Cover Letter Template (Page 3 of 12) in pdf

HOW TO WRITE A COVER LETTER

A cover letter is a unique and personalized way to introduce yourself or explain why you are sending a resume to a potential

employer for a job opening. Your cover letter should explain to the employer why you are interested in their company or

available position and why you are the best candidate. The idea is not to repeat information found on your resume, but to

highlight your best accomplishments or abilities and indicate how your qualifications meet the employer’s requirements. In

addition, a cover letter should convince the reader to look at your resume, reflect your attitude, and indicate how you will

follow-up. When writing your letter, try to bury the “I” and, instead, begin sentences with phrases.

Cover letters are generally submitted with your resume, online or through email. You will not need to bring a cover letter to

the UTD EXPO Days. The letter should contain the following information, in this order:

 Heading with your contact information (should match the heading on your resume)

 Date that you send the letter

 Employer’s contact information

 Greeting

 Introduction paragraph

 Supporting, or “selling” paragraph(s)

 Closing paragraph

 Closing (sincerely, etc.)

 Your signature

 Enclosure (optional)

INTRODUCTION PARAGRAPH

This paragraph should tell the employer the exact position that you’re applying for, where you found the posting, as well as

highlight a few key qualifications that match the job description. You may also tell the employer why you want to work for

them or what intrigued you about their company or position – point out something you found on their website or something

you discussed with a recruiter.

SUPPORTING/“SELLING” PARAGRAPH

The central paragraph of the cover letter is unique for each person, but the premise is the same: sell yourself! Here, you

want to describe how you fulfill the job’s requirements by expanding on what you have talked about in your resume (do not

repeat information) or providing additional information not on the resume. Remember that your qualifications come from

education, projects, work and volunteer history, activities, etc. Always keep the job description in mind and show, or prove,

to the employer by providing examples and quantifiable results of your accomplishments if possible. If this paragraph

becomes too long, you may separate it into two.

CLOSING PARAGRAPH

Be strong in this paragraph! Stay away from using phrases such as, “I hope or wish…” and “would or could”. Instead, use a

phrase such as “I look forward to…” or, “I will…”. Make sure to thank them for their time and consideration of your

application. Also, provide your email address and phone number again, as well as mention how you will follow-up.

ENCLOSURE

If you are sending anything other than a cover letter (a resume, for example) use “Enclosure” after your name/signature so

the employer knows to expect documents in addition to the letter.

Cover Letter Template Page 3