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The Cover Letter
Your Name
Street Address
City, State Zip Code
Phone Number
E-Mail Address
Today's Date
(Mr./ Mrs./ Ms./ Dr.) First & Last Name, Job Title
Department
Company
Street Address
City, State ZIP
Dear (Mr./ Mrs./ Ms./ Dr.) First & Last Name:
Your opening paragraph should arouse the reader's interest. Tell why you are writing the letter.
State that you are applying for a specific position and indicate how you found out about the job.
Explain why you are specifically interested in employment with this company.
Your middle paragraph(s) should address the employer's hiring needs. Target the information to
the job requirements and/or research the employer to identify what those needs may be. Give
detailed information about your relevant qualifications and how they match the job requirements,
and show the reader why s/he should consider you as a prospective employee. Be as specific
as possible about what you can do; don't make the reader try to guess. After reading this letter,
there shouldn’t be any doubt in the reader’s mind as to why you think you are qualified.
In your closing paragraph, refer the reader to your enclosed resume and thank the reader for
taking time to review your materials. Mention your interest in an interview. You may also state
that you will follow-up in writing or by phone after a specific date.
Sincerely,
Your Name
Enclosure: Resume (this is traditionally written when a paper copy of your cover letter and
resume are being mailed; it may be left off when the documents are being e-mailed or uploaded
to an online application.)
