cover letter for career fair

Cover Letter For a Job Fair: Examples and Tips

One of the best ways to land a job, especially your first job, is to connect to as many employers as you can. There’s no better place to do that than a job fair. Of course, you need to show up armed with a professional appearance, outgoing personality, resume, and cover letter. 

But the question is, how do you write a cover letter for job fair events? It’s a bit different than sending one for a dedicated job application, but it’s something anyone can do with a little help. Start by reading the example letter here and checking out some great tips.

Cover Letter Sample For Job Fair in .docx Format

Here is a great example of a cover letter that a student might take to a university-sponsored job fair.

Download example (Word version)

Cover Letter Example For Job Fair – Text Format

Dear Hiring Manager,

My name is Keith Ninja. I came to the University of Danville Student Job Fair in hopes of connecting with a variety of employers. Ultimately, my goal is to find a part-time job that will allow me to apply and develop my existing instructional skills and make a valuable contribution to the business that hires me. I’ve attached my resume with more details about my education and experience. Now, I’d like to share a bit more about what I think I bring to the table.

I am currently a Junior at the University of Danville. I am studying Art Education and psychology, and plan to pursue my MFA in Music Therapy after I graduate. Eventually, I plan to work with people who have suffered from traumatic brain injuries. When I’m not in school, I have worked summers at a local movie theater. There, I sell tickets, work the concession stand, and do my part to keep things clean and safe. This job has helped me develop the following skills:

• Cash handling
• Point of Sales machine operation
• Customer service
• Problem-solving 

I’m grateful to have held this job for more than four years, but now I need to work in the Danville metro area so that I am closer to school.

Are you looking for someone who is personable, motivated, and a fast learner? If yes, I think I would be a great fit for your company. Maybe we can meet in the next week or two?

Kind Regards,

Keith Ninja

How to Write a Cover Letter for a Job Fair: Tips

As you can see, this cover letter is a bit different from other cover letter examples we provide for specific positions. 

That’s because you are not really sure whom you’d click with during the fair. So how do you write a generic cover letter that still makes a solid impression? Here are our tips. 

Start With a Generic Outline

Go to the job fair with an open mind. You never know. A company you’ve never heard of turns out to be the perfect match for you. Of course, since you’re casting so wide, it’s hard to be specific. 

In any other case, you would write a cover letter that was specifically tailored for a single company. When you attend a job fair, you’ll be meeting a range of people and sharing your cover letters and resumes with many different companies. So, personalization really won’t work. Instead, you’ll need to write a one-size-fits-all cover letter.

Start with a general outline:

• Think about a certain industry you plan to target 
• Consider which of your skills and experiences will be the most stand-out 
• Put down a high-level overview of these 
• Add a punchy cover letter opening 
• Round up with a concluding paragraph, offering to check your resume, connect on LinkedIn, or contact you for more details. 

Show Your Personality

There may be hundreds, even thousands of attendees at a job fair. Chances are, the hiring managers accepting applications will probably not remember you. That’s why you have to stand out. 

Write in a way that is friendly and personable. Talk about your work style, and discuss your ideal work environment. Show how you would be a desirable employee and colleague. Share a unique personal fact or two to really make a mark. 

List Your Skills

Think of your hard and soft skills that will be valuable to any employer in a range of Industries. Make a list of those and add them to your cover letter. Use bullet points to make them stand out similarly to how the writer did in the sample above. 

Use Impeccable Spelling and Grammar

Once again, a job fair may generate hundreds of applicants for any position. Use your professionalism and attention to detail to stand out. Your cover letter should be painstakingly edited so there are no spelling or grammar mistakes. Take your time doing this. Invest in grammar and spell-check app.

Final Tip: Do Some Preliminary Research

Don’t lose your house to attend a job fair without learning as much as possible about the attending companies. If you can identify which employers are most interesting to you beforehand, you can better plan your time at the job fair. You may be able to find some information about the companies that will be present on the job fair’s website, as well as any specific schedules for other activities and events. 

New to the Workforce? Check Other Entry-Level Cover Letters

• Sample cover letter with no experience
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• Internship cover letter example

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How to Make Your Cover Letter General for Career Fairs

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The Best Career Objectives to List on a Resume

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Writing a cover letter that accompanies your resume for a specific position usually states your interest in the job as well as a statement or two that shows you've studied the organization and respect its work or reputation. However, a career fair cover letter is akin to a letter of introduction that contains specific information about you and your career but doesn't include company-specific information. Reviewing some cover letter examples for career fair companies will help you craft a stronger submission.

Use an Organized Format

You can create your own application packages for the career fair. It can include copies of your cover letter, resume, list of references, writing samples and portfolio examples to hand to prospective employer representatives. You can put your documents into a simple folder with your contact information on it. Recruiters won't be happy having to lug home a three-ring binder, so keep your packet simple.

Use a Strong General Opening

It's best to start a more generic cover letter with a strong opening sentence that summarizes who are you, professionally. If you know the companies exhibiting in advance, you can write more than one resume, tailored to different industries or jobs, recommends Virginia Tech 's Career and Professional Development department.

For example, you might open with, "I'm an enthusiastic recent graduate of microbiology from the University of Arizona looking for an entry-level career role in research and development. I have significant work expertise through internships with two major research laboratories and am excited about joining an organization that rewards forward-thinking researchers with opportunities for professional development and on-the-job learning. I'm available for relocation anywhere in the United States."

State Why You're There

Don't forget to let potential employers know why you're at the job fair. Write one or two sentences about your attendance at the career fair. Include the precise name of the fair, its date and location. The reason you want to mention this is because many employers track applicants and how they learn about vacancies with their companies.

When you identify that you're a career fair attendee, it's easy for the company to track interest in the organization. In addition, you might receive recognition as a career fair attendee that you might otherwise not have received simply because of the effort to make an in-person appearance instead of simply sitting at home dispatching cover letters and resumes via email.

Provide Some Work Experience Information

Write one to two paragraphs about your functional education, training and experience, recommends jobs website, Indeed.com . If you've worked for organizations with excellent reputations in your industry or field, feel free to include their names. Prospective employers may look twice at applicants who have worked for companies that are known to have strict criteria and a reputation for hiring only the best professionals.

Include Some Accomplishments

Once you've given your abilities, prove your value by listing some accomplishments you've had. Use concrete examples about your work history. If you are a recent graduate, use your internships and college projects to describe your expertise. If you're a mid-career professional, briefly describe how your job skills and expertise have progressed through the years.

For example, an accountant who started in an entry-level position and received promotions to become department leader might describe his work history as, "In the 11 years since I joined my current employer's accounting department as an accounts payable clerk, I completed my undergraduate degree while working full-time. Within two years, I was promoted to junior accountant and given increasingly responsible assignments over the next seven years. Two years ago, I successfully passed the CPA exam and am now the department manager."

Finish With a Strong Summary

Try to make a strong last impression on the readers. Conclude your cover letter with information about your career interests. Research the career fair to determine if a particular industry will be represented. For example, some of the Big Four accounting firms recruit during college campus career fairs.

Other career fairs might focus on federal government employers or industry-specific areas such as food and beverage, hospitality or engineering. If you're attending a targeted career fair, state your interest in the industry and ask for favorable consideration of your qualifications.

• Virginia Tech: How to Prepare for Career Fairs
• Indeed: Writing a General Purpose Cover Letter: Tips, Template and Examples
• Create your own application packages for the career fair. Make several copies of your cover letter, resume, list of references, writing samples and portfolio examples to hand to prospective employer representatives.
• Dress for the career fair as you would for an interview. Many companies send their recruiters and hiring managers to conduct on-the-spot interviews. Use your appearance and application materials to convey a message to recruiters and hiring managers that you're prepared to accept a position.

Ruth Mayhew has been writing since the mid-1980s, and she has been an HR subject matter expert since 1995. Her work appears in "The Multi-Generational Workforce in the Health Care Industry," and she has been cited in numerous publications, including journals and textbooks that focus on human resources management practices. She holds a Master of Arts in sociology from the University of Missouri-Kansas City. Ruth resides in the nation's capital, Washington, D.C.

