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How to Write a Cover Letter

What is a Cover Letter?
Like a resume, a cover letter is a marketing tool used to create interest. The goal is to prompt the reader to look at the accompanying resume and ultimately interview you. The cover letter enables you to highlight and explain in more detail aspects of your background that are especially relevant to the organization you are contacting and/or to the position you seek.

Everything you find here can be found in a downloadable pdf format (including an additional sample application cover letter and sample thank-you letter): How to Write a Cover Letter (pdf 147KB)

The Basics

  • Make connections between what is on your resume and the requirements for the position. Don’t reiterate what is on your resume. LSG 500
  • Prepare a letter geared specifically to the position and employer to which you’re applying.
  • Address to an individual rather than “to whom it may concern”.
  • Focus on the organization’s interests, needs, and point of view.
  • Describe 2 or 3 experiences, accomplishments or skills that reflect your fit for the position. Be specific and provide examples to support claims.
  • Show that you have researched the employer and the career field.
  • Write in a professional, confident, and polite tone, but let your personality and enthusiasm for the employer and position come through.
  • Proofread carefully and have someone else check for grammatical, spelling and typos. Do not rely on spell check alone!

Format

  • Use 8-1/2 x 11 quality bond paper
  • Confine to one page, single space
  • Remember to sign the original
  • Use a 10-12 point simple font

Common Types of Job Search Letters

Letter of Application: To submit your resume for a specific position you know is open.
Letter of Inquiry: to inquire about vacancies, get your resume read, and network.
Thank You Letter: To express appreciation for interview.

There are other types of letters involved in the job search process, including networking letters, acceptance letters, withdrawal letters, and rejection letters. For more specific information about writing these types of letters, consult the cover letter resources available in CDC’s resource area.

Additional Resources

Sample Cover Letters

This is a sample format of an application cover letter.
sample application letter (pdf)
sample letter of inquiry(pdf) 
	
	

Your Local Street Address
City, State and Zip Code
Date

Mr./Ms. First and Last Name
Title
Name of Firm or Organization
Street Address
City, State and Zip Code

Dear Mr./Ms. Last Name:

First Paragraph: Indicate the reason for your letter and the position or field 
of work in which you are interested. If you are applying for a specific opening, 
state how you learned of it (i.e. classified ad, CDC’s eRecruiting, referral).

Second Paragraph: Sell your qualifications for the position. Don’t repeat 
verbatim from your resume. Explain how your academic background, skills 
and interests, work experience, and/or activities will contribute to their 
success. Refer to prior achievements in these areas. Communicate your 
enthusiasm for this type of work and that employer; show why you are 
interested in this particular employer by illustrating more than 
superficial knowledge of the particular firm or organization. 

Third Paragraph: Occasionally it will be necessary to include another 
paragraph to explain unique situations not easily dealt with on your 
resume or to expand on your qualifications.

Final Paragraph: Refer the reader to the enclosed resume. Courteously 
indicate your interest in an interview. State if you will be in the area on 
a certain date and would like to schedule an interview if convenient. Offer 
to provide any other needed information to support your candidacy. Express 
appreciation for the employer’s consideration.

Sincerely yours,

(Written signature)

Your name typed here

Samples:
Job Description
Before
After

1
2

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