COVER LETTER
Taken from 2021 NACE
Revised by Michelle B. Gjerde, Career Center
The purposes of this letter is to get your enclosed resume read and to generate interviews.
Use this type of letter in response to specific job advertisements and vacancy
announcements. Your strategy is to demonstrate that your qualifications fit the
requirements of the position. Study the position description carefully and decide on one
or more themes-education, experience, interests, and responsibility etc.-that show
persuasively how well you fit the position. Link major job dimensions with your related
past performance and experience.
Structure your application letters with three or four paragraphs:
Paragraph One: Come to the point. Reveal your purpose and interest. Why are you
sending this letter? Identify the position and your source of information. Introduce your
themes. Tell the employer why you are interested/excited to work for their company or
in that particular position.
Paragraph Two: Outline your strongest qualifications that match the position
requirements based on the themes you selected. As much as possible, provide evidence
and examples of your related experiences and accomplishments. Make reference to your
enclosed resume.
Paragraph Three: Convince the employer that you have the personal qualities and
motivation to perform well in the position. Sell yourself.
Paragraph Four: Suggest an action plan. Request an interview, and tell the employer
how they can reach you (provide a phone number and email) to discuss interview
possibilities.
Closing: Show appreciation to the reader for his or her time and consideration.
*Always try to fit your cover letter on one page.
Quick fixes if your letter is too long:
1. Extend margins from the standard 1 inch to a narrow 0.5 inch margin.
2. Decrease the font size by one level (however you don’t want to decrease a font
below a size 10).