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How to Write an Effective Cover Letter for a Career Fair

Published: Jan 3rd, 2024

Are you attending a career fair and looking to make a strong impression on potential employers? One key element of your job application that you shouldn't overlook is your cover letter. In this article, we will discuss the importance of a cover letter at a career fair and how to write an effective one that highlights your skills and experiences.

Understanding the Importance of a Cover Letter

Before we dive into the details of writing a cover letter specifically for a career fair, let's first understand why cover letters are important in job applications in general. A cover letter is your opportunity to introduce yourself to the hiring manager, showcase your qualifications, and express your enthusiasm for the position.

The Role of a Cover Letter in Job Applications

A cover letter serves as a personal introduction and allows you to present yourself beyond just your resume. It gives you the chance to explain why you are interested in the company and how your skills align with the job requirements. A well-crafted cover letter can make you stand out from other applicants and increase your chances of getting an interview.

Why Career Fairs Require Special Attention

Career fairs are unique environments where you have the opportunity to meet multiple employers in a short amount of time. As you navigate through different booths and engage in conversations with recruiters, your cover letter can serve as a tool to make a memorable impression. It helps you demonstrate your professionalism, research skills, and interest in the specific companies you are targeting.

When attending a career fair, it's important to remember that recruiters often meet hundreds of candidates in a single day. They are bombarded with resumes and brief interactions, making it challenging for them to remember each individual. This is where a well-crafted cover letter can truly make a difference.

By including a cover letter with your resume, you are providing the recruiter with additional information about yourself and your qualifications. It shows that you have taken the time to research the company and tailor your application specifically for them. This level of effort and attention to detail can set you apart from other candidates who may have simply submitted a resume.

Furthermore, a cover letter allows you to highlight specific experiences or skills that may not be immediately evident from your resume alone. It gives you the opportunity to provide context and explain how your background aligns with the company's values and needs. This can be particularly beneficial if you are transitioning into a new industry or have a non-traditional career path.

During a career fair, recruiters are often looking for candidates who not only meet the basic qualifications for the job but also demonstrate a genuine interest in the company. By including a cover letter, you can showcase your enthusiasm and passion for the role, which can leave a lasting impression on the recruiter.

Additionally, a cover letter can help you establish a connection with the recruiter. By addressing the letter to a specific individual and mentioning any mutual connections or shared interests, you can create a sense of familiarity and rapport. This personal touch can make your application more memorable and increase the likelihood of being invited for an interview.

Overall, a well-written cover letter can significantly enhance your chances of success at a career fair. It allows you to go beyond the limitations of a resume and present yourself as a qualified and enthusiastic candidate. So, take the time to craft a compelling cover letter that highlights your skills, aligns with the company's needs, and leaves a lasting impression on the recruiters you meet.

Key Elements of an Effective Cover Letter

Now that you understand the importance of a cover letter in the context of a career fair, let's explore the key elements that make a cover letter effective.

When it comes to structuring your cover letter, it's important to keep it concise, clear, and well-organized. Start with a strong opening paragraph that introduces yourself and expresses your interest in the company. In the body paragraphs, highlight your relevant skills and experiences, and explain how they align with the job requirements. Finally, end your cover letter with a strong closing paragraph that reiterates your enthusiasm and includes a call-to-action.

One of the main purposes of a cover letter is to showcase your skills and experience that make you a strong fit for the position. Avoid simply restating what is on your resume. Instead, focus on specific examples and achievements that demonstrate your qualifications for the job. Use bullet points or subheadings to make it easy for the reader to scan and understand your key points.

Each cover letter should be tailored to the specific company you are applying to. Take the time to research the company's values, mission, and culture, and incorporate this information into your cover letter. By showing that you have done your homework and understand the company's needs and goals, you will make a stronger impression on the hiring manager.

Furthermore, when structuring your cover letter, consider the use of paragraphs to break up the text and make it more readable. This not only helps the hiring manager navigate through your cover letter, but it also adds visual appeal and makes it easier for them to find the information they are looking for.

In addition to highlighting your skills and experience, consider including relevant anecdotes or stories that demonstrate your abilities. This can help bring your cover letter to life and make it more engaging for the reader. For example, if you are applying for a marketing position, you could share a story about a successful campaign you led and the impact it had on the company's bottom line.

Another important element to consider when tailoring your cover letter is the use of keywords. Many companies use applicant tracking systems to scan cover letters and resumes for specific keywords related to the job requirements. By incorporating these keywords into your cover letter, you increase your chances of getting noticed by the hiring manager.

Writing a Cover Letter for a Career Fair

Now that you have a solid understanding of the key elements of an effective cover letter, let's discuss how to write one specifically for a career fair.

Researching the Companies at the Fair

Prior to attending the career fair, research the companies that will be present. Visit their websites, read about their current projects, and learn about their hiring needs. This information will allow you to tailor your cover letter for each company, demonstrating your specific interest and understanding of their business.

Addressing Multiple Potential Employers

It's common to meet multiple potential employers at a career fair. In your cover letter, make sure to address each employer individually. Avoid using a generic cover letter template and instead customize each one based on the specific company and position you are interested in.

Making Your Cover Letter Stand Out

In a busy career fair environment, it's important to make your cover letter stand out. Consider using a visually appealing template or design, while still maintaining a professional look. Use concise and energetic language to capture the reader's attention and showcase your enthusiasm for the job. Additionally, proofread your cover letter carefully to avoid any typos or grammatical errors that could detract from your professionalism.

Common Mistakes to Avoid in Your Cover Letter

As you work on writing an effective cover letter for a career fair, it's important to be aware of common mistakes to avoid.

Avoiding Generic Language

Avoid using generic language in your cover letter. Instead, use specific examples and concrete details to illustrate your qualifications. Stay away from cliches and overused phrases that could make your cover letter sound unoriginal or insincere.

Overlooking Proofreading

Proofreading is crucial to ensure your cover letter is error-free. Spelling mistakes, typos, and grammatical errors can create a negative impression and undermine your professionalism. Take the time to carefully proofread your cover letter multiple times, and consider having a trusted friend or family member check it as well.

Neglecting to Follow Instructions

Make sure to carefully read and follow the instructions provided by the employers at the career fair. Some companies may request specific information or require you to complete an online application in addition to submitting a cover letter. Failing to follow these instructions could result in your application being disregarded.

In conclusion, writing an effective cover letter is essential when attending a career fair. By understanding the importance of a cover letter, structuring it properly, highlighting your skills and experiences, and tailoring it to each company, you can make a strong impression on potential employers. Avoid common mistakes, such as using generic language, overlooking proofreading, and failing to follow instructions. With these tips and strategies in mind, you can write an effective cover letter and  increase your chances of landing your dream job .

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General Cover Letter for Career Fair

Attending a career fair is an excellent opportunity to network with potential employers and learn more about their specific needs. When preparing your resume, make sure to include any relevant information you learned at the fair.

A well-written cover letter can also provide helpful tips for addressing specific concerns your employer may have. Even if you don’t get the job offer, attending the fair can help you develop more than one resume strategy.

There are a few reasons why you should write a general cover letter for a career fair. First, it shows that you have taken the time to research the company and the position.

Second, it shows that you are interested in the company and the position. Third, it gives the hiring manager a snapshot of your skills and interests. Finally, it can help you stand out from other candidates.

Dear Sir or Madam,

I am writing to apply for the position of Career Fair. I am excited about the opportunity to be a part of this event and believe that my skills and abilities would be a valuable addition to your team.

My experience as a writer provides me with the ability to create attention-grabbing letters that highlight my qualifications in a clear and concise way. I am confident that I can provide excellent customer service and contribute importantly to your organization’s success.

Thank you for giving me the opportunity to apply, and I look forward to hearing from you soon.

