Presented by
Career Services
Clarion University
Purpose of a Cover Letter
• Catch the reader’s attention
• Focus on the employer’s needs
• Persuade the reader of your benefits or
value
• Convince the reader with evidence
• Move the reader to follow-up with you
…interview you!
Before you begin to write….
• What are the needs of my audience?
– Research the employer and position
– Analyze the job description for knowledge,
skills, abilities, and experiences required
– Make a table
• Employer’s needs vs. your qualifications
Before you begin to write…
• What benefits will my audience gain
from me?
– Create a list of your knowledge,
accomplishments, skills, and experience
– Select the qualifications that relate to the
needs of the job to emphasize in your
cover letter
Targeting Employer Needs
• Employer needs • Your qualifications