A cover letter should always be included when submitting a resume as it allows the applicant to expand on their qualifications and highlight relevant experiences. An effective cover letter is short, getting straight to the point in three paragraphs - an introduction stating the position and how you learned of it, why you are interested, a middle paragraph marketing your skills and qualifications with examples, and a closing thanking them and stating your contact information and intent to follow up. Cover letters provide additional context beyond what is in a resume to showcase why an applicant is the best candidate for a job.

1. Everything you need to know aboutCover Letters 1 Internships. Discounts. City Life

2. When should they be used? Always. It is an opportunity for you to expand on your resume. It is to your advantage to include a cover letter because you can add information that you wish to highlight. Always include a cover letter, whether submitting your resume by e-mail or through regular mail. 2 Internships. Discounts. City Life

3. Cover letters Effective cover letters are short and action-oriented. They can be used to highlight areas of your resume, or give additional information. 3 Internships. Discounts. City Life

4. Cover letters Can be as simple as three paragraphs! Get to the point. 4 Internships. Discounts. City Life

5. Cover letters Paragraph 1 – Introduction State the specific position for which you are applying Tell how you learned about the opening Describe why you want the position 5 Internships. Discounts. City Life

6. Cover letters Paragraph 2 – Market Yourself Mention a specific reason(s) why you are the best candidate for the job and back it up with an example of your skills. Highlight “soft” skills that might not be as evident from reading your resume or something from your resume you want to expand upon. 6 Internships. Discounts. City Life

7. Cover letters Paragraph 3 – Closing Let the reader know how they can reach you. List phone numbers and an e-mail address. Tell them that you will follow up. 7 Internships. Discounts. City Life