COVER LETTER OVERVIEW & TEMPLATE Your Name Street Address City, State Zip Code Date Hiring Manager’s Name Company Name Street Address City, State Zip Code Dear Mr./Ms./Mx.: OPENING: Provide a personal intro (do not start with “My name is…”). State the reason for writing. Name the specific position you are applying to and where you found the opportunity. Include your availability (date you can begin working and time commitment). Persuasively emphasize the top two or three qualifications (skills, knowledge, or experience) sought by the employer that you bring. BODY (1 or 2 paragraphs): Go into detail about the two or three qualifications you identified in the opening. Explain why you are interested in working for this employer by focusing on your knowledge of the company/position and summarizing your relevant qualifications. Prove that you would be an excellent fit by describing specific examples where you gained these qualifications and include specific results whenever possible. Tell your story; do not list the information from your resume verbatim. Remember, the employer will also consider this an example of your writing skills. CLOSING: Mention that your resume is enclosed and indicate your desire to meet with the employer for an interview, along with your phone number and email address (unless these are already included in your heading). Re-emphasize the qualifications sought by the employer that you offer and highlight why hiring you would be mutually beneficial. Finally, thank the employer for considering your application. Sincerely, Image of Your Signature First and Last Name https://www.themuse.com/advice/cover-letters Created by Kelsie LeVan, Philadelphia Futures Last updated August 2020 COVER LETTER EXAMPLE Jerome Futures 1234 Future Avenue Philadelphia, PA 19102 December 1, 2019 Ms. Michelle Duncan Jetson Corporation 1304 Rothdale Drive, Suite 152 Jetson, NC 45123 Dear Ms. Duncan: Please accept my letter of application for the research and development position with Jetson Corporation that is currently advertised on the company’s website. In May 2020, I will be graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Biological Science from Temple University and available for full-time employment. My academic background and relevant professional experience have given me the research and analytical skills necessary to support the R&D team with laboratory testing, manufacturing, and design quality. My interest and commitment to science is long-standing, and my diverse experience makes me an excellent candidate for the R&D position. As a sophomore, I secured an environmental engineering research position at Company A. My research focused on bacterial biodegradation toward environmental contaminants in soil and polluted groundwater, and I presented my findings at the Temple University College of Science Research Day. As a junior, I accepted a fieldwork position with Company B, during which I participated in several hands-on research projects and collected and analyzed data for a federal grant proposal. Currently, I am working on my senior design project with the goal of X. This project will allow me to apply my knowledge and experience to support new research developments in biotechnology. Jetson Corporation’s commitment to sustainability and community impact closely aligns with the values I have developed throughout my academic and internship experiences. I am excited about the opportunity to apply my biological science knowledge and skill set to technological advancements and projects in the R&D position. Please contact me at 555-215-5555 or joe.smith@gmail.com to schedule an interview. Thank you in advance for considering my application, and I look forward to reviewing my interest and credentials with you in more detail. Sincerely, Jerome Futures Created by Kelsie LeVan, Philadelphia Futures Last updated August 2020
