Writing Cover Letters

How should I format my cover letter?

Use 1-inch margins.Left-align all paragraphs, or indent the first

line of each paragraph.Use consistent, readable font type and size

(such as 10-point Arial or 11 or 12-point Times New Roman).

Use white space between sections and between paragraphs.

Fill 1 page (single-spaced).

What should I include in my cover letter?heading greetingstatement of interestexpression of qualificationssummary of interest and qualificationsclosing

HeadingInclude your name and address.Include the full date: month, day, and year. Include the name, position, department,

and address of the specific person who will be reading the letter.Make every attempt to find out the name of

the person who will be reading your cover letter, but if no name can be found, use the person’s position, such as Hiring Manager. This is preferable to using “To Whom It May Concern.”

Example: HeadingEthos P. Tigris 3500 John A. Merritt Blvd.Nashville, TN 37209

January 25, 2010

Dr. Johnanna GrimesDirectorTennessee State University Writing Center3500 John A. Merritt Blvd.Nashville, TN 37209

GreetingUse Dear Mr./Ms./Dr. _____: (or Dear Hiring

Manager:)

Example: GreetingDear Dr. Grimes:

Statement of InterestIn the first paragraph, state the position

you are interested in and how you found out about it.

Briefly tell why you’re interested in the position.

Example: Statement of InterestI am writing regarding the posting on the Tennessee State University website for a Graduate Student Tutor in the Writing Center. Since I am currently pursuing my Master’s in English at TSU, I believe this experience would enhance my graduate studies.

Expression of QualificationsIn the following paragraph(s), discuss what

makes you qualified for the position.

Example: Expression of Qualifications

Having served as the Writing Center Data Assistant for the past semester, I am particularly qualified to become a Writing Center tutor. I have had the opportunity to distribute surveys to students following their sessions, so I am already familiar with many of the students. I also worked with several of the same students as a Freshman English I and II peer tutor in the ICAN Tutorial Center. Writing Center tutors have used some of the materials on MLA format and plagiarism that I developed for Freshman English, and I presented these materials as a guest workshop leader for the Writing Center.

In addition, tutoring in the Writing Center will allow me to experience students’ approaches to various writing assignments as I prepare to teach my own writing classes during my second year as a Master’s student. Furthermore, these sessions will assist me as I write my Master’s thesis: “The Tutor-Teacher Identity in the Writing Center: Styles and Responses.” Not only will I study similarities and differences between other tutors’ tutoring and teaching styles, but I will also discover my own and use this valuable information in my future teaching career.

Summary of Interest and Qualifications

In the last paragraph, summarize your interest and qualifications.

Example: Summary of Interest and Qualifications

I bring with me familiarity with the TSU Writing Center and the students it serves as well as a desire to prepare myself to teach. Tutoring in the Writing Center would provide me with the experience I need while providing the Writing Center with an experienced tutor.

ClosingThank the reader for considering you for

the position.Indicate any other materials you are

sending.Close with the following: Sincerely, Type your name, and sign your name above

your typed name.

Example: ClosingEnclosed are my transcripts and resume. Thank you for considering me for the position of Graduate Student Writing Tutor.

Sincerely,

Ethos P. Tigris

Example: Cover Letter

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For more information about how to write cover letters or for help with other writing concerns, come to TSU’s Writing Center.

Visit room 300 in the Learning Resources Center or call 615.963.5102 to make an appointment.