What Is a Cover Letter?

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COVER LETTER TEMPLATE #2

Bullet Points

Date

Individual's Name

Individual’s Job Title

Name of Organization

Street Address

City, State Zip Code

Re: Position Title or Reference #

Dear Mr./Ms. _____________: ([if you are unsure of gender, omit salutation and write full name]:

First Paragraph: State the reason for writing. Name the specific position or type of work for which you're applying. Mention how you learned of the opening. Include the name of a mutual contact, if you have one as well as any other interaction with representatives from the organization (career fairs, information sessions, etc.). Be clear and concise regarding your request. Your goal is to convince the reader that they should grant the interview or next step.

- A bullet point cover letter is easy for the eyes to read the broken up points

- It’s easy for an employer to skip to the selling points of your background

- Start the bullet points in the second paragraph of writing

- Bullet points offer more white space which is appealing to the readers’ eye

- Talk about your achievements and how they related to your work

- Make sure the bullets aren’t canned – make them specific to the role

Last Paragraph: State that you are interested in an interview or further discussing this opportunity. If you need to explain anything out of the ordinary on your resume, this is the place to do it. You might mention that if you do not hear anything from the potential employer in two to three weeks’ time that you will call as a follow-up to see where they are in their hiring process. Finish by thanking them for their time and consideration.

Sincerely,

(Your Signature, signed or typed)

Your Name

Contact Information

COVER LETTER TEMPLATE #3

Two Column / Comparison

Date

Individual's Name

Individual’s Job Title

Name of Organization

Street Address

City, State Zip Code

Re: Position Title or Reference #

Dear Mr./Ms. _____________: ([if you are unsure of gender, omit salutation and write full name]:

First Paragraph: State the reason for writing. Name the specific position or type of work for which you're applying. Mention how you learned of the opening. Include the name of a mutual contact, if you have one as well as any other interaction with representatives from the organization (career fairs, information sessions, etc.). Be clear and concise regarding your request. Your goal is to convince the reader that they should grant the interview or next step.

Below you will find highlights of how my background meet your needs:

Job Requirements

My Qualifications

Requirement #1

Experience that matches the requirement

Requirement #2

Experience that matches the requirement

Requirement #3

Experience that matches the requirement

Requirement #4

Experience that matches the requirement

Last Paragraph: State that you are interested in an interview or further discussing this opportunity. If you need to explain anything out of the ordinary on your resume, this is the place to do it. You might mention that if you do not hear anything from the potential employer in two to three weeks’ time that you will call as a follow-up to see where they are in their hiring process. Finish by thanking them for their time and consideration.

Sincerely,

(Your Signature, signed or typed)

Your Name

Contact Information

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