Hard copy: sender address and contact info at top.
Month, Day, Year
(1 space here)
(The number of spaces after the date are determined by the length of the letter.
The company address and letter content should be centered vertically on the stationary.)
Mr./Ms./Dr. First Name Last Name or
Hiring Manger
Title
Name of Organization Street Address
City, State, Zip
Dear Mr./Ms./Dr. First Last Name or
Hiring Manager
Subject: Insert Job title
(1 space here)
(1 space here)
Opening paragraph: State why you are writing; how you learned of the organization or position, and basic
information about yourself. If applicable, mention the name of the person who referred you. Example: Sarah
Cummens, Promotion Director at Insight, Inc., suggested I contact you regarding the Research Assistant
position. In light of the work your organization is now beginning to do with after school programs, I believe
I will be able to contribute my expertise in this area in a research position due to my attention to detail,
planning, and communication skills.
(No indentations on paragraphs)
2nd paragraph: Tell why you are interested in the employer or type of work the employer does (Simply stating
that you are interested does not tell why, and can sound like a form letter). Demonstrate that you know enough
about the employer or position to relate your background to the employer or position. Mention specific
qualifications which make you a good fit for the employer’s needs. (Focus on what you can do for the employer,
not what the employer can do for you.) This is an opportunity to explain in more detail relevant items in your
resume. Refer to the fact that your resume is enclosed. Mention other enclosures if such are required to apply for
a position. Example: As my resume indicates, I was actively involved in public relations during my last two
years in college. Through my internship, I had the opportunity to write press releases which I received
outstanding recognition from my supervisor and the rest of my staff members. My experience
coordinating press conferences has been greatly enhanced and I have a proven record of scheduling
over 20 conferences with minimal supervision, resulting in positive feedback from attendees. I have
exceptional communication skills and through my active listening, I have developed strong relationships
and rapport with the local news media. I am confident I can put forth these same skills and succeed in
your organization.
(1 space here)
3rd paragraph: Indicate that you would like the opportunity to interview for a position or to talk with the employer to
learn more about their opportunities or hiring plans. State what you will do to follow up, such as telephone the
employer within two weeks. If you will be in the employer’s location and could offer to schedule a visit, indicate when.
State that you would be glad to provide the employer with any additional information needed. Thank the employer for
her/his consideration. Example: Recognizing that your schedule must be quite hectic, I will call you on
Thursday, March 16 to see if we can arrange a time to review my qualifications in more detail. If you have
any questions, please feel free to contact me at 555-555-5555 or emailaddress@gmail.com Thank you for
your time and consideration. I look forward to hearing from you soon.
(1 space here)
Sincerely,
(Your handwritten signature [on hard copy]) (4 spaces here)
Your name typed
(In case of e-mail, your full contact info appears below your printed name [instead of at the top, as for hard copy], and of course there is
no handwritten signature)
(2 spaces here)
Enclosure(s) (refers to resume, transcripts, writing samples.) Example: Encl: Resume
(Note: the contents of your letter might best be arranged into four paragraphs. Consider what you need to say and use good writing style.)
Your contact information should replicate your resume
Include First Name Last Name | phone number | email address| LinkedIn URL