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Cover Letter Tips

Cover Letters
The cover letter serves as an introduction to the resume and is designed to create
interest on the part of the employer to really read the resume and not merely glance at
it.
STRUCTURE
Cover letters are always one page in length consisting of 3-4 paragraphs.
PAPER (if sending by mail)
The paper should match what is being used for the resume and reference sheet. Use a
medium weight bond paper in a neutral color such as white, beige, light gray, ivory, etc.
Also, use the same font size and type for the cover letter, resume, and reference sheet.
THE MODEL COVER LETTER
Greetings and salutations. When possible, always try to find out the name and title of
the hiring manager. Always feel comfortable with just calling the main telephone number
of the company and asking, “I am sending some information to the director of marketing.
Could I please have the correct spelling of his/her name?”
No luck in getting a name??? Open the cover letter with the following salutations: Dear
Employer:, Dear Recruiter:, Dear Human Resource Manager:, Good Morning:, or
Attention Marketing Department:. Avoid using out-of-date phrases such as Dear
Sir/Madam:, Dear Sir:, or To Whom It May Concern:.
When e-mailing, the cover letter is the text of the e-mail with the resume sent as an
attachment or cut and paste within the space. The e-mail would not include your return
address, date at the top or the person’s name, title and address (like a letter sent by mail
would); simply start out the e-mail with Dear Mr. Smith: or Dear Ms. Smith:.
The first paragraph is the introduction. The reader should learn who you are, why you
are writing, what type of position you are seeking, and how you heard about the opening
(or possible opening).
Example 1: “Enclosed, please find my resume in consideration for the Entry-
Level Staff Accountant position recently advertised in the
Wisconsin State Journal. This position seems perfect for
someone with my background and...