Cover Letter Guidelines

Creating Cover Letters
Effective cover letters convey a sense of purpose, project enthusiasm for the position or program, and demonstrate your knowledge of the employer or graduate program's goals and needs. Each cover letter should be customized to fit the position for which you are applying. No matter what your reason is for sending a cover letter, be sure it contains the information listed below.

Guidelines

• Your return address with the date


• The name, title, organization, and address of the person you are writing.


• First Paragraph
  Indicate what position you are applying for and how you found out about the opening. Or the sort of job you are interested in (if not aware of current openings), and how you were referred to the company or person.
  


• Second to Third Paragraph
  "Sell Paragraph." - "This should be the meatiest part of the letter. Use specific achievements to illustrate why you are a good candidate for the position. Highlight information which can be found on your enclosed resume.
  
  May demonstrate knowledge of the company as it relates to your qualifications. For example: "I understand that GlobeTec is opening a branch in Moscow. I believe that my study-abroad experience and Russian language fluency would add to my effectiveness with your organization."


• Third or Fourth Paragraph
  Thanks and contact details.


• Closing
  Salutation
  Signature

   

  Sample Letters
  Please Note: These examples are PDF files and take a moment to load. If your browser does not support PDF files, download Adobe Acrobat Reader.

  #1 - Suggested Cover Letter Format (PDF)
  #2 - Cover Letter Example (PDF)