends.

A cover letter accompanies a candidate’s resume when applying for a job. It is a personal introduction to the hiring manager, highlighting relevant skills, experiences, and reasons for applying.

Unlike a resume, which provides a structured overview of the career history, a cover letter offers a narrative that can showcase a candidate’s personality and passion for the role. 

74% of recruitment decision-makers prefer to receive job applications that include cover letters apart from CVs. According to their findings, good cover letter examples are highly valued by employers, with many considering them crucial for explaining career objectives, motivations, and employment gaps.

Even if a cover letter is optional, over 75% of recruiters tend to give preference to candidates who attach a cover letter in the correct format along with their resume.

Types of cover letters

Before writing a cover letter, it is vital to go through the various types of cover letters accepted by different organizations, each catering to a different role or purpose: – 

• Application cover letter

The application cover letter responds to a specific job posting. It should be a basic cover letter tailored to the job description, highlighting how the candidate’s qualifications match the requirements. Using this letter can expand on the achievements listed in the resume and explain the person’s motivation for applying. 

• Prospecting cover letter

Also known as a cold-contact letter, a prospecting cover letter is used when you want to inquire about potential job openings at a company. This type of letter demonstrates a proactive approach and interest in the organization, even if there are no current vacancies. 

• Networking cover letter 

A networking cover letter is sent to contacts within the professional network to ask for job search advice or referrals. It’s a great way to leverage connections and uncover hidden job opportunities. The letter should mention the mutual contact and explain the candidate’s job search goals.

• Career change cover letter

If an individual is transitioning into a new career, a career change cover letter is perfect for them! It is a short cover letter highlighting examples from experiences in the current role and how they make a suitable candidate for the new role. This letter should also explain the reasons for the career shift and highlight any transferable skills.

• Referral cover letter

When someone within an organization refers a colleague for a position, it is generally in the form of a referral cover letter. Mentioning the referrer in your letter can immediately capture the hiring manager’s attention and add credibility to your application. 

• No experience cover letter 

A no experience cover letter is for those who lack direct work experience in the job they are applying for. An ideal no experience cover letter will contain examples emphasizing the candidate’s enthusiasm, willingness to learn, and any relevant skills or coursework that can compensate for the lack of professional experience.

Cover letter examples 

Checking out a few good cover letter examples is a great way to get a head start towards crafting the perfect cover letter. 

Also read: Top 3 Cover Letter Template Samples .

The cover letter examples for a job provide a clear understanding of how to format and phrase cover letters for different scenarios.

Tips for writing a good cover letter

According to the Business and Professional Communication Quarterly , 56% of employers prefer cover letters with job applications. Here are some useful tips on how to type a cover letter that will help you stand out amongst others:

Customize each letter

Statutory warning – generic cover letters are easily spotted and often disregarded! Tailor the cover letter to the specific job and company. While it may be cool to generate cover letter formats through an AI tool, it is crucial to personalize and write the main content of the cover letter. 

Use a professional format

Follow a standard cover letter format with your contact information, the employer’s contact details, a salutation, body paragraphs, and a closing. 

Be concise and focused

Keep your letter to one page and avoid unnecessary details. Stick to relevant points that highlight your suitability for the job. Workable has a list of short cover letter examples that you can check out here . 

Showcase your achievements

Unlike a resume, a cover letter has examples from a person’s real life, showcasing key abilities and accomplishments and how they’re suitable for the job. 

Also read : Rise above the crowds: how to stand out in a crowded market

Include a strong introduction

Your cover letter introduction should grab the reader’s attention and make them want to learn more about you. 

Proofread thoroughly

Ensure no grammatical or spelling errors. A clean error-free letter shows your attention to detail and professionalism.

A well-written cover letter can significantly boost a candidate’s chances of landing a job interview. 

