Cover Letters

A cover letter should reflect who you are and how you align with the role. Your goal is to make it easy for the employer to see how your experiences connect to what they need.

Strong cover letters show the employer why you're a great fit by:

• Expressing genuine interest in the position and organization
• Highlighting your understanding of the company's goals or mission
• Providing examples that demonstrate the skills and strengths they're looking for
• Focusing on your contributions, achievements or results that made an impact

A polished and professional cover letter helps create a strong first impression. Taking time to follow these steps shows you're serious about the opportunity and respectful of the employer's time:

• Address your letter to a specific person when possible. This shows effort and attention to detail.
• Write clearly and keep your message focused.
• Check for grammar and spelling errors before submitting.
• Keep it to one page in length.
• Include the date, a formal greeting (such as “Dear Mr./Ms. [Last Name]”) and close with your name and contact information.

Using the same cover letter for every application is a common mistake, and employers can tell. Employers want to know why you're a strong match for their opportunity, not just any opportunity.

Make sure each cover letter is tailored to the specific role you're applying for by:

• Connecting your unique experiences and skills directly to the job
• Including details that show you've done your research on the company, position or industry
• Showing how your strengths align with what the employer is looking for in a candidate

Begin with a strong opening that draws the reader in. This is your first impression, so use it to show your enthusiasm and make a compelling case for why the employer should keep reading.

Clearly state:

• The position you're applying for
• How you heard about the opportunity (a job board, NIU Career Services, a professor or a connection)
• Why you are a great fit, by mentioning a few key strengths that relate directly to the role

Use these middle paragraphs to prove you're a qualified and serious applicant. Refer to key experiences from your resume but avoid repeating it word-for-word. Focus on connecting your background to the job and explaining how your experiences will add value to the company or team.

Highlight your most relevant experiences, such as:

• Specific skills you've gained through jobs, internships, campus involvement or class projects
• Times you've taken on responsibility, solved problems or achieved goals
• Examples that show your strengths in action, like a brief story that proves why you're organized or a team player

Wrap up your letter by expressing enthusiasm for the opportunity and your interest in moving forward. Keep it positive and confident, while letting the employer know you're ready to contribute and are eager to connect further.

• Reaffirm your excitement about the position and company.
• Briefly reinforce why you're a strong match, without repeating your whole letter.
• Politely state that you'd welcome the chance to discuss your qualifications in an interview.