Cover Letters
Think of the cover letter as a vehicle to entice a potential employer to read your resume and invite you to interview. A great cover letter is more than well written – it conveys both your interest in and connection to the position and how you can make a difference in it.
Download a cover letter sample (PDF)
Fonts & Design
What font should you use?
A simple, sans-serif font like Arial or Helvetica, between 10 and 12 points. Except your name - make it BOLD and loud at up to 36 points.
Unless you’re applying for a position in a design-related field, steer clear of design elements. Also, save the photographs for your LinkedIn profile.
Contact Info
Include your full name, mailing address, phone, e-mail address and LinkedIn or website, if applicable. Make sure you have a professionally appropriate email – free of nicknames and numbers.
Margins
Should not be less than .5" and should not be larger than 1"
Salutation
Do your best to find to whom you should address your cover letter, i.e. the hiring manager or other contact mentioned with the position. Use “Staffing Professional:” or “Hiring Official” only if you’ve exhausted all other options.
Introduction
Show your knowledge of the organization’s goals and how your background, experiences, and skills make you an ideal candidate for the position. Consider this the answer to the question: Why should I hire you?
Body
This is your sales pitch! Share your relevant skills, education and experience with specific examples that speak directly to key points from the job posting. Emphasize the value you would bring to the organization and why you’d be a good fit for this position.
Closing
Thank the hiring manager for their time and consideration. If applicable, include a specific follow up action like, I’ll follow up with a phone call next week. When mailing the letter, leave 3–4 lines between the closing and your name for your signature. If emailing the letter, insert an electronic signature, or simply type your name below the closing in the same font and size as the rest of the letter.