Cover Letter Guide

Heading
Your Name
Address
City, State, Zip
Date (avoid use of abbreviations)

Inside Address
Employer's Name
Name of Recruiter (and title)
Employer's Street Address
City, State, Zip

Salutation
Dear Dr./Mr./Ms. (recruiter's last name):

Body of the Letter

Opening paragraph (why you are writing):

• Identify the position for which you are applying, how you learned of the opening and/or the intent of your letter if you are not targeting a specific position but have an interest in the company and its mission.
• Use a transitional sentence to introduce the second paragraph. For example, you might say, "Having majored in Business Administration at North Dakota State University, I am highly motivated to apply my current knowledge in strategic management to a challenging position with your company (use specific name here)."

Middle paragraph (qualifications):

• Identify two or three ways that you could successfully contribute to the overall functioning and/or growth of the company.
• Mention why you are excited about this position and the organization.
• If you are a recent or soon-to-be graduate, explain how your academic background makes you a qualified candidate for the position.
• If you have some practical experience, point out specific achievements or unique qualifications that evolved from this work.v
• Illustrate relevant knowledge and qualifications by providing at least one example of a time when you utilized a specific skill that is highly desirable in the industry that you are choosing to pursue. Discuss relevant personal traits.
• Discuss relevant personal traits.
• Incorporate a summary statement about your interest in the company and your ability to transfer your academic knowledge/work experience into a professional position.
• Do not repeat the same information that is listed on your resume nor omit this paragraph by asking the reader to refer to your resume for details.

Closing paragraph (wrap-up/action):

• Express your interest in participating in an interview to discuss your qualifications in greater detail.
• Provide a phone number where you may be reached (include an email address only if you check your mail daily).
• If applicable, make a statement that will encourage a response. For example, you can say you will be in the city where the organization is located on a certain date and would like to schedule an appointment, or state that you will call on a certain date.
• Thank the recruiter for his or her time and consideration.

Complimentary Close

• Examples may include: Sincerely or Respectfully
• Your name would appear typed four spaces below the complimentary close, and your signature would appear between these two type-written items.
• Note: The word enclosure(s) should appear beneath your type-written name if you are sending any additional information (resume, etc.).

Career lab - Sample Cover Letters