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Writing Effective Resumes and Cover Letters for U.S.-based Jobs and Internships

Resume and cover letter formats in the United States can vary from formats used in other countries. Join the Office of Career Services and the Wagner International Student Society for this interactive workshop designed to get you familiar with writing a resume and cover letter for U.S-based internships and jobs. Participants will learn the key features of an effective resume and cover letter, and discuss best practices for highlighting their unique strengths and skills in an application process. Students are encouraged to bring their resumes to the workshop.

This virtual event is only open to NYU Wagner students and alumni.

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Meet the New Fall 2024 Faculty!

September 13, 2024

By NYU SPS Center for Publishing Staff

With the Fall semester starting up, we want to welcome all thirteen new members of the MS in Publishing faculty! Check out their career biographies, while also learning a fun fact about our newest adjunct faculty. They are not only publishing professionals, they are models, marathon runners, cat moms, and even presidential consultants! Find out more below!

Jenna Adikes (Capstone) is Vice President, Financial Planning & Analysis at Everyday Health Group (a division of Ziff Davis), where she is a key advisor to the Chief Financial Officer and delivers value-added business analysis, creates financial and operational metrics, develops and monitors the company’s annual operating and capital budgets and monthly forecasts and provides financial analysis and valuation support for acquisitions. Prior to this role, she held various positions in finance leadership across print and digital brands at Time Inc. (now Dotdash Meredith). She holds a BS in Finance from the University of Virginia. Her interests include tennis, soccer, reading and live music.

Fun Fact: Jenna is a huge sports fan - especially soccer - and played in soccer leagues in NYC for over 20 years.

Melanie Chang (Introduction to Marketing and Branding)  is the Senior Vice President of Marketing, Publicity, and Corporate Communications at Abrams, where she oversees the development and execution of marketing & publicity campaigns to strategize, develop and implement effective advertising and promotional campaigns that align with business objectives and enhance the company’s brand visibility. Melanie also develops and executes strategic communication plans to enhance the company’s brand image and reputation. Melanie is an industry veteran with thirty years of experience in book publishing working collaboratively with authors, agents, booksellers, educators and media with the goal of connecting books with readers. Her career began in children’s books publicity, and she spent several years at leading houses including Scholastic, Random House Children’s Books, and Little, Brown Books for Young Readers. Melanie remains dedicated to promoting the power of books to inspire, enlighten, and effect change. 

Fun Fact: My idea of the perfect vacation is sitting on a beach with a good book in one hand, a cocktail in the other, with the sights and sounds of the ocean in front of me-- what bliss! 

Thomas Claire (The Craft of Copyediting) has had an extensive career in copyediting and proofreading magazines and books as well as in teaching about how to achieve success in doing so. He was the copy chief at Country Living (Hearst Magazines) from 1992 to 2004 and the associate managing editor (and de facto copy chief) at Ladies’ Home Journal (Dotdash-Meredith) from 2004 to 2014. He has also copyedited and proofread at university presses (Yale and Oxford) and led copyediting seminars at Oxford University Press. Along the way he has been wine and spirits writer and editor at Living in Stamford (then McCormack Publishing) and has held other writing and editing positions, including production and copy editor at Gartner, Inc., in Stamford, Connecticut, starting in 2018. Tom earned a BA in the Classics at State University at Buffalo in 1977. He currently teaches copyediting and proofreading books at NYU SPS (beginning in 2010) and lives in Watertown, Connecticut, with Lindsay, his wife of thirty-two years.

Fun Fact: I have run more than a dozen marathons (including NYC three times) but the four I ran in Europe (Paris three times and once in Madrid) were the most fun.

Rosa Del Saz  (Principles of Finance in Publishing)  is an accomplished finance and business operations professional with over 20 years of experience, particularly within the not-for-profit, media, and publishing sectors. She has a proven track record in budget development and management, regulatory compliance, and strategic planning. As the Chief Finance and Administration Officer at The New Press, Rosa plays a key role in aligning financial and operational strategies with organizational objectives. Her expertise extends to financial analysis, budget and grant management, ensuring compliance with GAAP, effective fiscal management, and overseeing HR and operations functions. Del Saz holds an M.S. in Nonprofit Management from The New School University and a B.B.A. in Entrepreneurial and Small Business Management and Accounting from Baruch College.

