Cover Letter Template printable pdf download

Cover L etter T emplate

(Your a ddress c an b e l eft o r r ight-‐justified. U se t he s ame f ont a s y our r esume)

Your First and Last Name

Your Street Address

City, State Zip Code

Telephone Number

E-mail Address

Month, Day, Year

Mr./Ms./Dr. First Name Last Name

Title

Name of Organization

Street or P. O. Box Address

City, State Zip Code

Dear Mr./Ms./Dr. Last Name:

Opening paragraph: State why you are writing and how you learned of the organization and/or position (contact, job

search site, website), list the organization and position, and basic information about yourself (school, degree, major,

graduation date). Briefly explain how your previous experience and knowledge prepare you for the position. Finish the

paragraph with a thesis statement introducing the information you’ll include below.

paragraph: Explain why you are interested in the employer or type of work the employer does (Simply stating that you

are interested does not tell why, and can sound like a form letter). Demonstrate that you know enough about the employer

or position to connect your background, experience, and education to the employer and position (look at the employer

website and job description). Mention specific qualifications from the job description that make you a good fit for the

employer’s needs. (Focus on what you can do for the employer, not what the employer can do for you.) Connect your

experiences to each point in the job description. Use key terms found on the employer website and in the job posting. This

paragraph is an opportunity to explain in more detail relevant items in your resume. Refer to the fact that your resume is

enclosed. Mention other enclosures if such are required to apply for a position.

Paragraph: Discuss any relevant courses and/or certifications. List any exceptional software skills (ones most people

don’t have. Example: Access, Dreamweaver, SPSS, Photoshop, etc. Only list skills if you could use them in the job or

they are listed in the job description.) Be sure to include any requirements from the job description.

Optional Paragraph: Discuss why this is your dream job/in your dream location/etc. This is your opportunity to talk more

personally about your interest and to be interesting. Remember, getting a job is about “fit.” Explain here why you’re the

right fit.

paragraph: State that you would be glad to provide the employer with any additional information needed. Tell the

employer how you can be contacted: include phone and email. Thank the employer for her/his consideration. Summarize,

again, why you’re the perfect candidate for the job.

Sincerely,

(Your handwritten signature [if hard copy and scanned for email])

Your name typed

Enclosure(s): resume, etc (list any other enclosures such as transcripts, writing samples, etc.)

Created by the BB&T Student Leadership Center at Appalachian State University

Cover Letter Template