[Your Name]

The best way to stand out from the rest at a career fair is to create a general cover letter that highlights your qualifications and why you would be a good fit for the job opening. Make sure to include information about your work experience, volunteer experience, education, and anything else that will make you stand out.

When writing a general cover letter for a career fair, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, make sure to introduce yourself and explain why you are interested in the company or position.

Next, briefly highlight your skills and experience that make you a good fit for the role. Finally, thank the employer for their time and include your contact information.

A well-written cover letter can make a big difference in whether or not you are invited to interview, so it is worth taking the time to craft a quality letter. By following these tips, you can increase your chances of getting your foot in the door and landing an interview.

In conclusion, it is important to have a well-crafted cover letter when attending a career fair. Make sure to highlight your skills and why you are a good fit for the position being offered.

Keep in mind that the more personal and tailored your letter appears, the better! Finally, remember to dress professionally and be confident when presenting yourself to potential employers.

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How to Write a Cover Letter for a Job Fair

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A job fair is an opportunity for job seekers to meet several potential employers in one place, all of whom are looking to hire. It should be approached with the same professionalism as an interview, from the clothes you wear down to the cover letters and resumes you bring. While it might be impossible to get noticed by every company in attendance, if you concentrate your efforts on a handful of likely candidates, a job fair can be a fruitful experience.

Research the companies that will be attending the job fair ahead of time by contacting the host of the job fair, or by browsing its website. List your top four or five choices. You will not be able to write a cover letter for every potential employer so concentrate on your best bets.

Research the specific positions available at your target companies, if the information is available ahead of time. This will allow you to personalize your cover letter.

Use the first paragraph to explain who you are and why you are writing to them. If you know the specific position you want, this is the place to mention it by name. Let the employer know whether you heard about the job from a recruiter or a current employee.

Use the second paragraph to show the employer that you have researched her company by explaining why you would be qualified for the job. Highlight any experience or skills you have specific to the position. Avoid telling the employer how much the job would benefit you. Instead, write in terms of how you would be an asset to the company.

Use the final paragraph to express your interest in an interview and mention that you are enclosing a resume. Let the employer know whether you plan to follow up on the application, and how you plan to do so. Close by thanking the employer for reviewing your application.

Do not write a generic form cover letter to use for every company at the job fair. Recruiters understand you can't write a letter for everyone there. If you find a company of interest, ask permission to send them a cover letter and resume after the fair is over.

• CareerChoiceGuide: Career Fair Success
• Virginia Tech University Career Services: Cover Letters: Types and Samples

Kyle Clayton has been a creative writer since 2007 and now works as a freelance writer for LIVESTRONG.COM. He has worked in the fitness industry since 2007 and enjoys writing about nutrition, exercise and healthy lifestyles. Clayton is the winner of the Rex Reed Screenwriting Award and a UCLA Showcase Finalist. He holds a Master of Fine Arts in screenwriting from UCLA.

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How to write a cover letter for a job fair.

Standing out at a job fair takes more than professional attire, a firm handshake or a polished resume. Preparing a cover letter demonstrates your seriousness and professionalism and gives you the chance to make a strong case for yourself to as many potential employers as possible. For maximum success, prepare two kinds of cover letters: personalized and general. It is impractical to write a personalized cover letter for every employer at the job fair, and generalized cover letters have significantly lower impact, but including a letter with your resume is good form and may increase your chances of landing an interview.

Personalized Cover Letter

Study the job fair’s list of confirmed employers, often available at a job fair website or by calling the job fair organizer. Research employers that look compelling by reviewing their websites or, if the employer is in retail, visiting one of their stores. Select three to five employers that interest you most and plan to draft a personalized cover letter to each of them.

Use job search websites to find out if each employer is recruiting for specific positions that interest you. If so, read the advertisement carefully and take notes on which specific qualifications the job requires. Either way, jot down key skills, attitudes or experiences the employer values in its employees. Read the employer’s mission statement and history and make notes, using your resume, about where your experience and skill base overlaps with each employer’s needs and commitments.

Choose a business letter template from your word processing program’s selection of templates, or feel free to design your own. Select a clean, legible font no smaller than 11 point, and set the document margins at 1 or 1 ½ inches.

Address each cover letter to a specific person or people expected to represent each employer at the job fair; if nobody is listed, address your letter to “Hiring Manager.” Write a unique opening paragraph in each letter that briefly introduces you to each potential employer. If you know of a specific job opening, express your interest in the position, explain why you think you are qualified for it and briefly describe any direct experience you have in a similar position. If you do not know of any openings, express your interest in your employer’s industry, being as specific as possible about why you think you are a good fit for their company and what experience you have in similar settings. Do not exceed four sentences.

Use your notes and your resume to draft one to two short paragraphs describing three to four of the experiences that you feel prepare you for the job you seek at each particular employer. Use experiences that suggest your unique skill set and highlight qualities such as leadership, teamwork, organization and enthusiasm that most employers value whether they say they do or not. You may use the same examples for each personalized cover letter if they apply, but edit the paragraphs so that they speak directly to each employer. If you can relate your experience to specific information you have about an employer’s needs or priorities, do.

Write a final two to three sentence paragraph stating that you look forward to hearing back from the potential employer. Briefly note your interest and availability for a phone or in-person interview and your intention to follow up by email or phone within two weeks.

General Cover Letter

Choose a professional template for your cover letter or design your own. Set the document margins between 1 and 1 ½ inches and choose a simple, clear font no smaller than 11 point.

Address your letter to “Hiring Manager.” Use your opening paragraph to thank the employer for meeting with you at the job fair, and briefly explain the type of work you are looking for, whether you seek a position as, for example, a sales associate, web developer, receptionist or would be interested in one of a few different roles.

Draft one to two paragraphs highlighting significant work or other experiences that you feel prepare you for the kind of work you seek. Though you cannot know the employer’s needs, use concrete examples to highlight your skill set and qualities such as leadership, teamwork, organization and enthusiasm that most employers value.

Close your letter with a brief paragraph expressing your availability for an in-person or telephone interview and your intention to follow up via email or phone within two weeks.

Ask employers you meet at the job fair for their name and contact information or for their business card. Send thank you cards as soon as possible to each employer you met with and liked, briefly expressing your pleasure to have met them and your interest in working for them. If you gave the employer a generalized cover letter at the job fair, use this moment to write one to two brief statements about why you feel you are particularly well suited to their company after having met and learned more about them.

Proofread your cover letter multiple times for errors, use the active voice and try to keep your letter around ¾ of a page. Always include a current, polished resume when you submit a cover letter to a potential employer.

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• Heald College Career Services: Cover Letter and Career Fair Tips
• Proofread your cover letter multiple times for errors, use the active voice and try to keep your letter around ¾ of a page. Always include a current, polished resume when you submit a cover letter to a potential employer.

Darla Himeles is a freelance writer, editor and poet living in Castine, Maine. A graduate of Bryn Mawr College's English and education programs and a current student in Drew University’s MFA in poetry and poetry in translation program, Himeles writes frequently about education, wellness, writing and literature.

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Career Fair

My guide to writing a killer cover letter.

Most people think a cover letter is about themselves. This isn’t true.

A cover letter is a marketing tool. Treat it like one and you’ll see it do wonders. Treat it like an autobiography and you’ll wonder why no one gets back to you.

Here’s the cover letter formula that got me my current job:

• Analyzing the job description
• Identifying what to include in your cover letter
• Why do you want to work here?
• Writing the cover letter

1. Analyzing the job description

Always write a cover letter from scratch. It's better to apply for five relevant positions with a complementing cover letter than to apply for fifty positions without any background research.

The best way to do this is to start by analyzing the job description.

A job description is composed of two parts:

• What the company is looking for (i.e qualifications)

First, focus on the “what you’ll do” portion. The first few bullets are the most important. And we need to make sure that they’re addressed in our cover letter. Start highlighting the ones you have experience carrying out.

