Published: February 7, 2025 by Aryn Prestia

Our last career blog post focusing on cover letters was published
six
years ago. In some industries, employers no longer even
ask for a cover letter during the application process. But in the
information science space, cover letters are still an important
part of job applications. 

Cover letters are a potential opportunity to differentiate
yourself from other candidates. You can also make it clear that
you’ve done your research and are serious about the role. For
example, in your cover letter you can:

• Acknowledge research that you’ve completed on the
  organization. Remember to include why you are interested in this
  specific library. Are they actively involved in the community? Do
  they host some fun special events? 
• Talk about specific projects or assignments. If the job
  description is looking for a candidate with experience in project
  management, you can mention your experience in a student
  organization or perhaps a group project that you were in charge
  of. 
• Mention the elements of the job that most interest you.
  Perhaps the library has a robust genealogy collection, your cover
  letter provides a great opportunity to talk about your experience
  with genealogical databases and your desire to stay up to date on
  family history trends. 

If you need some ideas for crafting the letter you can review the
Cover Letter Template below as you craft your own: 

Cover Letter Template

Hiring Manager [or name if you have it]

[Library]

[Address]

[City, State, Zip Code] 

[Date]

Dear Hiring Manager,

I am writing to apply for the San Jose Public Library job
posted on the California Library Association website,
specifically the “Library 1” [job title].

I believe there is a solid match between the job requirements
and my background and expertise, but I would also like to express
how excited I would be to work for the San Jose Public Library
because of the specific programs and contributions SJPL brings to
the broader San Jose community. For example, … [here you could
put up to  3 cool things that you’ve learned about SJPL that
reflect well on the organization and its activities/impact]. I
would look forward to an opportunity to contribute my skills to
supporting and furthering that important mission, especially as I
continue to grow throughout my career as a librarian. 

Regarding the specifications of the Library 1 position, the
job description calls for…. [you could list the top 3-5
requirements as bullet points, for example:]

Attention to detail

Customer service experience

Strong collaboration skills

Comfortable working with diverse constituencies

I believe these are all key elements of public library work
at every level, and my previous experience aligns solidly with
these requirements. For example, my job as Do Cover Letters Matter Anymore? – SJSU necessitated
extremely strong attention to detail. My work as [title or role]
helped me develop empathetic customer service skills able to put
individuals at ease regardless of their circumstances or needs,
which varied based on their backgrounds. In addition, a
substantial part of my responsibilities when working as [title or
job] was connecting to and collaborating with other service
providers (both individuals and organizations) throughout the
community.

As a recent graduate of the San José State University School
of Information MLIS program, I’m eager to join an organization
whose approach to public librarianship is people- and
community-centered so I can support and help advance those
values. I strongly admire the positive impact San Jose Public
Library and its librarians strive to have in the community, and
would be honored to begin and grow my library career with
SJPL. 

I look forward to the opportunity to discuss the job and how
my skills align with your needs at your earliest
convenience.

Warmest regards,

[Name]

[Full Name]

[Phone Number]

[E-mail]

Even if not every employer takes the time to read cover letters,
it’s better to assume they will, and make the most of this
opportunity to help yourself stand out.

Two More Things!

Don’t forget to keep up to date with job openings on Handshake,
here are a few that might be of interest!

Also, remember that internships can be an especially valuable
part of your learning experience at the iSchool while also
helping you when it comes time to look for jobs. Learn more about
the iSchool’s internship program here,
where you can check out the INFO 294 Student Handbook as
well as the Internship Sites
database.