FORMAT
COVER LETTER
ME + YOU = US
COVER LETTER
EXAMPLE
an employer’s unique need.
1
Your Full Name
Address
Phone
Email
Create a consistent look for your
application materials by using
the same heading as your
resume.
CHIP A. WAY
1
2
2
Date
Actual Person’s Name
Title
Organization/Company Name
Address
3
When you are e-mailing, mailing,
or posting the letter, be sure to
include the date.
3
When possible, address the
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address, include the company,
5
Dear Mr./Ms./Mrs./Dr. Last Name,
S
tate which position you are applying for and where you found the
opening. Be sure to mention the names and titles of any referrals. Give
information that shows your interest in the company and why you are
opportunity.
Explain why you are interested in working for this employer.
4 Show enthusiasm in your
salutation instead of the
common “Dear Mr. Last Name.” If
you don’t know his/her last
name, you could use “Hiring
Committee.”
5 INTRODUCTION:
• Identify the position you are
seeking
• Mention names/titles of any
referrals.
• Thank the person for past
communication.
• Connect through common
the organization and job description. Avoid repeating information found on
information.
L
eave the reader with one last deliverable either about yourself or
why you would like to work for that company. Thank the reader for their
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the opportunity, and why you
are interested.
area, interview, start date, or hire).
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Best regards,
BODY:
• Highlight and expand on your
Your Full Name match the position and employ-
er’s culture.
• Develop themes based on
experiences or skills that match
the opportunity.
• Include transferable skills,
PRO LEVEL TIPS: experiences.
• Provide concrete evidence
throughout to showcase skills.
• Avoid generic statements that
are not validated with any
1 Use the same header as your resume to ensure consistency in application materials.
2 Only include priority information – most cover letters are only one page or slightly less.
6
ADDITIONAL TIPS:
When you’re not face-to-face with an employer, your cover letter is
your introduction.
1 The best cover letters are customized for the employer receiving them.
2 Show an employer that you’re the best candidate by tailoring your experiences with what
they’re looking for in the job description (see page 24 for an example).
3 Emphasize what the company does that intrigues you (e.g. special projects, reputation, etc.
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4 Conclude by informing the employer of when and how you will follow-up with them.
CONCLUSION:
Consider summarizing your
when you are available (relocat-
5 Convert your document to a PDF before uploading to prevent an extra blank page.
start date, or hire).
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3 Be professional and direct while showing a personal interest and passion for their industry
4 APPLYING BY EMAIL: Your email message can become a quick summary of your cover letter.
Avoid using the same language as your letter. Simply stating “See Attached” can be a missed
opportunity and shows lack of interest.
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