The cover letter is a separate document to support the résumé. It’s not a place to repeat items stated in the résumé, but to elaborate on unique qualifications that make you a strong candidate. This is where you tell why you’re excited to work at the organization and what specific experience you bring to it, and where you talk in depth about your top two or three qualifications.

  

Helpful tips

 

1. Proofread at least three times.

2. Read it aloud.

3. Print it out and have at least two people review format and content.

4. Match the header (your name and contact information) to your résumé’s to maintain a consistent, polished look.

5. Be mindful of your tone; strike a balance between professional, genuine excitement, and humility. You don’t want to sound like you lack confidence or that you are prideful.

 

See Sample Cover Letters

Do

 

  • Be concise, original and direct.

  • Promote yourself.

  • Focus on the positives.

Don't

 

  • Be vague, too wordy, boastful, presumptuous, or deceptive.

  • Summarize your résumé.

  

Cover Letter Checklist

Overall format and editing
  • I wrote one page in correct business letter format: left justified, no indents starting paragraphs, single-spaced, line breaks between paragraphs and sections, 10-12 pt font.

 

  • I had at least two people review the letter for spelling, errors and to make sure it is tailored to the opportunity.

 

  • The tone is confident and positive, showing genuine interest and highlighting my abilities. It is not boastful; it is not negative about me or the company.
 

  

My address block or header (2 - 4 lines)
  • My name, address (optional), city, state and ZIP code (optional), phone number, and professional email address are included in my header, each on its own line with no spaces between lines.

 

  • I placed my header in one of three locations: 1) at the top of the letter before the date, formatted identical to my résumé header, 2) at the top of the letter before the date, formatted as a left justified block or 3) at the bottom of the letter below my signature, formatted as a left justified block.

 

  • I left one line of space between my header and the date or start of the letter.
 
  
Date format
  • I positioned the date at the top of the page before the organization’s address (format: September 14, 20XX).
Employer/organization address (3 - 4 lines)
  • I included the name and title (if known) of the individual I am sending the letter to.

 

  • I included the name of the organization.

 

  • I included the street address with city, state and ZIP code of the organization. All lines are in a left-justified block.
 

   

Salutation (1 line)
  • I used a standard business letter greeting: ‘Dear’ and then either first last name or title (Dr./Mr./Ms.) and last name, followed by a colon (e.g., Dear Dr. Wu: or Dear Jamie Phelps:).

 

  • When I didn’t know the name of the individual, I used a title as a substitute (Dear Hiring Manager, Dear Human Resources Manager); I avoided using ‘To Whom It May Concern.’
 

 

Introduction (1 paragraph)
  • I identified the position for which I am applying. I specified if I was referred by a person (called out by name), have had any connection to the organization or notable interactions with recruiters/employees.

 

  • I briefly highlighted why I am interested in the position and organization.

 

  • I demonstrated my strengths to the reader in a summary of one-to-two-line powerful statements.

 

 

Printable Checklist

Main body (2 - 3 paragraphs)
  • I identified my strongest/most relevant qualifications, skills and abilities. I answered, ‘Why should they hire me?’.

 

  • I avoided repeating a list of skills from my résumé. I wrote a narrative with details and results I achieved to provide compelling evidence and examples to supplement my résumé.

 

  • I incorporated keywords and phrases from the position description and/or organization’s website.

 

  • I elaborated on why I am interested in the position, company/organization, industry and/or location.

 

  • I focused the letter on the organization’s needs and what I offer, not what I want to get from them.

 

  • I avoided self-deprecating language or anything that questions my value or qualifications as a candidate.
 

 

Closing (1 short paragraph)
  • I thanked the reader for taking time to read the letter.

 

  • I reinforced my desire to work for the organization and my fit for the position.

 

  • I identified next steps (availability for interview) and/or described how I will follow up with the employer.
 

 

Signature
  • I ended the letter with a conventional closing such as ‘Sincerely’ or ‘Best regards’ followed by a comma.

 

  • I included my first and last name 3-4 spaces down from the closing. If I submit a paper copy, I’ll write my signature within this space above my name.

Cover Letter Template

 

First Name Last Name
Email Address | Phone Number | Physical Address or LinkedIn URL
Date

First and Last Name of Recruiter
Their Position/Title
Organization
Street Address
City, State Zip

 

Dear [Director or Coordinator _______ ] or [Hiring Manager]:

Opening paragraph. State your reason for the letter: the position you are applying for, how you heard about it and your interest.

Second/third paragraph. List examples and illustrate how and why you are a qualified candidate. Describe relevant work, volunteer, educational or personal experiences not listed in your résumé or expand on what was listed.

Closing paragraph. Share your desire to meet with them/follow up in person, preferably for an interview. Tell them to refer to your résumé for further review of your qualifications. Thank them and tell them you can be reached at any of your provided contact information.

 

Sincerely, Best regards, etc.

Your signature
Your full name

   

Additional Resources

Sample Cover Letters

 

Writing a Cover Letter - LinkedIn Learning