Fun Fact: I have a marvelous cat named Lily!

Cora Frazier (Workshop in Creative Writing) is an adjunct professor of fiction writing at NYU SPS, and has been working as an adjunct since 2020. She has written a number of publications, which have been published in the New Yorker and the Harvard Lampoon, to name a few. Cora has professional experience as a Senior Copy Editor at S&P Global, and as a guest writer on Saturday Night Live on season 38. She has also been a guest lecturer at the Amsterdam Writing Workshop, and the International Women’s Month Reading Series in New York City. Cora holds an MFA in Fiction from Rutgers University.

Fun Fact: Cora is the co-creator and writer of the pyschological thriller and Audible Original I Think You’re Projecting.  

Naomi Gibbs   (Book Acquisition and Editing)  is an Executive Editor at Pantheon Books. Previously, she worked in the Houghton Mifflin Harcourt trade division. She acquires literary, upmarket, and genre-bending fiction, both American and international, as well as some select memoir, essays, and narrative nonfiction. Some of her recent and forthcoming titles include the National Book Award finalist Chain-Gang All-Stars and Friday Black by New York Times-bestselling author Nana Kwame Adjei-Brenyah; Mina’s Matchbox by Yoko Ogawa, finalist for the National Book Award; and How to Write an Autobiographical Novel by nationally bestselling author Alexander Chee.

Fun Fact: I have once been featured as the cover model for a book— How to Pick Your Preschool.

Trina Hunn (Publishing and the Law)  is Associate General Counsel at HarperCollins Publishers, where she conducts prepublication review of authors’ non-fiction works and provides editorial staff with guidance on a range of works and issues; responds to claim letters regarding HarperCollins’ content, and drafts and negotiates settlement agreements and releases. Trina provides legal guidance to business units; manages and supervises litigations and disputes; supervises and coordinates with outside legal counsel regarding acquisition of assets from other publishing companies; and manages corporate compliance for business units globally. She previously held positions at Hearst Corporation and Squadron Ellenoff Plesent & Sheinfeld, LLP / Hogan & Hartson LLP. She earned her BA from the University of Texas at Austin and her joint JD and Master of Public Policy from Harvard Law School and John F. Kennedy School of Government.

Fun Fact: My family and I were rescued by park rangers in Big Bend National Park after we became trapped in a canyon by flash floods. (Not actually fun!)

Jennifer Jackson (Introduction to Marketing and Branding) is a book and magazine publishing professional, specializing in content strategy, brand development, marketing strategy and analytics, and audience acquisition for Celadon Books, a division of Macmillan Publishers. Prior to Macmillan, Jennifer worked as Vice President, Content Strategy at Open Road Integrated Media, where she launched and ran a network of six editorial websites catering to genre readers. She has also worked as a writer and editor at DailyCandy (NBC Universal), Country Living, and House Beautiful (Hearst). Jennifer has a M.S. in Journalism from Syracuse University.

Fun Fact: Jennifer once spent the night at one of New England's "most haunted" inns on assignment for work. To this day, she has never seen a ghost.

David LeGere (Capstone)  is an accomplished publishing professional with over seventeen years of experience in the U.S. trade nonfiction, fiction, gift, and outdoor markets. As Editorial Director at Globe Pequot Press and CEO of Woodhall Press, he has collaborated with industry experts to publish hundreds of titles, including numerous award-winning works. David is also a dedicated English professor and writer. He actively hosts conferences, such as the Woodhall Press Writers Conference, and is a podcaster and the proud publisher of the annual Connecticut Literary Anthology and the Fairfield University Book Prize. For more information, visit www.dllegere.com. 

Fun fact: I love acting and I have been doing commercial work for about 10 years.

