Students

Cover Letter & Personal Statements

Application Process

Writing the cover letter

Format the letter professionally.

  • While the style and format of your cover letter depends on the organization at which you are applying, a traditional format is always appropriate.
  • Your cover letter should be single-spaced with a space between each paragraph.
  • All paragraphs should have a specific alignment; either keep the lines to the left of the page or indent the first line of each paragraph to the right.
  • For an example, go to the Career Center’s website: Résumés and Cover letters.
    http://www.csun.edu/career/students/sample_cover_letter.htm

Organize the paragraphs.

  • At the top of the page, your heading should contain your contact information, including name, address, phone number, and email.
  • Following the heading, address your letter to a specific individual, if possible.
  • In the introduction, state who you are and why you are writing. You can also mention how you learned about the position and why you are interested in it. State how your goals and beliefs align with the mission of the organization, and how your skills will be of use in the position and organization.
  • In the argument, you want to convince the individual/organization that you should be hired. Your argument should be concise and powerful, but not overbearing. Keep the tone personable and address your relevant experiences and skills that qualify you for the position.
  • In the conclusion, restate your skills and goals. Thank the reader for his/her time and consideration.

Sell yourself and your skills.

  • This is your chance to illustrate your writing abilities and expand your résumé in more detail.
  • Do not come across as arrogant, but be confident in explaining how your experiences and skills qualify you for the position.

Be professional.

  • Remain professional throughout and avoid slang.
  • Maintain a specific tone throughout.

Your cover letter is not your résumé.

  • Focus on specific qualities, skills, or jobs provided on your résumé and explain them in further detail.

Have other people read your cover letter.

  • Get advice from the Career Center on formatting and organizing.
  • Be prepared to edit and revise to avoid typos and repeated or missing information.

Creating the personal statement

Express yourself creatively.

  • This is your chance to be unique and illustrate your writing abilities, analytical skills, creativity, and personality.
  • You can include an anecdote, background information, views on the world, unique experiences, a difficulty in life, and more.
  • Open with a hook to draw in the reader. The first paragraph is your space to express your individuality and stand out from the rest.

Be personal but not too casual.

  • Remain professional throughout and avoid slang.
  • Maintain a specific tone throughout.

Your personal statement is not your résumé.

  • Try not to summarize all your related experiences and skills. It will start reading like your résumé.
  • Focus on specific qualities you may have gained through an activity.

Have several people edit your statement.

  • The more who read your statement, the better. Get advice from peers, professors, and The Career Center.
  • Be generous, allow yourself time between each rewrite – at least a few days if possible. Each rewrite should be like a fresh reading. If you constantly edit, you are more likely to become frustrated and not know what to revise. But if you give yourself time in between readings you may discover new angles or alterations you can make.