Writing Cover Letters

Applying for jobs has, personally, always been very intimidating and confusing. The only experience I have is a job I got through an internship. I didn’t have to actually apply for either since it was with a theatre company I’d done shows with before. They were already familiar with who I was and what my work ethic was like. Thanks to college applications and auditions, resumes aren’t scary for me anymore. However, I frankly didn’t know exactly what a cover letter was until this semester. Someone from the career center briefly explained how my resume and cover letter should look. Still, the thought of writing a cover letter intimidated me. I wouldn’t know the first place to begin. Nor did I entirely understand the point of them. I’d always think, “Why have a cover letter when an employer can just look at your resume?” This week’s discussion, though, not only helped me better understand how to write a cover letter, but also made me realize how important they are in showcasing your personality. A resume alone will never help someone determine whether or not you’re a personality they want to work with. Cover letters sell you, not your credentials.