What Do You Say in a Cover Letter ( Unit4 53 ) A cover letter is a letter of introduction sent along with a resume of curriculum vitae (CV). How do you write a successful cover letter? Bear these points in mind, and you’ll always make a great impression. Keep your cover letter brief and to the point. Writing more than one page is usually unnecessary. If it is sent in an email, writing three short paragraphs is quite sufficient. Explain why you are sending a resume. Don’t make the reader guess what you are asking for. Tell specifically how you learned about the position or the organization-a flyer posted in your department, a web site, a family friend who works at the organization, etc. Convince the reader to look at your resume. The cover letter will be seen first. Therefore, it must be very well writer and targeted to that employer. Call attention to your background-education, leadership, experience-that is relevant to the position you are seeking. Provide any information specifically requested in the job advertisement that might not be covered in your resume, such as availability date, or references.