Next, take a look at the qualifications. Note down the ones you can comfortably meet and ignore any you don’t. We also want to highlight the ‘preferred’ or ‘nice-to-have’ items listed in the job posting if you satisfy those.

Quick note: Qualifications are always negotiable and should never deter you from applying if you think you’re almost there but missing a few requirements.

Make sure to note all these skills you’ve highlighted in the job description down. We’re now ready to move onto our next step.

2. Identifying what to include in your cover letter

Create a table with two columns. In the left column jot down the highlighted skills you identified in the above section. And now in the right column, start writing down how you can match up to the advertised qualifications.

Here’s an example for my latest role. Notice how I try to use as many of the same words as the job description:

For now, just put down the qualifications without any regard for style. Also, you don’t need qualifications for all the requirements. We’re only going to use the top two anyway.

Struggling to come up with qualifications? Try to ask your co-workers or peers about projects they’ve enjoyed working with you on. Keeping a brag document can also be really helpful.

And try to speak the employer’s language. So if a job description mentions “QuickBooks,” don’t just say you’ve used “accounting software”.

3. Why do you want to work here?

You’re a great fit for the role. Now you have to convince them that you want to work there.

It’s best to start brainstorming for this question before you start writing the cover letter.

Realize that this is just a research based question. If you do enough research, you will find information about the company that you can link back to your own interests and goals.

To help you do research, ask yourself the following questions:

• Describe any of the organization’s community engagement projects or employee development programs.

A great place to find more info is to look at interviews that their founders or executives have done. Another is the company’s blog.

Once you’ve done your research, list out why you find each answer to the above questions appealing. What is it about rockets that appeals to you? Why is a video messaging platform one you can connect with?

And if you’ve been using their product, that enthusiasm will shine through. It’s not mandatory and it’s not even common, but when it does happen, you have a great reason for why you want to work at the company.

4. Writing the cover letter

We’re going to use the following format for your cover letter:

1. Who you are, what you want, and what you believe in.

2. transition, 3. skill & qualification match, 4. why do you want to work there.

5. Conclusion

Use the first one or two sentences to make some statements about who you are, what you want, and what you believe in. Here are some good examples:

Emphasize your strengths and also ideally mention something specific to the company.

I like to link the intro in my cover letter to the first skill-qualification match by having a summary statement and attaching it to a generic sentence:

The first sentence summarizes what you will bring to the company. The second helps flow into the experiences you’re about to write about.

Mine would be:

Over the last 12 months, I’ve helped my company generate over $X in revenue by leading meetings with executive leaders and also built a variety of web applications on the side.

And now I’m excited to continue my journey by contributing and growing at Adyen. There are three things that make me the perfect fit for this position:

Here are some examples that differentiate weak and better summary statements:

Avoid jargon and get specific. Half the words, twice the examples. Ideally with a few numbers sprinkled in.

Go back to your table matching your qualifications to the requirements. Pick the two most important ones.

We’re going to link your qualifications to a theme. And then use that to transform your boring bullet points into exciting sentences.

Here are eight common interview story themes:

Let's say we ended up with the below table when analyzing a specific job description.

And let’s take our first qualification:

Conducted Feature-Mapping and Requirements Gathering sessions with prospective and existing clients to formulate Scope and Backlog. Responsible for managing and creating backlog, writing stories and acceptance criteria for all managed projects.

Let’s figure out how we can link this to one of the interview story themes:

And here's another example:

So what we’ve done here is abstracted some themes from this person’s actual qualifications.

I know this isn't super scientific. More themes than just one work for most qualifications. But the goal is to help you solidify the type of story you want to tell.

And now that you have your theme, you can use it to guide your body paragraphs using this format:

Some more examples:

Pick your two most favorite aspects about the company that you already found when doing your research. I like to pick one value driven one and one industry or current topic related. If you use their product, though, that should be first on your list.

Here are some examples you could use for popular companies:

Now that you’ve got two reasons, it’s time to craft together a simple paragraph that weaves them together:

Third, I’ve been following [COMPANY] for a couple of months now and I resonate with both the company’s values and its general direction. The [Insert Value] really stands out to me because [Insert Reason]. I also recently read that [Insert topical reason] and this appeals to me because [Why it appeals to you].

Realize that this part is your chance to bring out what you like about the company. And if you can’t really think of anything, maybe you need to rethink why you’re actually applying.

5. Conclusion 5

Simply state what you want and why you want it:

I think you’ll find that my experience is a really good fit for [COMPANY] and specifically this position. I’m ready to take my skills to the next level with your team and look forward to hearing back.

Putting it together

Combing everything, here’s what my cover letter for my current job looked like:

And voila. You now have all the tools to write a killer cover letter.

The power of a good cold email is pretty crazy.

It'll get you interviews at places you’re probably not qualified for. And also introduce you to the most badass people in this industry.

Best of all: most applicants aren't doing this. So you'll stand out and increase your chances of getting hired.

In my next post, I'll teach you how to transform your cover letter into a cold email that recruiters respond to (about 25-30% of the time).

Enter your email below if you want it delivered straight to your inbox when I release it.

Part 2: Send A Great Cold Email

I'll show you how to transform your cover letter into a great cold email. Enter your email below to get it when the article is released.

I hope that was useful. Took about 5 weeks to write. If you did get something out of it, it’d mean a lot if you could share it with 1 person who’s currently job hunting.

If you liked this post, you’ll like my newsletter. It's my best content delivered to your inbox once every two weeks. You can subscribe here .

Until next time,

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From Engineer to CEO

Cover letters: guidelines and samples

Why is it called a "cover letter".

Why is a job search letter called a "cover letter?" Because in the era of hard copy resumes and letters, the letter would be on top of, and therefore cover, the resume. A cover letter introduces a resume and explains why you are sending the resume.

Writing guidelines

• These writing guidelines apply to both email content and letters written as a document. There are just some formatting differences. You can also see  email guidelines .

Do I have to include a cover letter with my resume?

If you're sending your resume via email, yes. If you are speaking to an employer at a career fair (or other event), no. If you are submitting your resume online (sometimes to an employer's Applicant Tracking System, called ATS; a thing that's good to know about), do what the employer instructs! If there are no instruction, a cover letter can help. A cover letter is personalized and individualized to the employer. (Your resume is not.)

In person, you have a conversation, so you're talking to the employer about why you're interested in their job, and offering your resume. A letter doesn't apply to that situation. You can and likely should send a follow up email afterward to emphasize your interest and thank the employer for their time in talking with you.

When emailing your resume, your email usually serves as a cover letter; it explains why you're sending your resume. (In certain cases, if the employer requests this, or you are in a very formal and/or traditional industry, you might attach a cover letter document to your email.) 

What a well-written cover letter (usually email) does:

• Explains why you are sending your resume;
• Shows that you can communicate in a professional way;
• Places emphasis on why you are interested in that specific employer. (Your resume is about you, not the employers you are pursuing.)
• Shows good manners and appropriate business etiquette;
• Is a different communication tool than a resume. Enables you to express yourself in complete sentences, tell things about yourself that the resume might not, and show your personality as appropriate to the job search.
• Should never read like a form letter that could be sent to anyone.

What if I'm sending my resume to someone who knows me and is going to pass it on to someone else?

• Include a brief email cover letter thanking your contact person for her/his/their kindness and assistance in passing your resume along, and include your goal (job, internship, co-op, etc.) and career interest. Your friend might forward your email to another contact who can then see your writing style, focus, and professionalism.

Email or Word docx / hard copy?

In most situations, email is the medium for professional communication in the job search.

Sometimes, in very formal and/or traditional fields, letters are written as documents with certain formatting. That document could then be sent as an attachment to an email (with a clear, concise description of what is attached and why). It's now very rare to actually physically mail hard copy when applying for jobs.

• In email, your signature block (address, etc.) goes below your name, after your email content. In document format, your address, etc. goes at the top of the page. 
• Email requires a subject line logical to the recipient. Email subject lines can make or break whether your email is opened and read.
• A letter in document format can have a subject line after recipient's address block and before "Dear Ms./Mr./Dr...".
• Doesn't exist on email.
• Not needed on a document attached to email (you're not printing it). In the rare case you print hard copy, you could sign above your printed name.

