Introduction to Cover Letters – Tips and Tricks

Cover letters are an opportunity in an application to expand upon the experience listed in your resume. Without repeating everything in your resume, this letter should be a customized to the job demonstrating why you are the best candidate. To get you started, review the format below.

First Name Last Name

Address (Street Address, City, State Zip Code) Phone Number (make sure that you are comfortable with the phone number you are providing) Email address (your email address must be professional. You may choose to use your school email address)

Note: Your contact information should be easily visible and formatted like your resume.

Date

Name Title of Specific Person Company Name Address

Dear First Name Last Name or Hiring Manager/Committee

Note: Make it personal – address your letter to a specific person within the company. If the person has a unisex first name, use their full name.

First Paragraph: State the reason for the letter, the specific position you are applying for, and why you are interested in the job. This letter should be customized to the job description and should catch the reader’s attention!

Second Paragraph: Provide specifics about what you can do for the employer. Mention any experiences that relate to the position, describe something from your resume in further detail, or mention characteristics you hold that apply to the position. When mentioning characteristics, you should always have an example to support the claim.

Final Paragraph: Refer the reader to the enclosed resume. Indicate your desire for a personal interview. Mention times you’re available and a preferred form of communication (you can repeat your phone number or email address here). Don’t forget to thank the reader for their consideration!

Note: Don’t forget to PROOFREAD!

Sincerely,

(Insert your signature if you are mailing this or a script font if you are emailing it)

Your name typed