Your cover letter is your first impression to employers—it should complement your résumé and be professionally written. Follow these key guidelines to create a strong application letter:
- Write to a specific person
- Error-free (no typographical or grammatical errors)
- Include basic features of a business letter–return address/personal letterhead (contact information), date, inside address, salutation, body of the letter, complementary close, signature, signatory, and enclosure
- Avoid negativity
- Short and simple (1-page)
- Request interview
- Do not replicate the résumé (briefly include qualifications)
- Avoid “I” statements
- Refer reader to the résumé indicate how you learned about the job offer
- Be honest–do not lie or exaggerate facts
Resources
Sample Letter without Letter head
Sample Letter with Letter head
