{"id":161,"date":"2024-12-17T17:05:35","date_gmt":"2024-12-17T17:05:35","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.ewu.edu\/careercenter-s\/?page_id=161"},"modified":"2026-01-28T22:18:39","modified_gmt":"2026-01-28T22:18:39","slug":"cover-letter","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.ewu.edu\/careercenter\/cover-letter\/","title":{"rendered":"Cover Letter"},"content":{"rendered":"","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"","protected":false},"author":433,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-161","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"acf":{"background_image_type":"custom","background":{"ID":75,"id":75,"title":"2023-5-2 Campus Photos-5","filename":"2023-5-2-Campus-Photos-5.jpg","filesize":3883444,"url":"https:\/\/www.ewu.edu\/careercenter\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/36\/2024\/12\/2023-5-2-Campus-Photos-5.jpg","link":"https:\/\/www.ewu.edu\/careercenter\/networking\/2023-5-2-campus-photos-5\/","alt":"Campus shot of the walkway with the cherry blossoms in bloom.","author":"433","description":"","caption":"","name":"2023-5-2-campus-photos-5","status":"inherit","uploaded_to":573,"date":"2024-12-16 18:43:58","modified":"2026-01-30 23:39:57","menu_order":0,"mime_type":"image\/jpeg","type":"image","subtype":"jpeg","icon":"https:\/\/www.ewu.edu\/careercenter\/wp-includes\/images\/media\/default.png","width":2400,"height":1601,"sizes":{"thumbnail":"https:\/\/www.ewu.edu\/careercenter\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/36\/2024\/12\/2023-5-2-Campus-Photos-5-150x150.jpg","thumbnail-width":150,"thumbnail-height":150,"medium":"https:\/\/www.ewu.edu\/careercenter\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/36\/2024\/12\/2023-5-2-Campus-Photos-5-300x200.jpg","medium-width":300,"medium-height":200,"medium_large":"https:\/\/www.ewu.edu\/careercenter\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/36\/2024\/12\/2023-5-2-Campus-Photos-5-768x512.jpg","medium_large-width":768,"medium_large-height":512,"large":"https:\/\/www.ewu.edu\/careercenter\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/36\/2024\/12\/2023-5-2-Campus-Photos-5-1024x683.jpg","large-width":1024,"large-height":683,"1536x1536":"https:\/\/www.ewu.edu\/careercenter\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/36\/2024\/12\/2023-5-2-Campus-Photos-5-1536x1025.jpg","1536x1536-width":1536,"1536x1536-height":1025,"2048x2048":"https:\/\/www.ewu.edu\/careercenter\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/36\/2024\/12\/2023-5-2-Campus-Photos-5-2048x1366.jpg","2048x2048-width":2048,"2048x2048-height":1366,"gform-image-choice-sm":"https:\/\/www.ewu.edu\/careercenter\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/36\/2024\/12\/2023-5-2-Campus-Photos-5.jpg","gform-image-choice-sm-width":300,"gform-image-choice-sm-height":200,"gform-image-choice-md":"https:\/\/www.ewu.edu\/careercenter\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/36\/2024\/12\/2023-5-2-Campus-Photos-5.jpg","gform-image-choice-md-width":400,"gform-image-choice-md-height":267,"gform-image-choice-lg":"https:\/\/www.ewu.edu\/careercenter\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/36\/2024\/12\/2023-5-2-Campus-Photos-5.jpg","gform-image-choice-lg-width":600,"gform-image-choice-lg-height":400}},"background_vertical_alignment":"center","text_style":"allcaps","readability_aid":"overlay","title":"Cover Letter","bold_title":"Tips &amp; Tricks","content":"","component_options_toggle":false,"component_options":{"component_options_toggle":false,"component_options":{"disable_component":false,"nickname":"","identifier":"","navigable":false}},"primary_content_copy":"<h3>The Role of a Cover Letter<\/h3>\n<p>Your cover letter serves as an introduction to your resume, drawing attention to the key aspects of your experience that align with the job you&#8217;re applying for.<\/p>\n<p>Write your cover letter after your resume, and remember to tailor it for each role to show why you&#8217;re the best fit for the position.<\/p>\n<p><a class=\"btn\" href=\"https:\/\/www.ewu.edu\/careercenter\/appointment\/\">Make an Appointment<\/a> <a class=\"btn\" href=\"https:\/\/docs.wisedoc.net\/signin-with-institution\">Wisedoc Resume Builder<\/a><\/p>\n","blocks":[{"acf_fc_layout":"accordion-with-notes","module_background_color":"white","accordion_position":"right","title":"Cover Letter Breakdown","notes":"<h4>Do You Need a Cover Letter?<\/h4>\n<p><strong>Yes, and here\u2019s why:<\/strong> A cover letter allows you to go beyond your resume and demonstrate your unique value to a potential employer.<\/p>\n<p>Even if it is not required, it offers you the chance to:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Show initiative and enthusiasm<\/strong>: Including a cover letter demonstrates that you are willing to put in extra effort for the opportunity.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Highlight key qualifications<\/strong>: Tailor your cover letter to connect your experience and skills directly to the role.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Express your fit and passion<\/strong>: Share your excitement about the position and how you align with the company\u2019s values and culture.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Employers notice when candidates go the extra mile, and a thoughtful cover letter can set you apart.<\/p>\n<p>Consider Using this Cover Letter Worksheet to help with the process. Example included.<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ewu.edu\/careercenter\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/36\/2025\/08\/Cover-Letter-Worksheet.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">PDF Worksheet<\/a><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ewu.edu\/careercenter\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/36\/2024\/12\/Cover-Letter-Worksheet.docx\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Download Word Doc Worksheet<\/a><\/p>\n","include_spacing":true,"expanded":false,"sections":[{"label":"Heading and Salutation","copy":"<p>Every formal cover letter should begin with this basic structure. Avoid \u201cDear Hiring Manager\u201d if you can; <strong>addressing the letter to the appropriate person shows extra effort.