Sample of Cover Letter Format
Your Address (beginning at center of page)
City, State, Zip
Date
Person's Name (aligned at left margin)
Title
Organization
Address
City, State, and Zip
Dear Name:
Paragraph 1: Indicate specifically what you are applying for
and how you found out about the position (whether through a person,
publication or other means). When writing to inquire about possible
openings, state the specific type of work you are seeking.
Paragraph 2: Call attention to the specific qualifications that
make you a strong candidate for this opportunity. This may be
work experience, skills, or other characteristics that are relevant
to meeting the needs and challenges the employer faces. Stress
your talent and skills and how they can favorably impact this
prospective employer. Refer the reader to your enclosed resume.
Do not put the focus on how the job will fill your needs; focus
on how you can meet the employer's needs and challenges. This
is the key paragraph which can differentiate you from the next
candidate.
Paragraph 3: Request a personal appointment to discuss the opportunity.
Indicate when and how you are going to contact the person to
discuss your status for this opportunity. Thank the reader for
their time and consideration regarding your application.
Sincerely,
(Your Signature)
Your Name Typed
COVER LETTER CHECKLIST
- If possible, is it addressed to a specific person?
- In response to an ad, did you state the specific
job title?
- Did you use specific examples to sell yourself?
- Did you make reference to your resume?
- Are your top and bottom margins relatively equal?
- Did you remember to say thank you?
- Will your letter attract and hold the reader's
attention?
- Are there too many I's?
- Is the letter concise and error-free?
- Did you sign the letter?
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