Cover letter anatomy

Cover Letter Anatomy
“A cover letter is to a resume as a book jacket is to a novel. It introduces the author to
the reader and provides a tantalizing overview of the contents that should make the
reader want to dive right in.”

Cover Letter Format
Your Name
Address
Telephone
Email
Date (Month, Day, Year)
Employer Name
Title
Company Name
Address
Dear Mr. Smith
Introduction
Body
habits
Conclusion

Introduction
Your education, skills, experience, personal characteristics and/or work
Closing

Sincerely
(Your Signature)
Your Name

Cover Letter Content
Introduction

The first paragraph describes why you are writing or states your objective. Start off with an
original opening statement. Tell the reader where you found the advertisement and what
position you are applying for. Consider conducting some research on the company before writing
the cover letter and include something you know about the company within the introduction or
body of the letter. You might want to add one sentence at the end of the introduction that
relays your desire to work for the specific company. Key to the introduction is to create
interest and grab the reader’s attention.

Body


The body of the letter provides essential information that the employer should know about you –
skills, achievements, quantified statements about past accomplishments, experience, personality
traits and/or work habits. Choose the most relevant elements from your resume and highlight
them. Keep this paragraph clear and concise. When writing about how you work or what kind of
person you are, try to support your statements with examples. This paragraph tells the
employer why they should hire you over another candidate. You can take the opportunity to tell
the employer why you believe this job is the ideal match for your skill set. You should provide
tangible evidence of the potential contribution you could make if hired.
In other words, sell yourself.

Conclusion
This paragraph closes the letter and can restate your interest in the position. Employers
appreciate candidate enthusiasm. Provide the employer with your specific contact information
and tell the reader when you will follow-up to confirm the receipt of your letter and resume.

Cover Letter Quick Tips
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Lend the cover letter your personality
Address your letters to individuals – name and correct job title
Name-drop early in your letter
Establish your credibility in your field of choice by using industry –specific terms
Proofread for spelling, grammar and format at least three times
Keep it simple, clear and easy to read
Ask somebody to read your cover letter and give you feedback
Where possible, personalize your cover letter
Where applicable, include the position competition number
Letter should be no more than one page in length

Customize each cover letter to the position being applied for
Highlight relevant experience based on job being applied for
Do not send out generic letters
Take your time – draft, revise and rewrite
Show enthusiasm and sincerity
Be sure to spell the employer name and title correctly
Do not short form words ie. I’d or You’ve
Do not overuse the word “I”
Show your intent to follow-up at a later date
Write from your strengths and not shortcomings – be positive
Do not exaggerate your experiences
Cover letter paper should be the same as resume paper


Created by Faculty of Technology