Cover Letters - Basic Format

COVER LETTERS SHOULD BE INDIVIDUALIZED

Your name
Your Street Address
City, State, ZIP
Date 

Name of Person doing hiring (or other specific person)
His/Her Title
Firm or Organization Name
Street Address
City, State, ZIP

Dear Mr., Ms. __________:

Start your letter with a forceful statement or question that will appeal to the interest of the employer. Set a tone that indicates you have something to offer, so the reader will pay attention! ("My recent summer position as a prosecuting intern from Bloom County may interest you in your search for someone to help handle your increasing litigation practice...") Mention how you received the reader’s name, how you heard of the opening, or generally what caused you to write to this person. State definitively that you wish to be considered for a specific position or a certain type of work. Leave no doubt as to the purpose of your letter.

In your second paragraph you need to sell yourself. Again, concentrate on what you can offer the employer, not vice versa. Briefly summarize your skills, accomplishments and those aspects of your education and experience that may interest the employer. Describe how these qualities will enable you to become a productive member of the firm or organization.

The purpose of your final paragraph is to get an interview. An appropriate request can be made in several ways: 1) state you will call soon to see that your letter has arrived and to offer any additional information they may need (and while you have them on the phone, express your desire to come in to see them) 2) mention you will be in their city the week of, say, October 15, and that you'll call when you arrive to see if someone might be available to speak with you 3) suggest, if distance is a problem, that perhaps an initial screening interview could be arranged by phone at no cost to the employer. In any event, say you will do the follow-up. If you are genuinely interested in working for them, don't leave the ball in their court! Thank them for their time and consideration.

Sincerely, 

(always sign in ink)

Your Name Typed

Enclosure