Gabriella Mongelli (Niche Markets: Romance) is Senior Editor for Park Row Books at HarperCollins Publishers, where she reviews both fiction and nonfiction submissions and acquires new projects, focusing on literary, book club, and smart commercial fiction, and narrative, popular history, and culture non-fiction; edits approximately ten books per year, working with authors to develop content; collaborates closely with marketing and publicity departments to develop campaigns; and cultivates and maintains strong relationships with literary agents, potential authors, reviewers, foreign rights directors, and literary scouts. Prior to joining Park Row and HarperCollins, she held positions in Trade Publicity at W. W. Norton & Company; Touchstone at Simon & Schuster; Little, Brown & Company at Hachette Book Group; and finally working her way up from Editorial Assistant to Editor at G. P. Putnam’s Sons at Penguin Random House. Gabriella earned her degree with honors from Vassar College.

Fun Fact: I’ve recently taken up needlepoint as a hobby and am always looking for project ideas! 

Torrey Oberfest (Management and Leadership)  is a partner at Bloomvale, where she advises publishing companies on growth strategies, mergers and acquisitions, and change management. Prior to that, she was VP of Corporate Strategy at Hachette Book Group. At HBG, Torrey led strategic planning and successfully completed multiple corporate acquisitions. She was previously the Managing Editor of Bulfinch Press. Torrey holds a BA in English from Barnard College. 

Fun Fact: I learned to drive at age 40.

Ojasvinee Singh (Publishing and the Law) is an attorney at Penguin Random House, where she practices First Amendment and media law. As a member of PRH’s Intellectual Freedom Task Force, she works on legal challenges to book bans, right to read legislation, and public advocacy against censorship. She vets manuscripts and counsels authors and editors on legal concerns. She holds a BA in Political Science from the University of Pennsylvania, where she played tennis, and a JD from The George Washington University Law School. Her interests include soccer, Formula 1, reading, cooking, and painting.

Fun Fact: I collect vintage tennis racquets and movie soundtrack cassettes.

Carolina Valencia (Managing a Digital Brand)  is a longtime media and digital executive who has worked at The New York Times , Univision and The Recount. She currently heads up partnerships, communications, community engagement and video at Epicenter NYC, a local media and community organization. A native of Guayaquil, Ecuador, who grew up in Queens, Carolina also worked for the NYC Council and NYC Kids RISE. Throughout her career she has led and contributed to innovative strategies that advance media organizations, implemented award-winning and revenue-driving efforts to further engage diverse audiences; and spearheaded initiatives to empower communities for the future. Carolina is fully bilingual in English and Spanish, and volunteers her time to efforts in support of older New Yorkers, youth, immigrants, and minority-owned small businesses.You can read more about Carolina and connect with her on https://www.linkedin.com/in/cvvalencia/.

Fun Fact: I ran the media center and led the press efforts for President Barack Obama's education town hall hosted by Univision. In the days leading up to the town hall, I attended an impromptu meeting in the White House to discuss this very event.

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What’s the purpose of a cover letter?

Your resumé provides hiring managers with an overview of your qualifications, skills and experience. But what is the purpose of a cover letter?

A cover letter is a more personalised introduction, a one-page document that accompanies your resumé when you submit a job application. It’s an opportunity to introduce yourself and elaborate on how your background makes you the ideal applicant for the role.

In this article, we explore the purpose of a cover letter, explain how to write a cover letter , and how to ensure yours stands out.

The cover letter’s purpose

How to write a cover letter.

What is the purpose of a cover letter? A cover letter provides an explanation of your professional history, qualifications and interest in the position. It should be closely tailored to the role you’re applying for and addressed to the hiring manager . It’s a formal introduction of who you are and how you meet the job criteria.

Express your enthusiasm

Use your cover letter as an opportunity to set yourself apart from the other job seekers applying for the same position. Rather than just stating that you’re applying for a role, take your time to explain what excites you about the specific position and company.

It can be a good idea to spend a bit of time researching the organisation’s mission, values and recent projects to demonstrate genuine interest and knowledge. This can also come in handy for the interview round of the application process.

