The document outlines the 10 key components of an effective cover letter: contact details, application date, hiring manager's name and title, company contact details, job reference, salutation, introductory paragraph expressing interest in the company and position, second paragraph with examples demonstrating value and qualifications, closing paragraph requesting an interview and thanking the reader, and a sincere closing with an electronic signature.

1. HOW TO WRITE
A COVER LETTER

2. 1. YOUR CONTACT DETAILS
● Letterhead with your name.
● Contact details including your physical address,
telephone, email address and link to your professional
social media profile.

3. 2. APPLICATION DATE
● The date when you wrote the cover letter.

4. 3. HIRING MANAGER’S NAME & TITLE
● The Hiring Manager's name and title if known.

5. 4. CONTACT DETAILS OF THE COMPANY
● Company name and hiring department if known.
● Company’s physical address, city, state and zip code.

6. 5. SUBJECT/REFERENCE
● Include the job title on the subject or reference line.
● Include any unique job reference number shown on
the job listing.

7. 6. SALUTATION/GREETING
● Address your cover letter to a specific person e.g.
“Dear Mr. Brown:” or “Dear Ms. Smith:”
● If you don’t know the name write “Dear Hiring
Manager:”

8. 7. OPENING/INTRODUCTORY PARAGRAPH
● Say why you are interested in this company.
● Indicate where you saw the job posting and the date
of the posting.
● If you have not stated the job you are applying for on
the subject line, then specify it in this paragraph.
● If someone referred you then mention their name
here.

9. 8. SECOND PARAGRAPH
● Explain in bullet points specific stories, examples and
quantifiable results that you have achieved.
● Show how you would provide specific value or direct
contributions to the Company.
● Demonstrate a keen understanding of what problems,
situations & challenges the Company wants to
resolve.

10. 9. THIRD PARAGRAPH
● This is the closing paragraph.
● Restate your enthusiasm for the position, wrap up
and ask for an interview.
● Thank the reader for example - “Thank you for your
time and consideration.”

11. 10. COVER LETTER CLOSING
● Write the word “Sincerely” followed by a comma.
● On a new line include an electronic scanned
signature.
● Include your name below your signature.

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