• Put your name and contact info at the top of the letter. Make sure your name is in a font large enough to easily pick out.

• Whenever possible, address the letter to a specific person by name and title. Even if responding to a job ad that states "no phone calls", consider calling to politely ask the name of the hiring authority. Unfortunately, you may not always be able to identify the name of a specific person. In which case, send the letter to the title of the recipient (i.e. Human Resources Manager, Recruiter, Marketing Manager, Accounts Payable Supervisor, Office Manager, etc). Do not use "To whom it may concern."

• State your interest in the job for which you are applying and the company. Be particular about why you really like this position and company and not some other position and company.

• Mention your skills, education, special training, and work experience that qualify you for the job. Try to think from the employer’s point of view - what skills and experience are they looking for in the ideal candidate for the job you want? (If you are replying to a specific job ad, this may be listed there) Stress these skills.

• Provide a contact info (phone number, email) that you can be contacted easily or else somewhere where they can leave a message that check regularly (if need be give the best time the employer can reach you at).

• Use an appropriate closing, such as "Sincerely."

• Ask someone to proofread your letter to check content, grammar, and spelling.

• You may want to be proactive and state a general time when you will call the employer to follow-up.

• Try to sign the letter in blue ink since it implies the letter is original and may get more attention. Also appropriate ink color to use is black. Never use any other color on the cover letter.

• Keep sentences short and to the point.

• Keep the entire letter brief - no more than one page with three to five paragraphs. Make it quick and easy to read by using short paragraphs, bullet points, and sufficient white space.

• Use the same paper stock for both your cover letter and resume.

Your Name
Your Address & Phone Number

Date
Recipient’s Name, & Job Title

Subject: Position or type of work you are applying for

Dear Mr./Ms. ________________________________:

First Paragraph:
Start by trying to grab attention without being ‘gimmicky’. Give the reason you are writing. Name the specific position or type of work for which you are applying. Sometimes it may be a good idea too to also mention how you learned of the opening.

Second Paragraph (and Third Paragraph if needed):
Explain why you are interested in working for this employer in particular then focus in on how you can help them by specifying how you are perfect for this position. Do not merely repeat the information on your resume – highlight key points but also feel free to give additional information. You may incorporate a column or bullet point format for this section of the cover letter.

Last Paragraph:
Mention your resume is enclosed and indicate your desire to meet with the employer. You may suggest alternate dates and times, or better yet you can advise them of your flexibility as to the time. Try to include a statement or question that will encourage the reader to respond. You may want to be proactive and communicate your plan to follow-up. (i.e. you might say that you will be in the area on a certain date and would like to set up a meeting, or you can say that you will call on a certain date to set up a meeting). Finally, thank the employer for his/her time.

Sincerely,

(Your Signature in blue or black ink)

Your name typed out