Cover Letters and References

View our online resume writing workshop at http://www.stpaulcareers.umn.edu/workshops.html.

Cover Letters

A cover letter (sometimes called a letter of introduction or application letter) is a document that introduces your resume.  The cover letter is typically one page in length and highlights a few of your key qualifications for the position, directing the employer back to your resume.  A cover letter is a great  opportunity for an employer to get a sample of your writing skills.  Therefore, it is important to make sure your cover letter is grammatically correct and free of errors. 

Click on Cover Letter Template  for a cover letter format and sample cover letter.  Please note that it is important to explain your skills and experiences in your own words and language.  Copying text and phrases from this cover letter sample is inappropriate.

Though cover letters for academic (faculty) positions are similar in purpose to other cover letters, the content differs in breadth and depth.  To learn more about academic cover letters visit the Center for Teaching and Learning web site or Purdue University's Online Writing Lab.

The staff at the St. Paul Campus Career Center is happy to review your cover letter and offer feedback prior to sending it to employers.  Do have a resume critiqued visit our Drop In Hours or schedule an appointment.  Click on the About Us under Quick Links for current information on Drop In Hours and appointment scheduling.

References

It is typical for employers to ask for a list of references as part of your application materials when applying for a job.  Students are encouraged to select people who they know from an academic and/or professional environment rather than family members or friends.  Your reference list should be a separate item from your resume and will typically include a similar heading to your resume with the names and contact information with 3-5 references.  For a sample reference list view our References Handout.