Resumes And Cover Letters With Samples (Page 8 of 27) in pdf

COVER LETTER FORMAT

Date

← Note: One inch margins are typical.

Suzan Smith

← Note: You may use your resume header instead of this format.

Smith College, 1 Chapin Way, Unit 0000

Northampton, MA 01063

413-585-0000

ssmith@smith.edu

Recipient’s Name

← Note: Omit Mr. or Ms. here; include in greeting below.

Recipient’s Title

Name of Organization

Street Address

City, State, Zip

Dear Ms. or Mr. Last Name:

← Note: If you don’t know the recipient’s gender, say Dear First Last:

Opening Paragraph: Introduce yourself to your reader (not, “Hi, my name is Suzan Smith,” but something

such as: “I am a senior at Smith College writing to apply for xxx.”). State where you saw the position posted.

Mention the contact who referred you – with her/his permission – if the employer knows them. You might

briefly summarize your specific qualifications for the position or interest in the organization, or do so later in

the letter.

Middle Paragraph(s): Focus on one or two specific examples from your resume that demonstrate you have

the skills sought for the position. Emphasize accomplishments and results that relate to the position. Don’t

repeat long sections of your resume. Use terms and a language style appropriate to the field. Show you’ve

researched the organization, but don’t recite facts and figures from their website. Connect what you know

about the organization to your experience and skills. Your goal is to show why you would be excited to have

this specific position at this specific organization.

Briefly state why the organization’s mission, clients, programs, products, or services attract you. By now, the

recipient should clearly understand what you’d add to the organization, and be convinced of your enthusiasm

for and match with the position.

Closing Paragraph: You might briefly summarize your qualifications and interest in the position unless

you’ve done so above. Offer a next step: Will you call to arrange an in-person or phone interview? Will you

be in the area on a certain day and follow up to arrange a time to meet? If you prefer, simply use the closing

paragraph to say that you look forward to hearing from the employer and thank them for considering your

application.

Sincerely,

Suzan Smith

Resumes And Cover Letters With Samples Page 8