Cover Letter Tips

Follow these tips to make sure your cover letter grabs the attention of a prospective employer.

Use Good Form

• Address your letter to a specific person by name and title. If you can't find an individual's name, use the job title of the recipient (Maintenance Supervisor, Office Manager), or perhaps "Human Resources" or "Search Committee". Do not address your letter to a business, a department, or "To Whom It May Concern."
• At the end of your letter, tell the employer how you plan to follow-up. Then do what you planned.
• Sign in blue or black ink, unless submitting electronically.

Be Confident, Positive, and Focused

• Target your letter to the audience and industry.
• Be positive about your current employment situation and professional future.
• Emphasize what you can offer the employer.
• Express your focused career goals.
• Don't use empty or unproven claims about your abilities.

Be Concise, Accurate, and Polite

• Use short sentences. Write in a professional tone.
• Keep the letter to one page.
• Proofread your letter thoroughly.
• Thank the reader for his or her time.