Not sure what a cover letter actually does? A cover letter introduces you to your employer and highlights your interests, education, and experience. Cover letters provide an important human touch to complement a résumé, which can be impersonal.

Just like resumes, cover letters should be different for every job to which you apply. A good cover letter will use the strong communication skills you developed through your liberal arts education to make your case to employers that you have the skills they are seeking. Cover letters take a good deal of thought and time to achieve the right mix of professionalism and confidence that will appeal to hiring managers.

Should You Send A Cover Letter?

The answer is very simple. Always send a cover letter with your résumé.

Build Your Cover Letter Step By Step

If you follow the steps below you should be able to create a good cover letter. But don't be afraid to ask for help in the Career Center! Or even give it to a Writing Center consultant or your roommate. It's always better to have another pair of eyes look over your writing before you send it.

Use our guide to writing cover letters from the very beginning or pick up somewhere in the middle, depending on what you need.