Your Address
Date
Contact Person
Title
Department
Employer's Name
Address
Dear Mr./Mrs./Ms./Dr. (Contact Person):
First Paragraph - Introduction (2 - 4 sentences)
Establishes the purpose of your letter, attracts attention and arouses
interest.
- State why you are writing by naming the specific position or
longer career aspirations.
- Tell how you heard about the position/employer and why you are
interested in it.
- Insert a brief sentence that gives your degree, major, college
affiliation, graduation date.
- Mention the name of your contact person, if applicable.
Second/Third Paragraph - Body (1 - 2 paragraphs, depending on
background)
Generate interest with content by indicating how much employer research
you have done and how your skills/background match the employer's needs.
- Indicate how you can help the employer achieve organizational
goals in your specialty. Focus on what you can do for them rather
than why you want the position.
- Highlight your most significant accomplishments, abilities, and
experiences that are specifically relevant to the employer and job
requirements.
- Sell your credentials - your mission is to prove you should be
invited to an interview. Make reference to enclosures.
- Do not simply repeat your resume but point out important
experiences and key assets - show some of this to demonstrate to the
employer your more personal qualities which cannot be indicated on a
resume.
Fourth Paragraph - Closing (4 sentences maximum)
State your commitment to action.
- Take the initiative to make clear what happens next - you will
be calling to arrange an appointment, and/or ask for additional
information.
- State your availability. Let them know if/when you will be in
the area.
- Do not indicate you will be waiting for the employer to contact
you.
- Thank the employer.
Very truly yours/Sincerely,
Your Signature
Your Name Typed
