Effective Cover Letters

• Keep it short. In one page, focus on your purpose and invite follow-up – an interview.
• The body text should be in a font size equivalent to Times New Roman 11 (but the font could be any common font type).
• Do your research on the company. Check out their website and their social media – these sources can provide a lot of info on their products, services, goals, values, mission statement, latest projects, plans for expansion, etc. Referring to one or two of these things shows that you know who they are and what they do.
• Show your excitement; highlight why you are interested in the company and/or role specifically. How is this opportunity a good fit for you personally?
• Give the employer a sense of your personality and speak directly to the match between your abilities and the organization’s requirements. Tell them what you can do for them and back it up with examples or how you’ve been successful in the past.
• Make it interesting and remember to use keywords and keyword phrases (found in the job ad). Do not just list all your qualifications, like in your résumé. Make sure you are providing some tangible examples of how you’ve practiced certain skills.
• Demonstrate your great writing skills. Ensure proper spelling, grammar, and style. Proofread!

Use the same “letterhead” set-up as your résumé

(name, address, email, phone number, LinkedIn address)

Date of writing

Employer’s address including title of contact person (if given)

Subject line (Re: stating the position, Job ID#)

Salutation including name of contact person (if unknown, you can skip this or use a generic one such as, “Dear Hiring Manager”)

The first paragraph tells the reader why you are writing and how you heard of the position. Essentially: Here’s who I am, what I want, and how I came to know about you. This is also the time to distinguish your letter from other applicants by telling the employer why you want to work for them and provide a brief overview of how you are qualified for the role. Make sure you do your research.

In the next paragraph(s), tell them why they should hire you. Highlight the major skills, personality traits, and areas of knowledge and expertise that you have to offer. Indicate how these match their needs. Remember to use keywords from the job ad. Include general and specific evidence of your skills. Tell a BRIEF story/example that demonstrates your skills. You want the reader to be able to visualize you in the position.

The last paragraph includes a call to action. Emphasize your keen interest in speaking with them, let them know how they can easily contact you, and suggest possibilities for follow-up.

Closing, (e.g. Sincerely, Regards, etc.)

Your signature (if hard copy; if submitted electronically, use a digital signature or it can be omitted)

Your name, typed in full