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COVER LETTER CHECKLIST

Basics

  • Paper is free of blemishes.
  • Font size is large enough to be read by people with weak  eyesight
  • No Grammatical, spelling or punctuation errors.
  • One to Two pages long
  • Font is clear and not cursive. Document could be scanned easily.


Top Area

  • Your contact information clear and prominent.
  • E-mail address is professional.
  • Make sure phone does not have unprofessional ringback tone or greeting.
  • Employer address is included.
  • Today’s date
  • Salutation

Paragraph One

  • The job you would like to fill.
  • How you found the job
  • Grab their attention.

Paragraph Two and Optional Paragraph Three

  • What makes you qualified enough for the employer to read your resume.
  • What makes you interested in the job?
  • Showcase the skills, experience and education that makes you qualified.
  • What do you know of the company and how you would fit?

Last Paragraph

  • Thank the employer for their time and/or consideration.
  • Express an interest (or blatantly ask for) an opportunity to sit down face to face with the employer.

Valediction

  • Thank you, Sincerely, etc.
  • Typed name (also sign if submitting a paper version)
  • Enclosure or Enclosure: Resume (and any other documents)

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Cover Letters, Letters of Interest and Letters of Intent

Definition-A document used that indicates the job you are applying to, summarizes your qualifications for this one job and gives your contact information.

Purpose-A pre-screening tool for the employer to decide whether to spend more of their time reading your resume. It can also determine your in-person communications style.

When to use it- Whenever a resume is submitted for a job opening.

When not to use it-When using a company application form and no one asked for it.

How to create it-Below is the outline. Cover Letter Examples

  • Formal Margins, 1” top and bottom, 1.25’ to 1.5” left and right.
  • Font at least 12 points.
  • Plain font, Ariel, Verdana, Times New Roman or Courier (to name a few). Never use script fonts.
  • A paragraph should contain at least two sentences.
  • Do a thorough check for proper Grammar and Spelling.

  • Top Section
    • Your name and contact information.
      • Professional E-mail address
      • No ringback tones on the phone.
      • Answer the phone promptly or forward to voicemail.
      • Professional voicemail message
      • Avoid using a family/friend as a message phone number if possible.
    • Today’s Date
    • Normally, the employers contact information. But it can be skipped if needed for space.
    • Salutation
      • If you do not know the name of the person who is reading your letter
        • Dear Sir or Madam:
        • Dear Hiring Authority:
        • Leave Blank
      • If you do know the name of the reviewer
        • Dear xxxxx: (It’s usually safer to state their whole name instead of trying to add Mr., Mrs., Ms. or Miss if you are unaware of their gender or marital status).
  • First Paragraph
    • Name the position you are applying to.
    • It’s ok to gush a bit about the company and the opportunity this presents to you.
    • Grab the reader’s attention
    • Avoid contractions; don’t, you’ll, I’ve, they’re, etc.

  • Second (and third if needed) Paragraph(s)
    • Convince the employer that you have the qualifications (education and/or experience) they are looking for.
    • Get as much information as you can about the job itself.
      • Administrative assistants, current employees and receptionists are great resources if they have the time.
        • What the job does
        • Equipment used
        • Common duties
    • Be bold about your qualifications
      • Avoid these words and terms at all costs (In the resume, too)
        • Believe
        • Think
        • Usually
        • Responsible for……
        • You will find………..
        • As you will see from my resume
        • I think you will find
        • You can see
        • You will find
      • Replace them with
        • I have
        • I am
        • I possess
      • Self judgments without proof should be avoided.
        • I believe I am hard working.
        • I have been told I am dedicated.
        • I have a strong work ethic.
      • Replace them with
        • I was recognized for my dedication with a letter or award.
      • Summarize your information, “I have over 10 years of experience in the job you advertised, etc.”
      • Any information you use to summarize, needs to also be in your resume.
      • If an abbreviation is not universally known, spell it out once.

    • Last Paragraph
      • Thank the reader for taking the time.
      • Blatantly ask for the interview. “I welcome the opportunity to discuss my qualifications with you”

    • Closing
      • Valediction
        • Thank you,
        • Sincerely (yours),
        • Respectfully (yours),
      • Your name
    • Enclosure (with or without list of documents)
      • Enclosure
      • Enclosure: Resume and Transcript