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Cover Letters
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Introduction
These resources will help you understand and write successful cover letters. To use these pages, you may select links in the navigation bar on the left, you may select links from the list below, or you may advance through the pages using the links at the bottom of each page. Click here to download the PDF file containing sample résumés and employment letters. The cover letter pages are organized into the following sections:
- What is a cover letter?
- Why do I need to do a cover letter?
- What should I do if I'm a veteran transitioning into civilian life?
- What should I do if I'm a transitioning automotive industry worker?
- What should I do about any times I was not working?
- What should I do if I have been incarcerated?
- What should my cover letter look like?
- What should my cover letter accomplish?
- What should I do before I start writing?
- What are the sections I should include in my letter?
- Introductions
- Addressing your letter
- Body paragraphs
- How should I follow up on my cover letter and résumé?
IMAGES
VIDEO
COMMENTS
Learn how to format a cover letter, including what information to include and how to structure the content. Review our outline and examples to help you create your own cover letter.
What is a cover letter? Why do I need to do a cover letter? What should I do if I'm a veteran transitioning into civilian life? What should I do if I'm a transitioning automotive industry worker? What should I do about any times I was not working? What should I do if I have been incarcerated? Cover letters part 1.
A cover letter, also known as an application letter, is a three- to four-paragraph memo to employers explaining your interest in the job and company and your fitness for the role. It's typically submitted along with your resume in a job application.
We show the best cover letter examples we've seen in 2024, and explain why they're great. We also show you how to write the best cover letter for you.
Cover letters should be around three paragraphs long and include specific examples from your past experience that make you qualified for the position. A cover letter should include the following parts: Header. Salutation. Introduction. Body paragraph. Closing paragraph. Letter ending and signature.
Your cover letter needs to grab the recipient’s attention and make an impact. It’s about showcasing your skills and standing out from other applicants. Details matter, so it’s important to get the formatting right. A cover letter format is similar to a one-page business letter format.