All cover letters should:

• Do you want a summer internship, a co-op, a field-study?
• A post-graduation job?
• Are you inquiring about future employment possibilities?
• The word "opportunity" is vague; opportunity to do what?
• Tell specifically how you learned about the position or the organization  — an email from your advisor, the employer's website, a friend who works at the organization. It is appropriate to mention the name of someone who suggested that you write.
• Convince the reader to look at your resume. The cover letter will be seen first. Therefore, it must be very well written and targeted to that employer.
• Call attention to elements of your background  — education, leadership, experience — that are relevant to a position you are seeking. Be as specific as possible, using examples.
• Reflect your attitude , personality, motivation, enthusiasm, and communication skills.
• Provide or refer to any information specifically requested  in a job advertisement that might not be covered in your resume, such as availability date, or reference to an attached writing sample.
• In a letter of application — applying for an advertised opening — applicants often say something like "I look forward to hearing from you." However, you can take initiative to follow up, saying something like, "I will contact you in the next two weeks to see if you require any additional information regarding my qualifications."
• In a letter of inquiry — asking about the possibility of an opening — don't assume the employer will contact you. Say something like, "I will contact you in two weeks to learn more about upcoming employment opportunities with (name of organization)." Then mark your calendar to make that contact.

Format guidelines

In email format: your contact info / signature block goes below your name at the END. In document format: sender address and contact info at the top; then the date; then your contact info / address block, which can be left-justified, or centered.)

(if document format) Month, Day, Year

(if document format, the following about the recipient:) Mr./Ms./Dr. FirstName LastName That person's job title Name of organization (Street or P.O. address if you are actually mailing hard copy; not common.) Town/city, state (zip code if mailing hard copy; not common)

Dear Mr./Ms./Dr. LastName:

Opening paragraph: State why you are writing; how you learned of the organization or position, and basic information about yourself.

2nd paragraph: Tell why you are interested in the employer or type of work the employer does. Simply stating that you are interested does not tell why, and can sound like a form letter. Demonstrate that you know enough about the employer or position to relate your background to the employer or position. Mention specific qualifications which make you a good fit for the employer’s needs. Focus on what you can do for the employer, not what the employer can do for you. This is an opportunity to explain in more detail relevant items in your resume. Refer to the fact that your resume is attached. Mention other attachments if required to apply for a position.

3rd paragraph: Indicate that you would like the opportunity to interview for a position or to talk with the employer to learn more about their opportunities or hiring plans. State what you will do to follow up, such as call or email the employer within two weeks. If you will be in the employer’s location and could offer to schedule a visit, indicate when. State that you would be glad to provide the employer with any additional information needed. Thank the person for her/his/their consideration.

4th paragraph optional if best to split some of content above.

Sincerely, Your first and last name Address as town/city, state (optional zip code) (You are not required to give your street address; lean toward protecting your privacy, especially when you do not know how your email might be forwarded / shared.) Phone number Email address

Letter of application / letter of inquiry

Generally letters fall into two categories, but the bottom line is to write what makes sense based on the information you have.

• Letter of application: applying for a specific, advertised opening. See sample letters below.
• Letter of inquiry: expressing interest in an organization, but you are not certain if there are current openings. See sample letters below.

The purpose of the samples is not to give you something to copy, but to show examples; the content of your letters will be unique to you depending on your situation and the people to whom you write.

Sample 3.1 — Letter of application, document format

Blacksburg, Virginia    |   540-555-0000   |   (emailaddress)@vt.edu

February 2, 20XY

Dr. Michelle Rhodes Principal, Wolftrap Elementary School 1205 Beulah Road Vienna, VA 22182

Dear Dr. Rhodes:

Thank you for speaking with me on February 18, after the Family and Child Development seminar at Virginia Tech. I appreciated your perspective on balancing the needs of children and the community during difficult economic times. This letter is to express my interest in upper elementary grade teaching positions discussed at the seminar. I will complete my M.Ed. in Curriculum and Instruction at Virginia Tech in May 20XY, and will be available for employment as soon as needed for the 20XY-XZ school year.

My teacher preparation program at Virginia Tech has included a full academic year of student teaching. Last semester I taught fourth grade and this semester am teaching fifth grade. These valuable experiences have afforded me the opportunity to:

• Develop lesson plans on a wide range of topics and varying levels of academic ability;
• Work with emotionally and physically challenged students in a total inclusion program;
• Observe and participate in effective classroom management approaches;
• Assist with parent-teacher conferences;
• Complete in-service sessions on diversity, math and reading skills, and community relations.

My experience includes teaching in a private day care facility, and in Virginia Tech’s Child Development Laboratory. Both these facilities are NAEYC-accredited and adhere to the highest standards. At both locations, I led small- and large-group developmentally appropriate activities for elementary-aged children, and practiced strict safety protocols.

I am enthusiastic about putting my knowledge and experience into practice in a full-time teaching position. In a month, in early March, I will be in Vienna, and I would very much like to visit the school while in session and shadow teachers. I will stay in touch with you to make arrangement for this. Thank you very much for sharing your knowledge and contributing to the professional development of those of us entering the teaching profession.

Sincerely, Averill Harrington

Sample 3.2 — Letter of application, email format

Subject line:  (logical to recipient!)  Application for sales representative for mid-Atlantic area

April 14, 20XY

Mr. William Jackson Employment Manager Biochem Corporation 13764 Jefferson Parkway Roanoke, VA 24019 [email protected]

Dear Mr. Jackson:

From the Biochem Corp website I learned about your need for a sales representative for the Virginia, Maryland, and North Carolina areas. I am very interested in this position, and believe that my education and employment background are very well matched for the position.

You indicate that a requirement for the position is a track record of success in meeting sales goals. I have done this. After completion of my B.S. in biology, and prior to beginning my master’s degree in marketing, I worked for two years as a sales representative with a regional whole foods company.  My efforts yielded success in new business development, and my sales volume consistently met or exceeded company goals. I would like to repeat that success in the biochemical industry, using my academic background in science and business. I will complete my M.S. in marketing in mid-May and will be available to begin employment in early June.

Attached is my resume, which more fully details my qualifications for the position.

I look forward to talking with you regarding sales opportunities with Biochem Corp. Within the next two weeks I will contact you to confirm that you received my email and resume and to answer any questions you may have.

Thank you very kindly for your consideration.

Sincerely, Harper A. Johnson Blacksburg, Virginia 540-555-8888 [email protected]

Sample 3.3 — Letter of application, email format

Subject line:  (logical to recipient!)  Application for marketing research position #031210-528

March 14, 20XY

Ms. Charlene Prince Director of Personnel Large National Finance Corporation Roanoke, VA 24040 [email protected]

Dear Ms. Prince:

Thank you for speaking with me yesterday. As I indicated, I would like to apply for the marketing research position (#031210-528) advertised on Indeed. With my undergraduate research background, my training in psychology and sociology, and my work experience, I believe I could make a valuable contribution to Large National Finance Corporation in this position.

In May I will complete my B.S. in Psychology with a minor in Sociology, at Virginia Tech. As part of the requirements for this degree, I am involved in a senior marketing research project that has given me experience interviewing and surveying research subjects and assisting with data analysis. I also have completed a course in statistics and research methods.

My experience also includes working part-time as a bookkeeper in a small, successful, independent bookstore with an annual budget of approximately $150,000.  Because of the small size of this business, I have been exposed to and participated in most aspects of managing a business, including advertising and marketing.  As the bookkeeper, I produced monthly sales reports that allow the owner/buyer to project seasonal inventory needs. I also assisted with the development of ideas for special promotional events and calculated book sales proceeds after each event in order to evaluate its success.

I believe my combination of business experience and social science research training is an excellent match for the marketing research position at Large National. My resume is attached. Thank you very much for your consideration, and I look forward to receiving your reply.

