How to Create a Cover Letter

Cover Letter Layout

Follow these standard formatting guidelines when creating a cover letter.

 

1. Begin the cover letter with your address, at the left margin.
2. Place the date beneath your address. Do not skip a line before the date.
3. Skip another line after the date and type the formal name, position, and address of the recipient of the letter.
4. Skip a line after the recipient’s name and address and type your salutation. Use a colon, not a comma.
5. Skip a line after the salutation and type the body of your letter.
6. Do not indent paragraphs.
7. Skip a line between paragraphs.
8. Include a closing.
9. Skip three lines and type your name.
10. Sign your name in black or blue ink in the blank space between your closing and your typed name.

Cover Letter Language

• Address your letter to a specific person rather than to a title or department. If you don’t know who will be reading your letter and résumé, call the company and find out.
• Be brief. Fit the letter on one page.
• Use strong, dynamic verbs rather than repeating variations of “to be” and “to do.”

Cover Letter Pitfalls to Avoid

• Lies or gross exaggerations
• Attempts at humor or sarcasm
• Apologies for lack of experience
• Negative comments about anything
• Bad-mouthing of former employers or employees
• Your reasons for leaving your current or previous jobs
• Errors in spelling, grammar, or punctuation
• Gratuitous or desperate name-dropping
• Specific salary demands or even general salary expectations (unless the job listing specifically requests them)
• Repetition of information already mentioned on your résumé, unless:
  • You can add a personal spin that wouldn’t work in the résumé format
  • You have an especially outstanding qualification on which you can elaborate