Also called a "Letter of Interest", "Letter of Intent", and "Letter of Application", a cover letter is what accompanies your resume when applying for a position. It is an important document and can make you stand out as a candidate if well-written.

Basic Rules about Format

1. All lines are left-margin justified. This is standard business letter format.
2. Double space between paragraphs.
3. Do not abbreviate: standard abbreviations, such as Mr. and Apt. are acceptable. Spell out "Street", "Road", "Avenue", etc.
4. No contractions: Example: "I am", "I did not", "It is not" . . .
5. Use the same font type as your résumé: Example: Times New Roman, Arial, etc.

Basic Rules about Content

1. Your return address: street, city, state and zip code only - NO name, phone or email.
2. Date: Spell out the month.
3. Inside address: name, title, organization, street address, city, state, and zip code.
4. Salutation: Name, if known. Generic, if no name.
5. Opening paragraph: Why are contacting them? How did you learn about the position? You need to use this opportunity to grab their attention and draw them into the letter. Keep it interesting! If you do not know about a specific opening, explain why you are interested in their organization. Ideally, this paragraph should be 3-5 sentences.
6. Body: Convince them that you are the right person for the job. Draw parallels between what they are looking for and what you have to offer. Use education, experiences, as well as geographical and philosophical fit. Address the requirements stated in their job description. If you do not have something they are asking for, explain how you will overcome that shortcoming. Refer to your résumé. In addition, the more you know about the company, the more convincing your letter will be.**This can be worked into the body or used in the opening paragraph.
7. Closing paragraph: Do you leave the ball in their court or yours? If the ad states: "closing date 6/1/04" then indicate you will wait to hear from them after their closing date. If not, show initiative! You may also want to consider a "hook" to get them to make the next move.
8. Closing: Salutation plus typed name. Include the word "Enclosure" to indicate that there is something else in the envelope besides your cover letter.

123 Main Street (1)
Keene, NH 03431

May 9, 2007 (2)

Mr. John Smith (3)
Human Resource Director
ABC Company
12 Main Street
Somewhere, NH 03435

Dear Mr. Smith: (or To Whom It May Concern:) (4)

Your posting in the Sunday, May 10th edition of the Boston Globe for the position of Environmental Scientist caught my eye. ~or~ Dr. Joe Brown from Keene State College referred me to your company website. ~or~ I am writing to inquire about any potential openings in your research lab. ABC Company is of particular interest to me after reading a recent Wall Street Journal article about . . . (5)

Your posting sought a candidate who possessed excellent communication skills. I have developed such skills through my experience as a Keene State College tour guide. In addition, you seek a team player. Through the Small Business Institute, I collaborated with 4 individuals as well as a local business to revise their marketing plan. Although I do not have two full years of experience, I believe my internship with __________ and my experience with __________ have prepared me well for this type of position. As noted on my enclosed resume . . . (6)

I will contact your office the week of _______ to further discuss my qualifications. Thank you for your time and attention to my résumé. ~or~ I will wait to hear from your office after the closing date of . . . I can be reached at (###) ###-####. In addition, I am very interested in your _______ as indicated on your website. I would appreciate receiving more information regarding it. (7)

Sincerely, (8)

Name Typed (8)

Enclosure (8)