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Creating your Cover Letter:

The purpose of a cover letter is to show how your background fits the particular job and organization to which you are applying. You are also demonstrating to a prospective employer that you are the right person for the position and that you have a specific interest in working for that organization. There are two basic types of cover letters: letters of application and letters of inquiry. A letter of application is used to apply for a position currently available. A letter of inquiry is sent to express interest in working for a particular employer. Most major employers do not keep resumes on file unless they have positions available. Therefore, letters of inquiry should be limited. Contact the employer for their policies on unsolicited letters and resumes prior to sending them.

> Click here for a sample Cover Letter [.pdf]
> Click here for the Complete Guide to Writing your Cover Letter [.pdf]

General Suggestions -

  • Include a cover letter when sending, emailing or faxing a resume.
  • Highlight how you can contribute to the organization to which you are applying.
  • Call attention to items on your resume rather than duplicating all the information included on the resume.
  • Be brief. In most cases a one-page letter is sufficient.
  • Never use a “generic” cover letter. Each one should be customized for a specific job or company.

Key Sections -

  • Return Address: Your return address and phone number should appear in the top-left hand corner, without your name.
  • Date: Should appear two lines beneath your return address on the right side of the page. (Ex. May 12, 2004)
  • Addressee: Two lines beneath the date, list the full name of the addressee. On the next line, list the individual’s formal business title; on the subsequent line, list the name of the company. This is followed by the company’s address, which generally takes two lines.
  • Salutation: Should be typed two lines beneath the company’s address. Should begin with “Dear Mr.” Or “Dear Ms.” Followed by the individual’s name and a colon.
  • First Paragraph: State immediately and concisely which position you wish to be considered for and what makes you the best candidate for the position. If responding to an ad, be sure to reference the name of the publication and the date the ad appeared. Keep first paragraph short and hard-hitting.
  • Second Paragraph: Detail what you contribute to the company, and show how your qualifications will benefit this firm. Remember to keep it brief. Describe your interest in the corporation. Subtly emphasize your knowledge about this firm and your familiarity with the industry.
  • Final Paragraph: In this paragraph, thank the person for their time and consideration and politely request an interview. Include your phone number with the hours you can be reached, or mention that you will follow up with a phone call within several days to arrange an interview at a mutually convenient time. (Example: I would like to interview with you at your earliest convenience. I am best reached between 3:00 and 5:00pm at 239-555-5555.)
  • The Closing: The closing should be two lines beneath the body of the letter. Keep the closing simple-“Sincerely” suffices. Four lines underneath this, type your full name as it appears on your resume. Sign your typed name in black ink.
  • The Enclosure Line: If you are enclosing a resume or other materials with your letter, include an enclosure line, flush left, at the bottom of the letter. (Example: Enc. Resume)