Resume General Layout printable pdf download

(The top header of your cover letter should match the header on your résumé)

GENERAL LAYOUT:

TODAY'S DATE

HIRING MANAGER NAME (If you don't have one, try to get one! Or use “Hiring Manager”)

TITLE

COMPANY NAME

ADDRESS

CITY, STATE ZIP

RE: Title of Job + ID number

DEAR NAME (or “Hiring Manager”):

FIRST PARAGRAPH:

This is the "WHY THEM" paragraph which briefly relays WHY you want to work for this

particular employer and WHY in this capacity. Points to cover:

Begin with a strong opening line that command attention rather than the mundane they are used to



reading... i.e. a meaningful quote, a part of the company’s mission statement, a recent press release from the

company or best - “xxxx referred me to your open position.” This can make a strong initial impact,

especially if your referral is a company insider or well-known to the target company.

Explain from your research WHY you are interested in this company and WHY this particular position. Talk



about THEM, not YOU, in this first paragraph. The goal is to make a connection with the mission/problem

or “pain” of the employer and introduces you as the solution.

SECOND PARAGRAPH:

This is the “WHY ME" paragraph. Highlight some of your most relevant experiences and

qualities as they relate to the position for which you are applying. Choose 3-5 points you want to make about

specific experiences/accomplishments or about general qualities you have exhibited, and provide specific

examples to support those points. This paragraph will change according to the job/employer for which you are

applying. This is usually the longest paragraph of the letter. You may consider breaking this paragraph into two if it

looks too lengthy or even better would be utilizing 3-5 bullets highlighting your relevant offerings. Points to

ponder:

Your points should be accomplishment-oriented and directed at the skills, requirements and qualifications



needed for the job/industry.

The body of the paragraph should provide evidence to back up what you've just claimed. Cite specific



jobs/internships/activities/projects and accomplishments associated with those experiences. Use your

resume to come up with some specifics, but NEVER reiterate passages from your resume word for word.

Discuss why what you did is valuable to this employer. Strong examples are important!

The final sentence is a summary of what you've discussed above. It's a good idea to mention the position



title and company name to bring the reader back to the specific job in question.

FINAL PARAGRAPH:

This is a short 2-4 sentences paragraph. You should refer to the enclosed resume, request an

interview and maybe let the reader know what will happen next (“I will follow up with you in one week”). It is vital

that you thank the reader for his/her time and consideration.

Sincerely,

Your Signature Your Name

Enclosure(s) – (here you can indicate the number of attachments and what they are. For example- (1) Resume

Resume General Layout

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