WRITING TAILORED COVER LETTERS WORKSHEET
A cover letter answers three basic questions: Who are you and what are you applying for? What value can you
add to this organization? Why are you interested in this particular opportunity?
This two-page worksheet is designed to help you think of the answers, and then present them through formal
business writing.
Step 1: Complete Page 1 by referring to a specific job description and filling in the chart below
Step 2: Complete Page 2 by applying the information from the chart into the cover letter template
Step 3: Upload your worksheet to your Archway documents (ASB Career Pathways - Cover Letter Worksheet)
Step 4: Receive feedback from your Career Advisor and make revisions as needed until approval is confirmed.
Organization Name:
Job Title:
THE JOB DESCRIPTION
HOW I MATCH
LIST 3 TRAITS SOUGHT IN A CANDIDATE
WRITE 3 PHRASES DESCRIBING YOUR PERSONALITY
(Example: Strong presentation skills)
(Example: Confident public speaker)
1.
1.
2.
2.
3.
3.
LIST 3 JOB DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES
WRITE AN ACHIEVEMENT RELATED TO EACH DUTY
(Example: Perform high-volume data entry)
(Example: Created Excel spreadsheet to track 500+ weekly orders)
1.
1.
2.
2.
3.
3.
LIST 3 FACTS ABOUT THE COMPANY.
LIST 3 COMPANY “TRAITS” THAT YOU FIND APPEALING.
(Example: leading global banking and investment firm)
(Example: company’s focus on diversity in firm and among clients)
1.
1.
2.
2.
3.
3.
Cover Letter Template
Assignment: Use this template to create your cover letter in standard business format. Take information from
your chart on Page 1 and incorporate it into the letter. See notes at end of page for additional tips.
Your Name
Your Street Address, City, ST ##### / Phone: ###-###-#### / email@ramapo.edu
Today’s Date
Recruiter’s Name1
Title
Company
Address
City, State, #####
RE: [Job Title You Are Applying For] 2
Dear Mr. (or Ms.) Lastname: 3
I am a [class year] [major] major at Ramapo College of New Jersey. I saw the [Job Title] job posting on [Job
Lead Source] and am confident you will find my background a match to the opportunity.4
I am [a confident public speaker], [personality trait 2], and [personality trait 3]5. Highlights of my skills and
achievements include: 6



[Creating an Excel spreadsheet to track 500+ weekly orders for a local boutique]
[Achievement 2]
[Achievement 3]
In reading about [Company Name], I was very interested to learn that the organization is known for [its role as
a leading global banking and investment firm ]. What appeals to me most about the organization is [the company’s
focus on diversity within the firm and among its clients].7
Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to speaking with you soon to discuss my
qualifications with you in more detail. 8
Sincerely,
Your Name
The Details
1. If name not provided, try to find one on company’s website or LinkedIn.
2. If applying for job by email, this section forward forms the body of the cover letter w/resume attached.
3. Omit salutation line if name unknown.
4. Use opening paragraph to identify who you are and why you are writing.
5. Emphasize characteristics that align with the job description.
6. In bullet point or paragraph form, demonstrate what you have accomplished.
7. What interests you in this particular organization? What appeals to you about working here?
8. Close with an expression of appreciation. Include contact info here if not in header above.