1 of 14

COVER LETTERS

​

​

2 of 14

Always write a new cover letter for the position you’re applying for.

​

​

​

3 of 14

Purpose of a Cover Letter

​

  • A way to introduce yourself to the employer.
  • An employer can learn more about you.
  • Why you’re the best candidate for the job.
  • It focuses on specific parts of your resume that employers are looking for.
  • Do you have the right skills, abilities, and experience?
  • How well you communicate with the reader (hiring manager).
  • No grammatical errors, typos, misspellings.
  • Address the company’s specific needs.
  • Do not purposely make it lengthy.
  • Do not copy from someone else.

​

​

​

​

​

4 of 14

INGREDIENTS OF A SUCCESSFUL COVER LETTER

  • Return address
  • The date
  • The addressee
  • The salutation
  • First paragraph
  • Second paragraph
  • Third paragraph
  • Final paragraph
  • The closing
  • The enclosure line

​

5 of 14

Return Address

Your return address should include your full

address.

​

Don’t forget an apartment number, space

number, or unit number if it applies.

​

Include your telephone number with the area

code, and an email address.

6 of 14

The Date

  • The full date should be two lines below your address.

​

  • Write out the date.

7 of 14

The Addressee

  • Always try to find out the name, proper title, and complete address before you send your cover letter.

​

  • Since most applications are emailed, this information may not always be available.

​

  • If you don’t know who to address your cover letter to, you can put “ Human Resources Manager”.

​

  • This will help ensure that the right person receives your information.

8 of 14

The Salutation

  • Use “Dear Mr.” or “Dear Ms.” followed by the individual’s name.

​

  • Never use the first name in a salutation.

​

  • Use “Dear Hiring Manager” if you are unable to get the name of the person who does the hiring.

9 of 14

First Paragraph

  • State the position you are applying for and how you found out about that position.

​

  • Reference the name and date of the advertised opening.

​

10 of 14

Second Paragraph

  • Did you read the advertisement?

​

  • What are the required qualifications to fill this position?

​

  • Discuss your skills, abilities, experience, and any other qualifications you have as you apply for the open position.

​

  • Describe a personal experience like your most recent job and how that experience might relate to the position you’re applying for.

​

11 of 14

Third Paragraph

  • Did you look at the employer’s website?

​

  • Describe why you are interested in working for that specific employer.

​

  • Why would you be a “good fit”?

​

  • How familiar are you with that type of work or industry?

12 of 14

Final Paragraph

  • Request an interview.

​

  • Remind the employer how you can be contacted.

13 of 14

The Closing

  • Type “Sincerely” left flush or center.

​

  • Type your name four lines after sincerely. This allows enough space to sign your name above your printed name.

​

  • Use black ink.

14 of 14

The Enclosure Line

  • Anytime you send documents in a letter, refer the reader to the enclosures.

​

  • When you enclose your resume, type “enclosure: resume” flush left at the bottom of the letter.