Cover Letter Format

Your Address
Date

Contact Person
Title
Department
Employer's Name
Address

Dear Mr./Mrs./Ms./Dr. (Contact Person):

First Paragraph - Introduction (2 - 4 sentences)
Establishes the purpose of your letter, attracts attention and arouses interest.

• State why you are writing by naming the specific position or longer career aspirations.
• Tell how you heard about the position/employer and why you are interested in it.
• Insert a brief sentence that gives your degree, major, college affiliation, graduation date.
• Mention the name of your contact person, if applicable.

Second/Third Paragraph - Body (1 - 2 paragraphs, depending on background)
Generate interest with content by indicating how much employer research you have done and how your skills/background match the employer's needs.

• Indicate how you can help the employer achieve organizational goals in your specialty. Focus on what you can do for them rather than why you want the position.
• Highlight your most significant accomplishments, abilities, and experiences that are specifically relevant to the employer and job requirements.
• Sell your credentials - your mission is to prove you should be invited to an interview. Make reference to enclosures.
• Do not simply repeat your resume but point out important experiences and key assets - show some of this to demonstrate to the employer your more personal qualities which cannot be indicated on a resume.

Fourth Paragraph - Closing (4 sentences maximum)
State your commitment to action.

• Take the initiative to make clear what happens next - you will be calling to arrange an appointment, and/or ask for additional information.
• State your availability. Let them know if/when you will be in the area.
• Do not indicate you will be waiting for the employer to contact you.
• Thank the employer.

Very truly yours/Sincerely,

Your Signature

Your Name Typed