Graduate Writing center

Cover Letter Format

The following cover letter format lists the information you need to include in the cover letter you submit with your resume. Use this cover letter format as a guideline to create customized cover letters to send to employers.

Your Contact Information

• Full Name
• Street Address
• Your City, Country, Postal Code
• Phone Number
• Email Address

Employer Contact Information

• Name
• Title
• Company
• Address
• Your City, Country, Postal Code
• Date

Salutation

• Dear Mr. / Ms. Last Name:
• To Whom It May Concern:

Body of Cover Letter

(The body of your cover letter lets the employer know what position you are applying for, why the employer should select you for an interview, and how you will follow-up.)

First Paragraph

(The first paragraph of your letter should include information on why you are writing. Mention the position you are applying for and where you found the job listing. Include the name of a mutual contact, if you have one. Be clear and concise regarding your request. Convince the reader that they should grant the interview or appointment you requested in the first paragraph.)

Middle Paragraph(s)

(The next section of your cover letter should describe what you have to offer the employer. Make strong connections between your abilities and their needs. Mention specifically how your skills and experience match the job you are applying for. Remember, you are interpreting your resume, not repeating it. Try to support each statement you make with a piece of evidence. Use several shorter paragraphs or bullets rather than one large block of text.)

Final Paragraph

(Conclude your cover letter by thanking the employer for considering you for the position. Include information on how you will follow-up. State that you will do so and indicate when. You may want to reduce the time between sending out your resume and follow up if you email it or submit it electronically.)

Complimentary Close

Yours sincerely,
Yours faithfully, (if no name is known)

Signature

Handwritten Signature (Written)
Typed Signature (Full Name)