Cover Letter Template

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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.
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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.
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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.
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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

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