BUSINESS COMM

How to
Write a
Cover Letter
Revised April 2010

What is a Cover Letter?
A

cover letter is a letter sent alongside your resume to introduce yourself, explain why you are sending in your resume, and provide more information about yourself. What’s the Point of a Cover Letter?

Introduce yourself
 Cover

 Get

letters should carry a message about you

you noticed

 Project

 Convey

the desired image of you or your business

special information
 Highlight accomplishments
 Get employers, award judges and scholarship committees to read your resume

Helpful Hints:
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Be assertive – the first 20 words are the most important
Value to employer – tell your story in relation to how you can be of value to the employer
Use simple and direct language and grammar
Let your letter reflect your individuality
Send it to someone by name
Get it right – spell recipient’s name right
Be friendly, not pushy
Target your letter – tell your reasons for sending the letter, for example, desiring an interview

Don’t Forget to…
 Use

good grammar and correct spelling  Do not use slang
 Be brief, but cover the subject
 Stick to the point of the letter
 Proofread, proofread, proofread!
 Ask for help if you need it
 Strive for neatness and personality The Body of the Letter
 First

paragraph – reason for writing
 Second paragraph – point out qualifications  Third paragraph – call attention to resume, reiterate interest

Your street address
Your city, state, zip code
Month, Day, Year

Mr./Ms./Dr. Name
Title
Name of company/organization
Company address
City, State, Zip code
Dear Mr./Ms./Dr. Last Name:
Paragraph 1: Answers “Why am I writing?”
Identify the position and the company
Indicate how you learned about the position
Request the employer’s consideration
Introduce basic information about yourself
Paragraph 2: Answers “Who am I, and why should you hire me?”
Contain a brief summary of your personal data and work experience.
Relate your skills,