Sincerely, Alexi Lawrence Blacksburg, VA 24060 540-555-1234 [email protected]

Sample 3.4 — Letter of application, email format

Subject: Application for building construction position after graduation

Ms. Riley Wilson Personnel Director Anderson Construction Company Rockville, MD

Dear Ms. Wilson:

I am following up after speaking with you at the construction industry career fair at Virginia Tech last week. Thank you for your time in sharing so much helpful information with me. Next May I will complete my bachelor's degree in building construction, and believe that my education, experience, and values make me an excellent candidate to join your team.

Each summer for the last five years I have worked at various levels in the construction industry. As indicated on my attached resume, I have worked as a general laborer, a skilled carpenter, and last summer served as assistant construction manager on a two-million dollar residential construction project.

The Anderson Construction projects are familiar to me, and my aspiration is to work for a company that has your values of service to the community through support of youth activities. One of my volunteer activities is coaching youth soccer, and I believe in the individual and community benefits of involving youth in recreational sports. I hope for the opportunity to interview with you, and will follow up with you.

Thank you for your consideration.

Sincerely, Jesse Bimal Blacksburg, Virginia 540-555-4523 [email protected]

Sample 3.5 — Letter of inquiry about employment possibilities, email fomat

Subject:  (logical to recipient!)  Inquiry about software engineering position after completion of M.S. in computer engineering

December 12, 20XY

Mr. Robert Burns President, Template Division Megatek Corporation Arlington, VA 22207 [email protected]

Dear Mr. Burns:

Next May I will complete my master of science in computer engineering at Virginia Tech. I found information about Megatek through an information session offered through the career center at my university, and am very excited about the career path options you offer for software engineers. I believe there is an excellent fit between my skills and interests and your needs.

As a graduate student, I am one of six members on a software development team in which we are writing a computer-aided aircraft design program for NASA. My responsibilities include designing, coding, and testing of a graphical portion of the program which requires the use of VWXDF for graphics input and output. I have a strong background in CAD, software development, and engineering, and believe that these skills would benefit the designing and manufacturing aspects of template software.  Attached is my resume with further details.

My qualifications equip me to make a contribution to the project areas in which your division of Megatik is expanding efforts.  I would appreciate the opportunity to discuss a position with you, and will contact you in a week to ten days to answer any questions you may have.  Thank you for your consideration.

Sincerely, Morgan Stevens Blacksburg, Virginia  |  540-555-2556 [email protected]

Sample 3.6 — Letter of inquiry about internship opportunities, email version

Subj: Wilderness Challenge internship position

January 12, 20XY

Ms. Sylvia Range Special Programs Assistant Marion County Family Court Wilderness Challenge Marion, VA 24560

Dear Ms. Range:

This semester I am a junior at Virginia Tech, working toward my bachelor's degree in family and child development. I am seeking an internship for this summer 20XY, and while researching opportunities in the field of youth development, I found your program. I am writing to inquire about possible internship opportunities with the Marion County Family Court Wilderness Challenge.

My work background and coursework have supplied me with many skills and an understanding of encouraging development of adolescents; for example:

• 10 hours per week as a volunteer hotline assistant for a local intervention center. After a 50-hour training program, I counseled teenagers about personal concerns and referred them, when necessary, to appropriate professional services for additional help.
• Wellness coordinator in my campus residence hall, which requires me to establish rapport with fifty residents and coach them on personal matters, university policies, and encourage healthy self-management habits to be successful in college.

My attached resume provides additional details about my background.

I will be in the Marion area during my spring break, March x-xx.  I will call you next week to see if it would be possible to meet with you in early March to discuss your program.

Sincerely, Sinclair Sosa Blacksburg, Virginia | 540-555-2233 | [email protected]

Sample 4.1 — Information seeking letter, email version

Mr. Idris Webb Delon Hampton and Associates Washington, DC

Dear Mr. Webb:

Next May I will complete my bachelor’s degree in Architecture at Virginia Tech, and am researching employment opportunities in the Washington metro area. I obtained your name from Professor (LastName) who teaches my professional seminar class this semester. S/he indicated that you had volunteered to provide highly motivated graduating students with career advice, and I hope that your schedule will permit you to allow me to ask for some of your time and advice. I am particularly interested in historic preservation and have done research on the DHA website to learn that your firm does work in this area. I am also interested in learning how the architects in your firm began their careers. My resume is attached simply to give you some information about my background and project work.

Within two weeks I will call you to arrange a time to speak to you by Zoom or perhaps visit your office if that would be convenient. I will be in the Washington area during the week of November 22. I very much appreciate your time and consideration of my request, and I look forward to talking with you.

Sincerely, Adara Alba Blacksburg, Virginia 540-555-1123 [email protected]

Sample 5.2 — Follow-up letter to information seeking meeting, email version

Subject:  (logical to recipient!)  Thank you for meeting Tuesday, Nov. 23

Mr. Javier Delon Delon Hampton and Associates Washington, DC 

Dear Mr. Delon:

Thank you so much for taking time from your busy schedule to meet with me on Tuesday. It was very helpful to me to learn so much about the current projects of Delon Hampton and Associates and the career paths of several of your staff. I appreciate your reviewing my portfolio and encouraging my career plans. I also enjoyed meeting Mil Menzur, and am glad to have her suggestions on how I can make the most productive use of my last semester prior to graduation.

Based on what I learned from my visit to your firm and other research I have done, I am very interested in being considered for employment with DHA in the future. I will be available to begin work after I graduate in May 20ZY. As you saw from my portfolio, I have developed strong skills in the area of historical documentation and this is a good match for the types of projects in which your firm specializes. My updated resume is attached to serve as a reminder of my background, some of which I discussed with you when we met.

During the next few months I will stay in contact with you in hopes that there may be an opportunity to join your firm. Thank you again for your generous help and guidance.

Sincerely, Kai Kalani Blacksburg, VA 24060 540-555-1123 [email protected]

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Write a Cover Letter

A cover letter is a formal business letter that serves as an introduction to your résumé and as a tool to market yourself to employers. A cover letter may accompany résumés you submit to employers during the job search process but is not necessary to distribute at career fairs or other networking events. A good cover letter will describe the reasons why the employer should consider inviting you for an interview. Learn more about writing cover letters by accessing the resources below.

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What To Expect At A Teacher Job Fair (Solid Tips)

Published on:

• April 16, 2023

No matter what your field is, a job fair may become a great opportunity to find your dream job in a reputable institute.

Even if you are a teacher, it may be the best place to land a job or at least get shortlisted for an interview.

You should make the most out of this opportunity to meet and mingle with potential decision-makers for hiring a teacher.

It’s a platform to widen your network to open doors to new opportunities and socializing with counterparts from the education sector.

Teaching job fairs and exhibitions offer job positions and may offer some benefits as well. It’s an ideal platform to know the hiring trends in the teaching profession.

You may see yourself going through screening tests or processes with certain schools, colleges, and universities without an interview.

It gives you an additional pondering point to add some value to your credentials to land a better job in the near future. Such fairs give you a wide range of options to drop your resume for many positions.

Resume Template

Know Details about Participating Schools, Colleges, Universities

Make thorough research rounding off details about participating schools, colleges, and universities at the teaching-fair. Ensure you know their requirements and what they have to offer.

As most of them may ask this intriguing question, what brought you here to work for our school? Your response to this question can make or break your impression. So, reply to it in the best manner to suffice their search in this question.

You should know about their demographics, mission statements, and key personnel conducting this exercise. Moreover, you should search for what profile or credential they are looking to hire?

All this pre-hand information will prepare you for the interview and improve your chances of landing a job. This way, you know what type of teacher they are looking for during short-listing or an interview.

Preparing for Teaching Job Fair

The foremost part is your  teacher resume  for orientation purposes. The more information you gain, the better resume you can create. A resume workshop for student teachers can help you build an impressive resume.

