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On this page:

Cover Letter Content

Cover Letters Online

Cover Letter Dos and

Don’ts

Writing a Cover Letter

Cover Letter Content

Contact Information

Your NameAddressCity, ST Zip Code

Date

Name (Remember to address the cover letter to a person. If you do not have a name, call the department or humanresources to find out to whom your letter should be addressed. As a last resort, address your letter to the personnelmanager, hiring manager, or recruiting representative)

Name (Mr./Ms. First Name Last Name)TitleCompany/OrganizationAddressCity, ST Zip Code

Salutation

Dear Mr./Ms. Last Name:

Opening Paragraph

This section should include:

Your intent in writing the letter

The position for which you are applying and how you learned about it

if you are not aware of a specific position, state your area of interest

A brief introduction of yourself, your major, and your anticipated degree

A reference to the individual who recommended that you contact the organization or other factors that prompted you to

apply

Why you are interested in the organization and anything you know about their product or service

Second Paragraph

This section should highlight:

Search

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Your qualifications

Aspects of your background that would be of greatest interest to the organization

focus on skills, activities, accomplishments, and past experience you can contribute to the organization and its work

use action verbs that describe relevant skills and expertise you can contribute

The "fit" between the employer’s hiring needs and your interests, experience, and skills

Why you want to work for the organization and what you would enjoy doing for them

Your knowledge of the organization and industry/field

mention specific knowledge you may have such as computer applications, foreign languages, lab techniques,

writing and editing capabilities

Third Paragraph

Finish the letter by:

Stating that you would like to discuss employment opportunities or other information with the individual and that you will

call or email to follow up on your letter

this demonstrates your initiative and follow-through and will help you maintain control of your efforts

Other points that can be made in the last paragraph:

Expression of your willingness to provide additional information

Stating a specific time when you will follow up by phone or e-mail

Letting the employer know if and when you are going to visit their area

Thanking the person receiving your letter for their time and consideration

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Cover Letters Online

These letters are about half the length of a regular cover letter, be succinct

Mention how you found out about the position, what you are looking for, and what you have to offer

Mention a few key words the organization might want to hear

Compose your letter off-line first before pasting it into an outgoing e-mail message or sending it as an attachment

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Cover Letter Dos and Don’ts

Dos

Do compile your thoughts in advance of composing the letter

your ideas may not come out logically or sequentially, but write them down

Do ask for opinions, advice, and feedback from friends, a career counselor, or someone in the profession

Do spend time on your letter and concentrate on composing a well-worded and concise letter

as the adage goes, "With part-time effort, you get part-time results"

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‹ Cover Letters up Sample Cover Letters ›

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Cover Letters

Do write a draft, let it cool off overnight, and then rewrite if necessary

Do limit your letter to one page

Do take the opportunity to say something about yourself, while also focusing on the needs of the employer

Do write the way you talk

Do personalize each letter to fit the specific circumstances, position, or organization

Do use a strong close, e.g. "After you have had an opportunity to review this letter and the attached resume, I will call

you…"

Do remember to sign the letter and include your telephone number and e-mail address

Do meticulously check spelling and grammar

Do use letter-quality printer paper or high quality bond paper if submitting a hard copy

white, off-white, or ivory

Do follow-up

you’ll improve your odds of moving along in the process if you follow up your letters with a phone call

Do devise a system to keep track of the follow-up steps you will take and the responses you receive

many students have found that binders or file folders for organizing the job search and its correspondence are

essential

Don’ts

Don’t use a weak ending such as "I look forward to your reply" or "Please call me at your earliest convenience"

Don’t use the pronoun "I" to start every sentence

Don’t clutter your letter with fancy fonts or elaborate formatting

business letters should look conservative and professional

Don’t mark letters "personal and confidential" unless there is a solid reason why a secretary or an administrative

assistant can’t open them

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Writing a Cover Letter

Sample Cover Letters

Writing Academic Cover Letters

Sample Academic Cover Letters

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