Showcase your skills and experience

Your cover letter shouldn’t just repeat your resumé. Instead, select two to three skills or experiences directly related to the job description. From here, you can use the STAR method (situation, task, action, result) to provide examples demonstrating how you’ve applied these skills and achieved results. Consider quantifying your achievements, if relevant, for example: ‘Increased sales over three months by 20%.’ This helps to illustrate the specific value you can bring to the new role.

Tell your story

Use your cover letter to briefly explain your career path and motivations, connecting them to the position you're applying for. Highlight the relevant soft skills that you might not have captured in your resumé, like leadership, teamwork, problem solving and decision-making. While a cover letter is a great opportunity to provide a little more depth and context around your resumé, it’s important to keep it concise; around three short paragraphs.

Address requirements from the job description

Whether you’re writing your resumé or your cover letter, it’s important to pay close attention to the job description. If it mentions specific details to include, like salary expectations or relevant certifications, be sure to address them in your cover letter. Following instructions demonstrates your attention to detail and ability to follow directions, which are both important qualities for any employer.

When it comes to writing a cover letter , it always helps to have a plan. Here are a few steps to help you turn a blank page into an attention-grabbing cover letter for your next job application.

1. Do your research

Researching the company can take a bit of time, especially if you’re applying at several different places, but it’s essential to understand each company’s culture and values. Using company-specific information allows you to personalise your cover letter to suit not just the role, but the organisation too.

It’s even better if you can show an understanding of the problems the company is trying to solve (their main objectives, like expanding into a new market or getting highly skilled labourers). Highlight the experience you bring to the table to help them overcome these pain points.

2. Focus on the future

Use your cover letter to demonstrate how you can contribute to the company’s future successes. It can help to line up your career aspirations and professional goals with the company’s goals. Ultimately, you want to highlight what you can add to the company.

How to stand out from other applicants

Use your cover letter as an opportunity to set yourself apart from the other applicants. Avoid generic openings and start with a compelling introduction that grabs the reader’s attention. You could mention a specific achievement, a mutual connection or something unique about the company that excites you.

Here are a couple of examples of eye-catching email subject lines and letter introductions:

Subject line: Bringing [specific skill] to your [position] team

Dear [hiring manager’s name],

I am thrilled to apply for the maintenance plumber position at XYZ Corp. With 10 years of experience as a commercial plumber, I am excited about the opportunity to bring my skills and knowledge to your team.

Subject line: Excited to apply for [position] at [company]

As a lifelong admirer of XYZ Corp’s commitment to sustainability, I am excited to apply for the environmental consultant position. I believe my recent project at Green Earth, where I led a team to reduce product carbon emissions by 15%, makes me a perfect addition to your team.

These are good examples of email introductions, because they:

• Connect your abilities to the job ad criteria
• Quantify related achievements
• Show specific skills
• Display professionalism and research skills

Things to avoid

There are also some things you may want to avoid when putting together your cover letter introduction. Here are some examples of what not to write when it comes to your email subject line and introduction.

Example 1: Being vague and generic

Subject line: Excited to apply for the banking consultant position

I am writing to apply for the consultant position as advertised online. I have more than five years’ experience across all areas of commercial banking and believe I could be an excellent addition to your team.

This is an okay introduction, but there are ways it can be improved:

• It should be addressed to a person or the hiring manager
• It can be more specific about past experience
• It should mention the hiring company
• It could include a quantifiable result

Example 2: Being too casual

Subject line: Please Hire Me As You New Night Manager!

Dear Hiring Manager,

I’m an experienced night manager, with nearly two years of experience in luxury five-star hospitality. I’m an international student with a current work visa for working in Australia, and would be grateful if you could consider my application. I am sure I can do well in your company!

