Quick Tips

1st Paragraph - Statement of Intent
Explain clearly what type of job you are seeking and express interest in the organization. If you are writing a solicited cover letter (responding to a specific opening), indicate how and where you learned of the opportunity and/or the organization.

If you are writing an unsolicited cover letter (not responding to an opening, but trying to create a position), start off with your solution to a problem within the company. Then state the specific position and department you would like to work in. Unsolicited cover letters usually require a lot of research.

2nd Paragraph - Summary of Qualifications
Mention one or two key qualifications you think would be of greatest interest to the employer. Tell why the organization, location, or the type of work appeals to you. Invite the reader to review your resume.

3rd Paragraph-Request for Action
Close by making a specific request for an interview, and indicate that you will follow up with a phone call. Don't leave it to the employer to set up the interview.

The above format is illustrated in a sample solicited cover letter and a sample unsolicited cover letter.

Additional Tips

• Target your letter to a particular position and organization.
• Address it to a specific individual; don't use sexist language like "Dear Gentlemen."
• Talk in terms of what you can contribute to the organization and not how it will benefit you.
• Convey focused career goals.
• Be honest and always be able to back up your claims.
• Be brief and keep it simple—one full page is probably too much.
• Remember to sign it.
• And always proofread!

• See our sample solicited cover letter or our sample unsolicited cover letter for more ideas on how to write one yourself.
• Check out other cover letter writing resources such as, Cover Letters for Dummies, by Joyce Lain Kennedy, available in the Career Resource Library.
• Stop by the Career Center during drop-in hours for resume and cover letter critique.