Learn the 3 main points of an effective cover letter.
By Brian Finck, M.S., NCC | CSUN Career Counselor

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** Transcript:

Hey, everybody, it's Brian from the Career Center. Welcome to Part one of a two-part segment on what is a cover letter now, cover letters. It's really hit or miss cover letters. And employers may or may not ask for them. It's probably about a 50 50 split is whether you're going to be required to submit a cover letter. I will oftentimes get the question if they don't ask for one, do I have to do I have to submit one? And obviously, the answer is no.

If they're if an employer is not asking for a cover letter, you're not obligated to submit one. But in part two, I'm going to talk a little bit more about why I think it's a good idea to actually submit one anyway. And then it's their call whether they wish to read it or not. A cover letter like a resume is an opportunity for you to showcase yourself to any prospective employer. But unlike a resume, it's a little more narrative. It's in substance where you're really targeting a specific opportunity in a particular manner. In that manner is you're addressing three key points.

And again, we will go over this in more detail in the second video. But you're addressing three key points in those key points are, one, what makes you an outstanding candidate for this opportunity?
Number two, why am I choosing this particular employer or organization? And number three, why am I interested in this specific job, internship, this specific opportunity?

Those are the three main points of a cover letter. And again, we will address those in video
number two, if you're having a difficult time writing a resume or cover letter. That's why we're here. We're here to help you walk through that process, give you feedback on your thoughts and ideas and how to put them down to a professional looking document. So more in video number two in a moment.