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The Cover Letter
What is a Cover Letter?
The cover letter typically accompanies your resume when you are applying for a position. It should be
specific to the position that you are applying for, and demonstrates to the employer why (based on your
background) you are a great candidate for that particular position (based on the job description) and/or
company. The cover letter is a business document, so should be formatted with a business heading and
left aligned.
Typical Cover Letter Format
Your Address
Your Contact Information
Date
Contact Name (if available)
Contact Title
Company Name
Company Address
Dear Mr./Ms./Dr. (if no contact, you can say “Human Resources Manager, or Hiring Manager”),
The first paragraph is an introduction of yourself and how you learned of the opening, as well as your
interest in the position/organization. This requires you to relate yourself to the organization or to the
position in order to demonstrate your interest.
The middle paragraph(s) is a profile of how your skills and experience match the qualifications sought. In
order to do this, consider the following points:
Read the job description carefully to get a clear idea of what the company is looking for. This goes
beyond just the “qualifications” section of a job description- make sure to discuss your ability to do the
job.
Review the company website to learn what type of person the company might value.
Match your background, whether it is work experience, academics, volunteer experience, etc. and
describe why you believe those experiences make you a qualified candidate for the position.
The last paragraph wraps up the cover letter. You should reiterate your interest in the position, and desire
to hear from them regarding the opportunity. You also want to thank the reader for their time in
considering your application, and provide information for how you can be reached. If you would like, and
are able to, you can state that you will follow-up with them directly. Be positive and confident (without
being arrogant).
Sincerely,
Signed Signature (if a physical copy is being sent)
Name (Typed)