Cover Letter | Welcome to CSO

A cover letter is more than a formality - it's your chance to connect the dots for the employer. It shows why you're excited about a role, how your experiences align with their needs, and what makes you a strong candidate beyond the bullet points on your resume.

Think of it as your professional story: why this role, why this organization, and why you.

Start with the LUMS Cover Letter Guide

The official LUMS Cover Letter Guide walks you through:

What to include in each paragraph
How to structure your letter for impact
Examples, formatting tips, and common mistakes to avoid

Download the LUMS Cover Letter Guide

What to Include in Your Cover Letter

Most effective cover letters have 3–4 short, purposeful paragraphs:

Introduction

State the position you're applying for
Mention how you found out about the opportunity (if relevant)
Express genuine enthusiasm for the position or organization

Body Paragraph(s)

Show how your skills and experiences connect directly to the role
Highlight 2–3 key strengths, achievements, or experiences (don't repeat your resume - add context or a story)
Demonstrate your understanding of the employer's needs and how you'll contribute

Closing

Reaffirm your interest and motivation
Thank them for considering your application
Invite them to review your resume and contact you

Use AI to Help Draft and Improve Your Cover Letter

AI tools can be a helpful starting point—but they shouldn't replace your voice.

Top Tips from the LUMS Cover Letter Guide

Customize every letter - generic templates get ignored
Address it to a specific person, if possible (if not, "Dear Hiring Manager" is acceptable)
Match your tone to the organization's culture (professional, yet authentic - not robotic)
Keep the design consistent with your resume (same font, header style, spacing)

When Do I Need a Cover Letter?

If the job posting asks for one
For competitive roles, internships, or grad programs
To explain unique circumstances (career change, gap year, switching industries)
Not always needed for bulk applications - but writing one can still set you apart.

Downloadable Resources

LUMS Cover Letter Guide (PDF)

Cover Letter Checklist (Quick Ref PDF)

Sample Cover Letters by Industry (PDF)

Get Personalized Feedback

Whether it's your first cover letter or a dream job application, our CSO team can help with: