Sample Cover Letter Format

Date

Your name

Mailing address

City, state, ZIP code

Addressee’s name and title

Dear Dr. / Mr. / Ms. _______________:

The opening paragraph should be brief (2-4 sentences). State the reason for your letter including job title,

resource from which you heard about the vacancy, job listing number, (if there is one) and any other

pertinent information to ensure the employer understands what job you want.

Indicate in the second paragraph your interest in the company, job and why you think you are qualified for

the position. Match up your qualifications with those listed as required on the job description, if it is an

advertised job. A formal letter is obvious to an employer, so write a customized letter for each

look forward to hearing from them soon. An active approach, which is very effective (and shows the

employer how confident and enthusiastic you are about the job), is to state that you will call the employer

on a certain date (or in 10 days, one week, or whatever timing you want) to arrange for an appointment to

further discuss your qualifications with the employer in person.

Sincerely,

Your signature (Make it fit in this space without extending over the typed words.)