Writing a Cover Letter

E. Siler

Basic Information

• One page• Sent with a resume• Beautifully edited• Expands upon information in the resume• Not a repeat of the resume• Formatted in block style (ALWAYS)• Persuades the reader that you are well

qualified for a job.

Block 1: Your Address

• The address where the recipient will most likely contact you;

• The phone number including (if needed) country/city codes where you are most easily reached;

• The professional sounding email that you check each day;

• Date done per this example: October 22, 2010.

Block 2

• First line: name of the contact in Western style;

• Title only if known;• Organization or company name;• Street or PO address;• City, State, Zip Code;

Salutation

• Always use “Dear” (good for everyone)• Title and Last Name• Good examples: Dear Ms. Siler; Dear

Professor Siler.• Bad examples: Dear Siler; Dear Prof. Siler;

Dear Mrs. Siler; Dear Ms. Liz; Dear Liz.

Paragraph 1

• First sentence: Why are you writing? I write to (apply for X). Where did you learn about the job description (give particular information)?

• Second sentence: Connect yourself to the job description and point to the resume.

Paragraph 2

• SPEAK to the job description; • Choose 2-3 items from the job description

that you are best suited for and discuss your background;

• Point out that the enclosed resume gives more information.

Paragraph 3

• Express hope that the company will see a good connection between you and the job;

• Express willingness and desire to meet to interview;

• Give dates of availability for an interview;• Express that you will contact them within a

given period of time to see if more is needed.

Sign Off

• Always use “Sincerely”;• Sign in English;• Type your name;• List your enclosures.