CCE shares important tips to writing an effective cover letter

1. WRITING
EFFECTIVE
COVER
LETTERS

2. COVER LETTER BASICS
Always Business
Professional
Layout
Professional, business format .
Intro
Introduce yourself and state the position
you are interested in.
Middle Paragraphs
State how your skills and experience connect
to the position.
Closing
Re-instate your desire for the position,
include a thank you to the reader, and how
you like to be contacted.
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2
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3. LAYOUT
11 to 12 pt, Arial, Times New
Roman, or Calibri. Single Space.
Max. one page.
Same resume paper and font
styles as your resume.
Always free of grammar errors!
Professional Style
Professional Business Format
Consistency
Always professional
Your address on top. The date,
along with their address
underneath on left. Signature!

4. MAJOR
POINT
The body of an email is
not a cover letter.
Always attach one!

5. INTRODUCTION
“I am writing to express my
interest in the * position at *
posted on your website.”
Include an umbrella sentence that
leads the reader to the body of the
letter.
A Personal Introduction
How you discovered the job
Connecting Sentence
Always concise and personal
Start strong, you do not need to
restate your name here.

6. MAJOR
POINT
Employers can spot a cut
and paste cover letter.
Take time to make it
personal!

7. Middle Paragraphs
Do not restate your resume.
Complete the T-Design Worksheet
Your cover letter should appear as
if you wrote it specifically to the
company.
Your strongest qualifications
A clear connection to the job
Showcases knowledge in the job
Always showcase a great fit

8. The “T”
What They Want What You Have

9. MAJOR
POINT
“Excellent written skills” are
one of the top 10 skills
employers look for.
Consider your cover letter
as a writing sample.

10. Closing
Restate your interest in the
position. State your resume is
attached.
Include a request for further
contact.
Signature!
Circle Back
Thanks
Follow-Up
Always seal the deal!
Thank the reader for their time.

11. MAJOR
POINT
Have someone proofread
your letter. CCE and the
Writing Lab will do this!