How to Write a Cover Letter or Curriculum Vitae

Type your cover letter and curriculum vitae in an easy-to-read font.

When applying for a job or internship, you should always send a cover letter and either a resume or curriculum vitae, unless the job advertisement specifically requests otherwise. The cover letter serves as your introduction, explaining how you heard about the position and why you think you are well suited for it. Your curriculum vitae presents your background in detail, informing the hiring manager of your employment history, education and skills. In both documents, be concise. Your cover letter should rarely exceed one page, and your curriculum vitae should only exceed two or three pages if you have a long publication history or seek a position for which extensive specialized experience is required.

Things You'll Need

• Computer with word processing software
• Names and locations of past schools, publications, jobs, internships and volunteer sites

Instructions

Curriculum Vitae

1. Select a template with a clean, easy to read design for both your cover letter and curriculum vitae. Most word processing software programs come with suitable templates, and further examples may be found online. Professionalism and legibility are essential. Avoid fonts smaller than 11-point and maintain at least a 1/2-inch margin on all sides.

2. Type your complete contact information at the top of your curriculum vitae and cover letter. Use a professional email address that avoids silly nicknames, and avoid typing your name in a font larger than 14-point. Large fonts can communicate self-importance.

3. List all undergraduate and graduate institutions you attended in reverse chronological order on your curriculum vitae, including each institution's name, location, the degree you earned, the years you attended, your area of study and your GPA, unless your GPA was low. Only include your high school if you are still in college or if your high school was special or relevant to the position you seek.

4. List all relevant work, volunteer and internship experience in reverse chronological order. If you have a long work history, omit positions that have nothing to do with your intended career path. For example, if your work history includes six library positions and you are applying for a position in a library or information technology facility, you may omit your high school sandwich-making job. In fact, writing up a long list that includes inappropriate experience may communicate inexperience. If you only have three or four formal work experiences, paid or unpaid, include all of them.

5. List relevant coursework, publications and skills that prepare you for the position you seek. If you speak multiple languages, have specialized computer skills or are certified in any specialized fields, include this information. Even if it is not directly relevant, these kinds of accomplishments communicate that you are well rounded and value your personal achievement.

Cover Letter

1. Examine all the information you have on your potential employer, the position you seek and your curriculum vitae. Note which responsibilities, skills, commitments, and requirements your potential employer seeks for the role you wish to fill, and then note which experiences you have had that match your employer's stated needs.

2. Draft your cover letter, starting with a brief statement of why you are sending your curriculum vitae and how you learned of the position. Note three to four elements from your curriculum vitae that specifically match up to the stated needs, interests and commitments of your potential employer. Do not simply list these experiences; rather explain how each one prepares you for the kind of work you seek to do for your potential employer. Demonstrate that you understand your employer's requirements and are able to meet them.

3. Close your letter by stating that you look forward to hearing back from your potential employer, noting when you are available for a phone conversation or interview and whether or when you will follow up by phone or email.

Tips & Warnings

• Proofread your curriculum vitae and cover letter several times to ensure that they are error-free. Ask a trusted reader to give you feedback on your presentation and writing style. Use action verbs, and keep your sentences brief and clear. If you have very little experience, use the curriculum vitae to flesh out the experiences you have, and use the cover letter to demonstrate your enthusiasm for the job despite your minimum level of experience.

References

• Virginia Tech: Cover Letter Types and Samples