Cover Letter Guidelines and Example (click here to view this page only)

Your Name

[Street Address, City ST ZIP]

[Phone Number]

[email address]

Rectangular Callout: Be sure that when you type in names, addresses and titles that you CAPITALIZE them.

[Today's Date]

Rectangular Callout: Often you can start with something significant about yourself that relates to why you are applying for this job.

Always be sure to indicate WHAT job you are applying for and where you found out about it. [Addressee's Name]

[ProfessionalTitle]

[Organization Name]

[Mailing Address]

[City, ST ZIP]

Dear [Mr. or Ms. Last Name]:

Start your letter with a grabber--a statement that establishes a connection with your reader, a probing question, or a quotable quote. Briefly say what job you are applying for.

The mid-section of your letter should be one or two short paragraphs that make relevant points about your qualifications. You should not summarize your resume! You may incorporate a column or bullet point format here.

Rectangular Callout: Do NOT restate your RESUME. However, HIGHLIGHT 2-3 SKILLS that you have that you feel make you VALUABLE for this job.

Use ACTION WORDS (verbs) in a short PHRASE (e. g., “can make change”)

relevant qualification 1

relevant qualification 2

relevant qualification 3

Your last paragraph should initiate action by explaining what you will do next (e. g., call the employer) or instigate the reader to contact you to set up an interview. Close by saying “thank you”.

Sincerely yours,

Rectangular Callout: Depending on the case, it is sometimes a good idea to offer to call within a business week to check up on the status of your application.

This lets the employer know you are willing to take responsibility and that you are still interested.

[handwritten signature]

[Your Name, typed]

Enclosure: resume

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