There are a few issues with this intro:

• There is a typo in the subject line
• It is too generic about past experience
• It is too casual, especially for a manager-level role
• It doesn’t mention the hiring company
• It should be more concise, i.e. not repetitive or wordy

Emphasise your value proposition

Use your cover letter to identify and articulate your unique strengths . Be sure to connect your skills with the company’s needs to demonstrate the value you could bring to the team.

Convey enthusiasm, but ensure tone is professional

While it’s important to convey your enthusiasm for the position and company, balancing excitement with professionalism is important. For example, replace “I can’t wait to work with you guys” with “I’m eager to bring my skills to your team.” While the first example is too casual, the second example demonstrates your enthusiasm in a professional tone.

Here’s another example of an overly enthusiastic and informal tone, “I’m super excited about this job! I’ve always dreamed of working at XYZ Corp, and I know I’d be amazing in this role!”

Instead, you’d be better off saying, “I am excited to apply for the receptionist position at XYZ Corp. With my strong background in office administration and a passion for customer service excellence, I am eager to contribute to your team.”

Keep it short

Don’t go overboard with your cover letter. Even though your cover letter is meant to provide hiring managers with more information about you and what excites you about the role, it’s important to keep it concise and limit it to a single page.

To help you keep it short and sweet, focus on starting strong with an attention-grabbing introduction and tailor your content to ensure it’s specific and relevant to the role you’re applying for.

Writing a great cover letter is an essential part of the job application process. By tailoring your cover letter to the specific company and role, you’ll be able to highlight the skills, knowledge, and experience that are relevant to the position. Your cover letter plays a big role in whether you’ll get a callback for an interview, so it’s worth investing time and effort into getting it right.

What exactly is a cover letter and how is it different from a resumé?

While a resumé offers a bullet-listed overview of your skills and experience, your cover letter is like a personal pitch to the hiring manager, elaborating on your resumé and providing a little more detail to demonstrate why you’d be a good fit for the position.

Is a cover letter always mandatory when applying for a job?

Cover letters aren’t always a requirement for job applications, but it’s always a good idea to submit one. Not only can including a cover letter improve your chances of getting noticed, but it allows you to set yourself apart from the other applicants and further try to convince the hiring manager why you’re the right fit for the role.

What are the main benefits of including a cover letter with my job application?

Including a cover letter as part of your application can enhance your chances of getting noticed by potential employers. Here are some of the main benefits:

• Provides a personal introduction and good first impression
• Allows you to highlight your most relevant skills and experience for the role
• Demonstrates communication skills
• Shows initiative and effort

How long should a cover letter typically be?

A cover letter shouldn’t be any longer than a single page. Aim for around 250–400 words or three or four paragraphs. The only time you should go over a page in length for your cover letter is if the job description specifically asks for a longer letter.

Should I use a generic cover letter template for all my applications?

There’s no harm in using a cover letter template to guide your cover letter, but it’s essential that you tailor every cover letter to suit the role and company. You should be adjusting your cover letter for each role you apply for.

What kind of information should I include in a cover letter to showcase my skills and experience?

Your cover letter should include details that are most relevant to the position and company you’re applying for. Based on your research, you should be able to identify specific skills, knowledge and experience that would help the company succeed.

Is it okay to mention my salary expectations in the cover letter?

Unless the job description specifically ask that you include your salary expectations in the cover letter, it’s often better to avoid this topic so early in the recruitment process . These types of discussions are better left for the interview.

What are some common mistakes to avoid when writing a cover letter?

You want to make a positive first impression with your cover letter, so here are a few common mistakes to avoid:

• Using generic statements
• Lack of research into the company
• Repeating your resumé without adding anything new
• Being too vague and not providing specific examples
• Focusing on what you want rather than what you can provide to the company
• Ignoring the job description keywords
• Failing to proofread your cover letter before submitting it

Is a cover letter still necessary when applying for jobs online?

Yes, cover letters are still essential to the job application process for many roles. They give you a chance to stand out from the other applicants and fill in potential gaps that aren’t covered by your resumé. Not to mention, including a cover letter demonstrates your initiative and enthusiasm for the role.

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