Sample Cover Letters

I. Cover Letter Format

Your Contact Information

Name

Address

City, State, Zip Code

Phone Number

Email Address

Date

Employer Contact Information (if you have it)

Name

Title

Company

Address

City, State, Zip Code

Salutation

Dear Mr./Ms. Last Name, (leave out if you don't have a contact)

Body of Cover Letter

The body of your cover letter lets the employer know what position you are applying for, why the

employer should select you for an interview, and how you will follow-up.

First Paragraph

The first paragraph of your letter should include information on why you are writing. Mention the

position you are applying for and where you found the job listing. Include the name of a mutual

contact, if you have one.

Middle Paragraph(s)

The next section of your cover letter should describe what you have to offer the employer. Mention

specifically how your qualifications match the job you are applying for. Remember, you are

interpreting your resume, not repeating it.

Final Paragraph

Conclude your cover letter by thanking the employer for considering you for the position. Include

information on how you will follow-up.

Complimentary Close

Respectfully yours,

Signature

Handwritten Signature (for a mailed letter)

Typed Signature

II. Typical Cover Letter:

Amy Mathews,

117 River St, Boston 02127

(H) 617 247 8459

(M) 617 847 1269

02.12.08

Mr. Luke Wilson,

HR Manager,

Safeway’s Supermarket,

Waltham Plaza,

Boston, MA

Dear Mr. Wilson,

I am enclosing my resume for your review in response to your advertisement on usrecruit.com

for a General Manager for your supermarket.

I have been employed as a General Manager at the Stop n Shop Supermarket chain for over six

years now and during this time have gained considerable experience in this role. I have shown a

large degree of flexibility throughout my tenure and have moved around the Massachusetts area

when necessary to assist the branches with increasing sales and making sales targets.

I am highly engaged and have a proven track record in effective management and leadership

skills, building motivated, dependable work teams.

I will contact you early next week to follow up on this application and schedule a convenient

time for you to meet with me.

Thanking you in advance.

Yours sincerely,

Amy Mathews.

Cover Letter Practice

(Your street address/City/State,

Zip/date above)

(Name of person (if known-call and ask if not known), co. name, street address P.O.box, city,

state, zip above.)

Dear (could be Human Resources, Personnel, Mr./Ms. last name)

___________________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________________

Sincerely,

(Sign name)

(Print name)