Cover letter template purdue owl
Start with a clear and professional header. Include your contact information at the top, followed by the date, and then the recipient’s details. This ensures a structured approach from the very beginning. Align the information to the left for easy readability.
Next, address the recipient with a formal greeting, such as Dear [Recipient’s Name], ensuring you spell their name correctly. Avoid generic openings like “To Whom It May Concern.” A specific greeting shows your effort in personalizing the letter.
In the first paragraph, quickly introduce yourself and mention the job position you’re applying for. Highlight your interest in the role and the company. Keep it brief and direct to avoid unnecessary filler. If you were referred by someone, include their name here to add a personal touch.
In the second paragraph, focus on why you are a strong fit for the role. Highlight key experiences, skills, or accomplishments that directly relate to the job description. Use concrete examples, and make sure to align your qualifications with the company’s needs. This is where you can showcase your qualifications in a meaningful way.
The final paragraph should express your enthusiasm about the opportunity and invite the reader to contact you. Mention that you look forward to discussing your application in more detail during an interview. End the letter politely with a formal closing, such as Sincerely or Best regards.
Cover Letter Template Purdue Owl
Follow these steps to structure a cover letter based on the Purdue OWL guidelines:
- Header: Include your name, address, phone number, and email at the top. Align these details to the left or center for clarity.
- Employer’s Information: Include the recipient’s name, title, company, and address below your header, left-aligned.
- Greeting: Address the recipient by name, if possible. Use “Dear [Mr./Ms. Last Name],” or “To Whom It May Concern” if you don’t know the name.
- Introduction: State the position you’re applying for, where you found the job listing, and briefly introduce yourself.
- Body Paragraph(s):
- Highlight your relevant experience and skills. Provide examples from previous work to demonstrate your qualifications.
- Show your understanding of the company’s needs and explain why you’re a good fit.
- Be specific about how your skills align with the job responsibilities.
- Closing: Conclude by thanking the reader for their time. Express interest in discussing the position further in an interview.
- Signature: End with “Sincerely,” followed by your name. If submitting a hard copy, leave space for your signature.
Keep your tone confident, clear, and concise. Tailor the content for each application, focusing on the most relevant skills and experience for the role. Avoid unnecessary filler and maintain professionalism throughout.
Understanding the Structure of a Cover Letter
A cover letter should follow a clear structure to ensure that each section serves its purpose. Begin with a header that includes your name, address, and contact details at the top. Make sure the recipient’s name, title, and company address follow next. This format helps maintain professionalism and ensures clarity when your letter is received.
Introduction
Open with a concise greeting, using the recipient’s name if possible. State the position you are applying for and how you learned about it. Make this section brief yet specific, highlighting your enthusiasm without overwhelming the reader with unnecessary details.
Main Body
In the body of your letter, focus on two key elements: your qualifications and your fit for the role. Address the skills and experiences that align with the position, and avoid listing everything. Rather, emphasize how your unique strengths can benefit the company. Aim to connect your background with the company’s mission or values in a clear, straightforward way.
Highlighting Relevant Skills and Experience
Focus on specific accomplishments that demonstrate how your abilities align with the job requirements. Quantify your achievements whenever possible, using data to show your impact. For instance, instead of saying “managed projects,” state “led a team to complete 15 projects on time, improving client satisfaction by 20%.” This provides concrete evidence of your contributions and value.
Match Your Skills with the Job
Review the job description carefully and identify key skills or qualifications mentioned. Tailor your cover letter to match these requirements. If the job emphasizes “leadership” and you have led teams in the past, highlight that experience with specific examples.
Provide Context to Your Experience
Don’t just list your skills–demonstrate how you’ve applied them. Include brief examples of situations where your skills made a measurable difference. For example, if problem-solving is a key skill, explain how you identified an issue, implemented a solution, and resulted in positive outcomes.
| Skill | Example of Application | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Project Management | Led a cross-functional team to deliver software updates ahead of schedule | Increased operational efficiency by 25% |
| Communication | Developed clear, concise reports for senior leadership | Improved decision-making by providing accurate, real-time data |
| Problem Solving | Resolved a critical software issue that had halted production | Restored normal operations within 48 hours, saving $50,000 |
Crafting a Strong Closing Statement
Conclude your cover letter with a clear call to action. Express enthusiasm about the opportunity and show that you are eager to contribute. Let the employer know that you are looking forward to discussing how your skills can benefit their team. Use confident and concise language to convey your readiness for the next step.
Be Direct and Specific
Instead of vague phrases, make your intent clear. For example, say, “I look forward to discussing how my skills align with your needs in an interview” rather than simply “I look forward to hearing from you.” This approach shows that you’re focused and proactive.
End with Gratitude
Thank the employer for considering your application. Acknowledge their time and express appreciation for the opportunity to apply. A short, polite note of thanks can leave a positive impression and set the tone for further communication.
Formatting Tips for a Professional Look
Use a clean, easy-to-read font such as Arial, Calibri, or Times New Roman. Stick to a font size of 10 to 12 points for the body and 14 to 16 points for headers. Avoid overly decorative fonts that can distract from the content.
Set your margins to 1 inch on all sides. This creates a balanced, tidy appearance. Keep your text aligned to the left, as this is easier to read and looks more polished.
Spacing and Alignment
Leave a space between each section, such as between the header, introduction, and body of the letter. Double-spacing between paragraphs improves readability. Align your text to the left and ensure there’s no unnecessary indentation at the beginning of paragraphs.
Header and Footer
Place your name, address, and contact information at the top. If you’re submitting the letter electronically, ensure the information is easy to find. Use a simple line or divider to separate the header from the body text. Avoid clutter in the footer.
Avoiding Common Mistakes in Cover Letters
Customize your letter for each job. Generic cover letters can come across as uninterested or lazy. Tailor the content to align with the specific job requirements, showcasing how your skills meet the company’s needs.
Be Clear and Concise
Avoid lengthy paragraphs. Keep your sentences short and direct. Hiring managers often skim cover letters, so get to the point quickly. Focus on the most relevant qualifications and experiences.
Check for Errors
Proofread your cover letter carefully. Spelling and grammar mistakes make a poor impression. Take the time to read it over or use a tool to check for errors before submission.
Don’t repeat your resume. Highlight achievements and skills, but don’t list your job history again. Use the cover letter to provide context and show why you’re a great fit for the role.
Avoid over-explaining. Keep your letter professional, without unnecessary details. Focus on what matters and let your resume fill in the rest of your qualifications.
End with a strong closing. Instead of a vague sentence like “Thank you for your time,” use a direct and confident line like “I look forward to discussing how I can contribute to your team.”