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Resume and Cover Letter Assistance
Cover Letter Checklist

Cover Letter Checklist

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Understanding format and customization strategies can increase your chances of being selected for an interview.

Understanding Cover Letters

Understanding Cover Letters

One-page formal letter, sometimes referred to as “letter of interest” (often optional but recommended)

Typically 3 paragraphs

Professional font (e.g., Cambria, Garamond, Georgia, Arial, Calibri) at 10–12 pt.

Customize with keywords from job or internship description

Save as PDF or recruiter’s preferred format

Heading

Heading formatting

Use a consistent header and font across your resume and cover letter to enhance the visual appeal and professionalism of your application

First Paragraph: Introduction

First Paragraph: Introduction

Answer: What do you like about the company/organization?

State specific interest in the position and organization

Reference the organization’s mission, values, or achievements

Authentically express what draws you to them

Align your experience, skills, and enthusiasm to the role

Compliment the company’s successes and what you authentically like most about them.

Second Paragraph: Storytelling

Second Paragraph: Storytelling

Answer: Why should they pick you?

Highlight the most relevant experience and skills

Connect content from resume, don’t just repeat it

Include degree, coursework, internships, jobs, and projects

Demonstrate outcomes and skills (use NACE Career Competencies for reference)

Outline for body paragraph for entry level could be:

Third Paragraph: Closing Statements

Third Paragraph: Closing Statements

Reaffirm interest and summarize qualifications

Invite an interview or conversation

Thank the reader, close professionally (e.g., Sincerely, Respectfully), add your signed signature in cursive, and typed name below it

Cover Letter Outline

Take the guesswork out of what to say. Use our paragraph-by-paragraph outline template to confidently structure your letter, highlight your most relevant skills, and land the interview.

View The Outline

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College of Applied Human Sciences
375 Birch Street
PO Box 6115
Morgantown, WV 26506-6115

(304) 293-5703
CAHSInfo@mail.wvu.edu

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