1. Cover Letter: Focus your letter on the reader and what you can provide to them, not what they can
give to you. Keep this to one page only and customize it to each unique position. Remember this is
your first step to presenting a professional image.
BASIC TEMPLATE TO USE AS A GUIDE
mm/dd/yyyy
Name of hiring official if known
Company name
Street Address
City, State Zip
Dear ( Mr. or Ms. last name if known, if you aren’t sure of the gender of a persons name than use the
full name, example, Jordan Smith—Jordan can be universal for male or female, if you cannot locate a
name, use Dear Hiring Manager or Dear Hiring Professional):
Introduction of what position it is that you are applying for, use the exact title and a brief statement of
your interest in the position, add how you found out about the position and possibly mention any
connection that you may have to the employer.
The second and third paragraphs are your ‘hook’. In this section you should let them know
• Why they should consider you,
• What you have to offer relative to the position (be specific by using the position posting
requirements as your guide), just don’t reinstate your resume but pull from your background
what you would bring to the job;
• Talk about skill sets of experience that you have that the employer is seeking;
• Give an example of your experience relating to what they are seeking to show you have
experience;
• Don’t draw attention to what you lack in qualifications
Conclusion this is where you bring everything full circle. Reiterate your interest in the position and make
sure your email and phone number are included so that they don’t have to search for it and it’s helpful
to include in this section in case the cover letter and resume get separated from each other.
Sign off using Sincerely, Best Regards or Respectfully.