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Academic & Career Center
Cover Letters

|  Structure  |    |  Technical Guidelines  |    |  Tips  |

Technical Guidelines For An Employment Cover Letter

1. Use white, high content cotton bond paper with matching envelopes. Use the same paper for the resume.
   
   
2. Fold the letter only twice - two even folds.
   
   
3. A letter - quality typed is mandatory. For sharpest contrast, check the toner or ink in your printer.
   
   
4. Grammar and spelling must be perfect. Have someone review your letter before mailing.
   
   
5. Use block or semi-block form. Modify top and bottom margins so your letter will be centered on the page.
   
   
6. Be sure you are writing to the appropriate person. Most letters describing vacancies indicate the person to be contacted. If necessary, make a call to identify the person to whom the position reports.
   
   
7. The employer's name must be spelled correctly and the title written accurately.
   
   
8. Avoid too many "I's". You will have to use this personal pronoun several times, but avoid beginning every sentence with it. Vary language, and read your letter aloud to get a sense of the flow. Try to come across as someone so interesting that the employer will be eager for the next step - a personal meeting - the interview.
   
   
9. "Sincerely" is an appropriate closing.
   
   
10. Type your name (legibly) below your signature. Your address will be at the top of the letter. Give your telephone number in the final paragraph.
    **This may be a good time to consider whether the message currently on your answering machine conveys the professional image you ideally wish to communicate to your future employer!
    
    
11. Try to make this letter sound uniquely like you. A cover letter can convey the personality of the writer in a way the resume cannot.
    
    
12. Most vacancy announcements will state clearly whether the employer wants credentials sent at once, or prefers to request them after an interview.
    
    
13. Enclosure is typed at the bottom left margin if a resume or other material is included.