Many fair organizers go for Online Registration

Many organizers would give you an option to upload your resume online prior to a fair day. You should do it – this makes a good impact on that school’s organizing team taking part in the fair.

Portfolio – Your Resume and Cover Letter

You may ensure your resume and the covering letter represent you as the best candidate for the position you are applying for.

It should cover your experience, passion, and personality besides the credentials. In a manner, these documents should make you look like a valuable addition to recruiters.

Highlight your achievements, results coming from your academic papers. Tell them unique methods or show your can-do attitude. Your resume should include some tangible perspective for an employer to remember about you.

It is important for a teacher to show their recruiter they have produced certain results through different methods and skills. Mention the challenging task you had to deal with, how you resolved it, and achieved improved results.

This will prepare you for the big day.

Related:  Elementary Teacher Resume

What are your goals for attending the Teaching Career Fair?

What goal will you achieve by attending a Teaching Career Fair? You should set an aim if you intend to get success in the teaching job fair.

You may set certain targets about how many introductions you may able to make during the visit. A shortlist of participants will help you prepare better for the big day. You may get resume betterment advice if you are a new teacher without experience.

Related:  School Counselor Resume

You are at the Teaching Job Fair

After all the homework, you are all set to go to the event. But you still have to take care of certain things and ensure to leave the best impression on the recruiters. For this, you have to follow the tips mentioned below.

Remember, even simple things can still make a lot of difference once you are at the fair.

Early arrival

You should reach early to ensure you get the most out of this opportunity than others. This may help you avoid long queues. Early arrival will ensure you are reaching the potential hiring people before others.

Fresh presentation

Early arrival works equally well for you and the recruiters. Fresh mind, positive attitude, and well-preparedness may help you do exceptionally well at the interviews.

Professional Attire

You should present yourself in the best manner and dress up professionally. Casual dressing won’t help you leave a lasting impression.

That means you should:

• Wear clean Ironed clothes with no wrinkles that fit well
• Choose colors like gray, navy blue, or black suit with a white or light-colored shirt
• Women can wear a skirt or slacks, blouse. A button-down shirt is also a good option
• No strong perfumes or colognes
• Wear simple jewelry
• Wear minimal or natural makeup
• Wear comfortable shoes

Your professional dressing will make it easier for you to grab the recruiters’ attention and precisely stay on their employment option. Wearing distracting, bright, or fluorescent colors will not serve the purpose.

Related:  Professor Resume Samples

Self-confidence

Walkup to the recruiter directly and offer an assertive, firm handshake, even if you know that the school is not hiring teachers for the subject you teach.

Introduction

Introduce yourself, and tell them about the subject you can teach, your aim, your knowledge about that school, and your teaching experience, of course. Maintain eye contact with the interviewers and respond to their questions politely.

Before leaving,

• Check with them about their in-house process for hiring and the deadline for applying for the position.
• Establish your interest in the vacant post.
• Get the contact details of the person who is managing the hiring process. You can send thank you emails to your preferred employers for arranging this job fair.
• Personalize the messages by mentioning how your skills align with their mission and why you are the best candidate.

Miscellaneous

Don’t forget to keep a pen, notebook, list of target schools, copies of your resume, etc., in your bag. You must also have other documents you may need to fill out forms or applications.

Teaching fairs are job hunting places for you and draw a big crowd. Thus, if you want to stand out, you should bring your best, most organized, current teaching portfolio for all recruiters.

A resume is your career-making tool, so make sure it covers all important information that may help you land a job.

In the pre-fair preparedness stage, familiarize yourself with such methods as well. This will enable you to show the best about your teaching capabilities.

Dress up professionally and maintain a positive attitude during interviews. Most importantly, don’t forget to follow up.

Try attending more teacher job fairs; this will multiply your chances to land a job in a school offering better terms.

Marissa Letendre, SPHR, SHRM-SCP

Marissa Letendre is a senior HR leader and resume expert with over 12 years of experience. She has worked for both startups and Fortune 50 corporations and has helped thousands land jobs at top companies. Marissa has written on a wide range of topics, including employee engagement, career development, resumes, job searching, recruiting, and organizational effectiveness and has been featured on sites such as Slack and The Undercover Recruiter.

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University Career Services

• UCS - University Career Services

Career Resources

University Career Services provides many resources and services to students and alumni.

Below is our Quick Career Resource Guide. Our team has compiled this information to provide easy and efficient access for students and alumni to view relevant career resources. The list is separated by focus area and within each section, viewers can find specific videos, links to helpful websites, or worksheets.

Quick Career Resource Guide:

Major and Career Exploration

Job and internship preparation, career fairs, graduate and professional school, finances and salary negotiation, identity-based resources, are you career ready.

• Career Readiness is the attainment and demonstration of requisite competencies that broadly prepare college students for a successful transition into the workplace.
• The 8 competencies are highlighted in our Career Readiness Infographic .

Career Development Action Plans and Checklist

• University Career Services (UCS) has developed a Career Development Action Plan and Checklist that can help guide your career development and planning while at the University of Houston. We encourage you to read through each section and become familiar with the content.
• View our Career Development Checklist
• Explore Worksheet
• Finding your Passions Worksheet
• Occupational Outlook Handbook
• Engage Worksheet
• Setting SMART Goals
• Empower & Employ Worksheet
• Career Goal Diagram

Career Assessments

• Career or Vocational Assessment tools are designed to help students (1) identify their career and interests (2) help students explore their personality and how their preferences affect their interactions in the workplace (3) clarify their values, specifically what matters to them, e.g. making lots of money or feeling that what they do makes a difference, working alone or in a team.
• Focus 2 - Focus 2 is an innovative approach to career exploration and planning. This online tool is customized to connect your assessment results to the University of Houston's majors. Student instructions for Focus 2 .
• Explore Your Holland Codes to learn more about interests and careers that might be a good fit for you!
• The Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI)
• The Strong Interest Inventory (Strong)
• StrengthsQuest
• Logging in to Cougar Pathway
• Get Started with Focus2

Choosing a Major

• Explore Careers and Majors
• What can I do with this major?
• O*NET Online
• Discover UH Majors and Concentrations
• Choosing a Major Workshop

Resume, CV, Cover Letter

• A resume shows your relevant professional experiences, education, skills, volunteer activities, and honors in a written formal document and is used to apply for jobs or internships.
• Sample Resume
• VMock SMART Resume Platform
• is the top-rated professional resume writing and job search strategy business in Houston
• Cover letters serve as a written introduction of yourself expressing interest in a position within an organization. Cover letters are tailored for each position and highlight specific skills and abilities that relate to the job.
• Sample Cover Letter
• A curriculum vitae or CV is traditionally used in academic settings and tends to be multiple pages and could be used when applying for graduate or professional school, research positions, academic positions, or grant proposals
• Resume Workshop

Interview Preparation

• Practice makes perfect! If you have an upcoming interview, we are able to help you prepare.
• Career counselors can conduct mock interviews with you to better prepare you for your upcoming interview. Your career counselor will try to resemble a real interview as closely as possible, so please bring a copy of a job description and your resume to the appointment. Schedule an appointment in Cougar Pathway .
• Interviewing Workshop
• Virtual Interviewing Workshop
• How to Interview for Health Professional Schools

Interview Resources

• Preparing for an Interview
• General Interview Questions Page 1
• General Interview Questions Page 2
• Common Academic Interview Questions
• STAR Method
• Employer Research Worksheet
• Transferable Skills Worksheet
• Group Interviews
• Virtual Interviews (Skype or recorded)
• Phone Interviews
• In-Person Interviews
• Interview questions are designed by companies to make sure they are gathering enough information to determine if they want to hire you. Each company will have different questions depending on the position and responsibilities.
• Behavioral Interviews
• Technical Interviews
• Case Studies

Informational Interviews

• Informational Interviews are great ways for YOU to connect with professionals and learn more about their roles and responsibilities. Prepare strong, open-ended questions you hope to learn from the professional.
• How to Conduct an Informational Interview
• Sample Questions
• How to Connect Virtually with an Industry Professional Workshop

Regarding Gender Identity and Attire

• Your research on a particular employer or field, in addition to your comfort level, will assist in your choice to wear clothes associated with your gender identity or to wear gender-neutral clothing.
• Dress Code Policy
• University of Houston University Career Services (UCS) has developed a dress code policy based on employer feedback for all Career Fairs occurring during the Fall and Spring academic years. This includes virtual career fairs. UCS requires students to dress professionally in order to represent the University of Houston in a positive and professional business manner to those individuals visiting our campus.
• Short-sleeved shirts (tank tops or cut-off shirts)
• Exposed backs, arms, and midriffs
• Casual Sandals
• Shorts (Cargo, jeans, or khakis)
• Athletic Gear (Sweatpants, workout shorts, yoga pants, and hooded sweatshirts)

Professional Dress Resources

Currently enrolled   UH -Main and   UH -Sugarland campus students have access to the Professional Dress Assistance resources below.   Please check the links to their websites and social media accounts for updates .

