PURPOSE:

• A cover letter usually goes along with a resume. It deserves just as much attention.

• A terrific resume might never be read if the cover letter doesn't provide the “ hook!”

• Consider the cover letter as your first “writing sample”.

• A good cover letter provides additional information, and complements, but does not simply repeat, your resume.

• Use the opportunity to indicate why you are a good fit for the job.

• Show that you have done research on the type of work, position and the organization.

Suggestion: take a look at "What Makes a Good Cover Letter" on the Jobstar Web site for some fun ways to jazz up what can be dry material!

COVER LETTER TIPS:

• Use standard 8 ½ x 11 paper, the same paper as your resume, with matching envelopes.

• Stick to one page.

• Word process and then check and recheck for spelling, grammar, and typographical errors.

• Address your letter to a specific person with correct title (avoid “To Whom it May Concern”).

• Tailor your letter to a specific position (if possible).

• Write the letter in your own words so it sounds like you – not like something out of a book.

• Visit the Career Development Center for a cover letter critique.

Paragraph 1:

• State the reason for the letter.

• Name the specific position or type of work for which you are applying.

• Indicate how you learned of the opening (referral, newspaper, Career Fairs, job posting, etc.).

• State why you are interested in the position/organization.

Paragraph 2 and possibly 3:

• Indicate and briefly illustrate how your academic background and other experiences make you a good candidate.

• Mention relevant skills you have developed through your experiences (summer jobs, volunteer positions, internships, community service, campus leadership and activities, etc.).

• Explain what you can do for the employer (use your knowledge of the organization).

Final Paragraph:

• Explain your interest in discussing the position or other possibilities within the company/organization.

• Repeat your phone number and/or e-mail address.

• Offer to produce additional information if desired.

• Close with a statement or question that will encourage a response (e.g., you will be in the city on a certain date and would like to set up an interview).

DON'T FORGET TO SIGN THE LETTER!

STANDARD FORMAT

221 Popular Street

Missoula , MT 59818

(123)456-7890

January 13, 2001

Mr. John P. Johnson, Vice President

Ajax Accounting Company

555 Tamarack Drive

Billings , MT 59801

Dear Mr. Johnson:

Paragraph One: the first line of each paragraph is indented five spaces, all other lines at the left margin.

Paragraph Two: the first line of each paragraph is indented five spaces, all other lines at the left margin.

Paragraph Three: the first line of each paragraph is indented five spaces, all other lines at the left margin.

Sincerely,

Thomas L. Smith

BLOCKED FORMAT

221 Popular Street

Missoula , MT 59818

(123)456-7890

January 13, 2001

Mr. John P. Johnson, Vice President

Ajax Accounting Company

555 Tamarack Drive

Billings , MT 59801

Dear Mr. Johnson:

Paragraph One: All lines begin at the left margin, nothing is indented.

Paragraph Two: All lines begin at the left margin, nothing is indented.

Paragraph Three: All lines begin at the left margin, nothing is indented.

Sincerely,

Thomas L. Smith

WEB RESOURCES:

Career Lab: Cover Letters

JobTrak: Cover Letters

About.com: Cover Letters