How to Write a Cover Letter

Free to Learn

When you apply for a job, you should always write a cover letter briefly referencing the job you are applying for, introducing yourself, and explaining why you are a good fit for the job. You will tailor the cover letter to the job you are applying for. Although you can’t use a form cover letter, you can refer to old cover letters to help you write new ones.

Write a cover letter for a job you are applying for. Put this cover letter on your flash drive and use it as a guide when you have to write cover letters in the future.

Do’s For Cover Letters

  • State the title of the job you are applying for
  • State how you heard about the job (through an ad, through a friend, and so on)
  • Match your skills and experience to the job qualifications
  • Show that you’ve researched the company
  • Say why you are interested in this particular job/company
  • Be brief
  • Be honest
  • Use proper spelling and grammar (if you aren’t sure about how a word is spelled, look it up in the dictionary!)
  • Focus on the job and the qualifications
  • Use a professional tone
  • Keep it all on one page
  • Use business letter format
  • Use clean, crisp paper
  • Type the letter on a computer and print it out
  • Proofread, proofread, proofread!

Dont's for Cover Letters

  • Inflate your experience or skills
  • Lie
  • Use paper that is smudged or dirty
  • Use small type or a crowded format
  • Talk about issues unrelated to the job
  • Include distracting and unrelated personal information
  • Hand write the letter or envelope
  • Mention your incarceration or felony conviction

Sample Cover Letter

Your Street
City State Zip Code

Date

Their Name
Title
Company Name
Street Address
City State Zip Code

Dear Mr. (Ms.) Last name:

(First Paragraph) Refer to the enclosed resume. State the position you are applying for. Tell how you heard of the opening or company.

(Second Paragraph) State the special training, experience, or skills you have that directly relate to THIS position. Specifically mention qualifications required as stated in the ad or job description. This is the place to match your qualifications with their needs. Point out what may not be so obvious in your resume.

(Third paragraph) Request an interview. Let them know you would like the opportunity to discuss your qualifications in more detail. Inform them that you will be calling them to set up an appointment or that they may call you at ______. (Make sure you give them your home and/or cell number).

Sincerely,

Your Name
Your email address if you have one

Free to Learn