• Career Gear : Career Gear's Philosophy is that successful employment serves as a catalyst for men to emerge as better fathers and leaders. Since 2004, Career Gear has helped over 7,000 men-in-need builds better lives. Career Gear offers services to low-income, job-ready men of all ages and ethnic backgrounds.   COVID-19 Update:   Career Gear will continue to serve career readiness needs and those who have obtained gainful employment in the last 30 days. However, these appointments will only be available on   Wednesdays   from 12:00 pm to 4:00 pm.
• Dress for Success : Dress for Success Houston promotes the economic independence of disadvantaged women by providing professional attire, a network of support, and career development tools to help women thrive in work and in life. Since 1998, Dress for Success Houston has provided business attire to more than 50,000 women in the Houston community.   COVID-19 Update:   Referral can be made from our office by selecting a professional attire appointment in Cougar Pathway, and complete the Dress for Success Survey after the appointment.
• A student will arrive; check Cougar Pathway to confirm they have an approved career closet appointment. To verify availability, appointments   must be scheduled one day prior .
• The career closet survey will be completed prior to arriving at your career closet appointment. In an effort to have a safe and contactless experience, there will be not an opportunity to try on the suit. It is important to take precise measurements and follow the size charts included in the survey.
• If suit size was shared in the survey and is available, it will be hung on the clothes rack behind the front desk with the student's name and PSID.
• If the student does not know their size, UCS staff will escort the student back to the UCS Career Closet (CC) and allow them to try on suits until they find one that fits appropriately. The student may use the changing room in the closet or they can use the restroom.
• STEP 3:   Once a suit has been chosen, the student will work with the UCS staff member to complete the suit sign out and pay $10 via credit or debit card only. Students must return the garments to the UCS office (Student Service Center 1, Room 106), or fines and UCS services penalties, will be incurred.

Networking / LinkedIn

• How to Build a Strong LinkedIn Profile
• 14 LinkedIn Profile Summaries That We Love and How To Boost Your Own
• Browse our calendar for a list of University of Houston career fairs
• Houston Meet Up

Career Fair Preparation

• A Career Fair is an event where recruiters and students can meet to discuss potential internship or career opportunities. During a Career Fair (traditionally) recruiters will stand at booths and students will walk around the event, stopping at booths to introduce themselves to the recruiter and give their resume. At the University of Houston, there are multiple Career Fairs per semester. Below is a link to all UH Career Fairs. NOTE: Some Career Fairs restrict attendance to specific majors.
• Career Fair FAQs - Know before you go!
• Check out our list of upcoming Career Fairs
• RSVP for the Career Fair via Cougar Pathway (Only applicable to UCS Career Fairs)
• Review the employers attending on Cougar Pathway and research their mission, vision, and open positions. Use our Employer Research Worksheet to note your research.
• Decide which employers you would like to meet with and plan a strategy for speaking with them
• Prepare your resume with the help of a career counselor
• Review our Career Fair Preparation Worksheet
• Practice answering the “tell me about yourself” question or work on your Elevator Pitch
• Pick our your Business Professional attire ( Dress Code Policy )
• Arrive early to park, prepare and relax!
• Dress Professionally
• Bring mints to maintain fresh breath (no gum)
• Do not wear strong cologne or perfume
• Do not bring a backpack or large purse
• Shake hands firmly, but not too firm
• Turn off or silence your cell phone
• Be enthusiastic and positive during the fair
• Be courteous of the recruiter’s time
• Thank the recruiter for their time
• Follow up with the recruiter, if possible

Preparing for Graduate or Professional School

• Graduate School Exploration Worksheet (Answer questions regarding your career/professional goals)
• Graduate School Check List (Use this list to check off tasks as you begin the process of applying)
• Pre-Law Checklist (Check off tasks as you prepare for the law school application process)
• Personal Statement Worksheet (Explore content ideas and organize your thoughts)
• Recommendation Letter Requests (How to ask for a Letter of Recommendation Tips + Template)
• Health Professions Advisory Committee (HPAC)
• (ADD Youtube Playlist)

Financial Literacy

• The first step to financial freedom is learning how to budget your financials. There are several budgeting apps and tools to choose from.
• Mint - Free online budgeting tool
• Nerdwallet - Credit card
• Stash - Savings tool
• Acorn - Savings tool
• Debt Reduction Calculator - Plan how to reduce debt
• Financial Literacy Workshop

Salary Negotiation

• Salary Conversion Chart
• Student Loan Affordability Calculator 
• Texas Reality Check
• Pay Check City
• Salary Negotiation Workshop

Resources for Community Members in Graduate School

• Schedule a 30 minute, one on one career counseling appointment . During the appointment, you can discuss any career-related topic, from resume/cv to salary negotiation.
• View our Interview prep resources and common interview questions for additional support.
• 20/20/20 for Graduate Students Workshop

Resources for Community Members with Criminal Records

• Navigating the Job Search with a Criminal Record

Resources for First-Generation College Students

• List of support services for UH students
• CareerSpring

Resources for Veterans Community Members

• UH Veterans' Services Office
• Military Hire
• Military Transition

Resources for African Americans Community Members

• Sista Circle for Black Women in Grad School
• Black Collegian Magazine
• Black Enterprise
• Racially and Ethnically Diverse Law School Applicants

Resources for LGBTQ Community Members

• UH LGBTQ Resource Center
• Change My Preferred Name in Cougar Pathway
• Out & Equal Workplace Advocates
• Best Places to Work in Texas for LGBTQ Workers
• Out for Undergrad (Business, Engineering, Marketing, and Tech)
• LGBTQ & Law School

Resources for Hispanic/Latino Community Members

• Hispanic Alliance for Career Enhancement
• Hispanic-Today
• Latinas REACH Discussion for Latina Graduate Students

Resources for Women Community Members

• UH Women and Gender Resource Center
• Women for Hire
• Women's Job List

Resources for International Community Members

• My World Abroad
• HIB Salary Database 
• My Visa Jobs
• International Student and Scholar Services (ISSSO)
• Steps for Curricular Practical Training (CPT) at UH
• International Student Career Development Town Hall
• Global Search for International Students Workshop
• Networking for International Students Workshop

Resources for Community Members with Disabilities

• Justin Dart, Jr. Student Accessibility Center
• Ability Jobs
• Getting Hired
• The Lime Network
• Job Accommodation Network (JAN)
• Law School Applicants with Disabilities
• Accommodations for GRE Test Takers
• Texas Workforce Solutions - Vocational Rehabilitation Services
• 2022 Disability Employment Symposium Panel

Resources for Undocumented Students

• Higher Ed Immigration Portal - (a platform that integrates data, policy analysis, and resources to support DACA and undocumented, refugee, other immigrants, and international students).
• Parker Dewey - Micro-Internships
• Undocumented Entrepreneurs - (Guide for aspiring Entrepreneurs).
• Civil Rights employment reminders for DACA recipients