THE COVER LETTER
The purpose of the cover letter is to introduce you to the employer, to spark an interest in your
potential value to the employer and, ultimately, to get an interview. The cover letter should identify
the specific position or type of position sought and should also illustrate your familiarity with the skills
and training needed for effective performance. The cover letter should motivate the reader to want to
meet you in person!
FORMAT & STRUCTURE OF A COVER LETTER
The cover letter should be typed in standard business format on 8 ½-by-11 white bond paper and
should include your name, address and date.
The cover letter should not contain any spelling errors or typing errors and should be neat and
grammatically correct.
In all cases, it is important that your cover letter be addressed to a specific contact (“Dear Sir or
Madam” or “To Whom It May Concern” or “Dear HR Department” is impersonal.)
SECTIONS OF A COVER LETTER
There are 3 sections to a cover letter:
1. Introduction: The opening paragraph should immediately attract attention. This can be done
by using the name of the person who referred you, referring to a specific job listing or by
identifying a unique talking point about the particular organization. For example, you may
decide to get attention by referencing an article or fact a trade publication.
2. Body: The body of the cover letter should point out your value and answer the employer’s
number one question, “Why should I hire you?” Use language that the employer is familiar
with from their website, brochures, manuals, job descriptions and your own personal work
experiences. Highlight and focus on the most relevant qualifications listed in your resume.
3. Closing Paragraph: The closing paragraph is the action stage. Take the initiative and suggest
arrangements for a specific interview time and date. You may want to suggest 2 or 3 dates.
Your suggested meet dates should never be more than 10 business days from the date of your
letter. Close by thanking the employer for considering your letter and resume. You want to
type the word “Enclosure” in the lower left-hand corner to indicate that your resume is
included.
The cover letter should always be sent to the individual who has the authority to hire you or influence
the decision. It should always be addressed to the person by first and last name. In your cover letter,
tell your employer about yourself, who you are, what you have done, what job you would like, what
you have to offer, discuss your potential and why you want to work for that organization.