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Look at the company\u2019s website, LinkedIn, or the job posting to find the hiring manager or recruiter\u2019s name. (2-3 minutes max spent on this)<\/p>\n<p>Here is an example of how your Heading and Salutation should look:<\/p>\n<p>Your Name Here<br \/>\nYour City, State | Your Phone number | Your professional email<\/p>\n<p>Date<\/p>\n<p>Name of Individual<br \/>\nJob Title of Individual<br \/>\nCompany or Organization Name<br \/>\nStreet Address or P.O. Box Number<br \/>\nCity, State, Zip Code<\/p>\n<p>Dear First Name Last Name:<\/p>\n"},{"label":"1st Paragraph","copy":"<p>The first paragraph should clearly do a few key things:<\/p>\n<ol>\n<li>Clearly state the position you are applying for and how you learned about it.<\/li>\n<li>Explain what excites you about this organization or role. Focus on <strong data-start=\"1844\" data-end=\"1870\">what makes them unique<\/strong>, not just what you want.<\/li>\n<li>Briefly highlight <strong data-start=\"1919\" data-end=\"1941\">2\u20133 qualifications<\/strong> that make you a strong candidate. These might include your education, skills, or relevant experience.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p>Make sure the qualifications you mention align with the <strong>key requirements in the job description<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<p>If you have not already, consider using a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ewu.edu\/careercenter\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/36\/2024\/12\/resume-guide_professional-inventory-2.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Professional Inventory<\/a> to identify the qualifications you want to highlight.<\/p>\n<p>Use a conversational tone and keep your sentences clear and concise.<\/p>\n"},{"label":"Middle Paragraphs","copy":"<p>The middle paragraphs are where you <strong data-start=\"2411\" data-end=\"2452\">expand on your 2\u20133 key qualifications<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"2457\" data-end=\"2701\">Each paragraph should focus on <strong>one qualification<\/strong>. Include specific examples from your education, work, or activities that show why you are a great fit. You do <strong data-start=\"2616\" data-end=\"2623\">not<\/strong> need to include everything from your resume\u2014just the most relevant details.<\/p>\n<p>When choosing what to highlight, consider:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Education<\/strong>: Relevant coursework, degrees, certifications, or academic achievements.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Experience<\/strong>: Key roles, internships, or jobs that relate directly to the position.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Activities<\/strong>: Leadership, volunteer work, or extracurriculars that showcase relevant skills.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Skills<\/strong>: Specific abilities or technical knowledge required for the job.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Accomplishments<\/strong>: Noteworthy achievements that demonstrate your capabilities.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Personal Characteristics<\/strong>: Traits that align with the company\u2019s values or culture.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>By providing specific examples, you show the employer <strong data-start=\"3268\" data-end=\"3302\">why you are uniquely qualified<\/strong>.<\/p>\n"},{"label":"Last Paragraph","copy":"<p>The last paragraph should bring your cover letter to a strong close by<strong> summarizing your qualifications and reiterating your interest in the position.<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Restate your 2-3 qualifications<\/strong>\u00a0that make you an ideal candidate.<\/li>\n<li>Express <strong>enthusiasm for the opportunity<\/strong> to contribute to the organization.<\/li>\n<li>Include your <strong>preferred contact information<\/strong>, such as your phone number and email address.<\/li>\n<li>End with a <strong>professional thank-you<\/strong>, showing appreciation for the employer\u2019s time and consideration of your application.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n"},{"label":"Signature","copy":"<p>End your cover letter with something like this:<\/p>\n<p>Sincerely,<\/p>\n<p>Signature (For printed cover letters; in blue or black ink)<\/p>\n<p>First and Last name (typed)<\/p>\n"}],"component_options_toggle":true,"component_options":{"disable_component":false,"nickname":"How To Write a Cover Letter","identifier":"cover-letter","navigable":true}},{"acf_fc_layout":"destination-eastern","module_background_color":"off-white","title":"Cover Letter Resources","subtitle":"Tools to help you craft a strong cover letter","features":[{"icon":"writing-tools","image":false,"feature_title":"Outline Your Cover Letter","feature_content":"","link":{"title":"Download Worksheet","url":"https:\/\/cdn.ewu.edu\/careercenter\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/36\/2024\/12\/Cover-Letter-Worksheet.docx","target":"_blank"}},{"icon":"document","image":false,"feature_title":"Need Some Guidance? ","feature_content":"","link":{"title":"Cover Letter Example PDF","url":"https:\/\/www.ewu.edu\/careercenter\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/36\/2025\/08\/Cover-Letter-Worksheet.pdf","target":"_blank"}},{"icon":"medical-chart","image":false,"feature_title":"Tailor Your Cover Letter","feature_content":"","link":{"title":"Professional Inventory","url":"https:\/\/www.ewu.edu\/careercenter\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/36\/2024\/12\/resume-guide_professional-inventory-2.pdf","target":"_blank"}},{"icon":"document","image":false,"feature_title":"Craft a Stronger Resume","feature_content":"","link":{"title":"Resume Explainer","url":"https:\/\/www.ewu.edu\/careercenter\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/36\/2024\/12\/resume-explainer-2.pdf","target":"_blank"}}],"show_details":false,"details_title":"","copy":"","second_column_type":"quote","copy_2":"","quote":"","component_options_toggle":true,"component_options":{"disable_component":false,"nickname":"Cover Letter 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