A cover letter is a one-page introduction that accompanies your résumé when applying for internships or jobs. It allows you to explain your interest in a specific role and demonstrate how your skills and experiences align with the employer’s needs.
While your résumé highlights what you’ve done, a cover letter tells the story of why those experiences matter for a particular opportunity.
At RPI, we encourage students to use cover letters to connect their academic projects, internships, research, and leadership experiences to the problems an employer is trying to solve.
Writing a Winning Cover Letter
When Should You Send a Cover Letter?
You should submit a cover letter when:
- The employer requests one
- The application portal allows you to upload one
- You want to demonstrate strong interest in a role
- You need to explain how your experiences relate to the position
- You are making a pivot in roles or industries and want to explain the new focus
- You have a gap in your resume, for whatever reason, and would like to elaborate
Even when not required, a thoughtful cover letter can help distinguish your application because it shows communication and writing skills as well as your genuine interest in the organization.
What Employers Look For
Employers typically read cover letters to understand three things:
Explain why you are interested in the specific position and how it fits your goals.
Demonstrate that you’ve researched the company and understand what they do.
Provide examples that show how your skills, experiences, and projects make you a strong candidate.
Strong cover letters connect the employer’s needs with your experiences rather than simply repeating your résumé.
Structure of a Strong Cover Letter
Most effective cover letters follow a simple structure:
- State the position you’re applying for
- Mention how you found the opportunity
- Share a brief overview of your qualifications
- Explain why the organization interests you
Example:
I am writing to apply for the Mechanical Engineering Intern position at Lockheed Martin. As a junior studying mechanical engineering at RPI with experience in CAD modeling and aerospace research, I am excited about the opportunity to contribute to your advanced propulsion team.
Use one or two paragraphs to demonstrate how your background relates to the role.
You might discuss:
- Research projects
- Internships
- Technical skills
- Leadership experiences
- Design projects
- Team collaboration
Focus on specific examples of impact, not just responsibilities.
Example:
During my aerospace design course, I led a team of four students in developing a prototype UAV wing structure using SolidWorks and MATLAB simulations. This project strengthened my ability to translate engineering theory into practical design solutions and collaborate effectively within a multidisciplinary team.
Employers want to see evidence of skills and accomplishments, not generic claims.
End by:
- Reaffirming your interest in the role
- Thanking the employer for their consideration
- Indicating you would welcome the opportunity to discuss further
Example:
Thank you for considering my application. I would welcome the opportunity to further discuss how my engineering background and project experience could contribute to your team.
Formatting Guidelines
Keep your cover letter professional and easy to read.
Recommended guidelines:
- Length: 1 page
- Font: 10–12 pt (same font as your résumé)
- Margins: ~1 inch
- Alignment: left-aligned block format
- File type: PDF unless instructed otherwise
Consistency between your résumé and cover letter creates a more polished application.
