Useful Examples
This packet contains a collection of sample cover letters for you to use in producing your
own letter. The examples included in this collection show formatting, layout and design,
placement of text, content, and actual verbiage. By using these exhibits as a general
guideline, you can gain some insight as to the general look and language of an effective
cover letter.
Cover Letters
Your resume should always be accompanied by a well-written one-page cover letter. Your
cover letter should be written in standard professional business letter format. Produce
each letter individually. It should be a personal letter, addressed to a specific individual, at
a specific company or organization, and making reference to a specific job. Never send a
form letter. It is best to use a more exploratory, open-ended, introductory tone in your
cover letter, rather than a more assertive, application-oriented tone. Think of it as a letter of
introduction instead of a letter of application.
Header
The header on your cover letter should match the header on your resume and it should
contain your name, mailing address, telephone number, and e-mail address.
Paragraphs
The first paragraph contains your objective. Tell the reason why you are writing the letter.
Short, simple, and direct. Include the name of the company in the description of objective.
Your second paragraph contains a summary of your qualifications for the job. Provide a
brief description of your education, experience, and skills as they relate to the job.
Your third paragraph is the action statement. Express your desire for a meeting to learn
more about the job and the company. Ask for the interview. Indicate that you will follow up.
Details
The letter should be single spaced. Use active rather than passive voice.
In the address block of the employer, include the name and title of the person.
Avoid salutations that sound too impersonal or too general, like Dear Sir or Dear
Sir/Madam or To Whom It May Concern. The salutation should begin… Dear Mr., Ms., or
Dr., followed by the person’s last name.
And, if you are mailing your letter, don't forget to include a handwritten signature.
William J. Anybody
Mailing Address
Telephone Number and E-Mail Address
________________________________________________________________________________________
Date
Name of Contact
Title or Department
Name of Company
Address
City, State, Zip Code
Dear (Mr./Ms.) (Last Name of Contact):
I am writing to express my interest in exploring career opportunities in (Area of Interest, Job Function, Name of
Department) with (Name of Company).
I will be graduating in (Month and Year) from Birmingham-Southern College with a Bachelor of Science degree
in (Major Concentration). I have comprehensive training in and a thorough academic knowledge of
(Coursework, Curriculum, Academic Focus). I have extensive experience in (Job Functions, Specific Industry,
Area of Specialty). I possess strong (Relevant Skills and Competencies) skills and excellent (Relevant Skills
and Competencies) abilities.
I would like to meet with you at your convenience to learn more about (Name of Company) and opportunities in
(Area of Interest, Job Function, Name of Department). I will contact you next week. Thank you for your
consideration.
Sincerely,
Your Name
Tom T. Tuttle
123 Main Street, Birmingham, Alabama 35123
(205) 123-4567
[email protected]
________________________________________________________________________________________
March 19, 2014
Alan W. Smith
Director of Marketing Department
Superior Products Company
123 Downtown Avenue
Birmingham, Alabama 35555
Dear Mr. Smith:
I am writing to express my interest in exploring career opportunities in marketing with Superior Products
Company.
I will be graduating in May 2012 from Birmingham-Southern College with a Bachelor of Science degree in
Business Administration. I have comprehensive training in and a thorough academic knowledge of marketing
principles, brand management, advertising and promotions, market research, consumer behavior, and
professional sales. I have extensive experience in sales, event planning, public relations, and customer
service. I possess strong planning and organizational abilities and excellent administrative and interpersonal
skills.
I would like to meet with you at your convenience to learn more about Superior Products Company and
opportunities in marketing. I will contact you next week. Thank you for your consideration.
Sincerely,
Tom. T. Tuttle
Alice B. Wonder
123 Main Street, Birmingham, Alabama 35123
(205) 123-4567
[email protected]
________________________________________________________________________________________
June 22, 2015
Judy R. Thomas
Managing Editor
Deep South Magazine
123 Downtown Avenue
Birmingham, Alabama 35555
Dear Ms. Thomas:
I am writing to express my interest in exploring career opportunities in journalism with Deep South Magazine.
I will be graduating in May 2013 from Birmingham-Southern College with a Bachelor of Arts degree in English.
I have comprehensive training in and a thorough academic knowledge of English language, literature, and
grammar. I have extensive experience in writing, editing, and researching. I possess strong creative abilities
and excellent writing and editing skills. I have strong research and information gathering skills.
I would like to meet with you at your convenience to learn more about Deep South Magazine and opportunities
in journalism. I will contact you next week. Thank you for your consideration.
Sincerely,
Alice B. Wonder
Linda Q. Friendly
123 Main Street, Birmingham, Alabama 35123
(205) 123-4567
[email protected]
________________________________________________________________________________________
October 15, 2014
Bobby K. Jones
Director of Oncology
St. Vincent’s Hospital
123 Downtown Avenue
Birmingham, Alabama 35555
Dear Dr. Jones:
I am writing to express my interest in exploring career opportunities in health care with St. Vincent’s Hospital.
I will be graduating in May 2012 from Birmingham-Southern College with a Bachelor of Science degree in
Biology. I have comprehensive training in and a thorough academic knowledge of biology, chemistry, and
health-related concepts. I have extensive medical, research, and community service experience. I possess
strong science and research abilities and excellent technical and analytical skills.
I would like to meet with you at your convenience to learn more about St. Vincent’s Hospital and opportunities
in health care. I will contact you next week. Thank you for your consideration.
Sincerely,
Linda Q. Friendly
David L. Stellar
123 Main Street, Birmingham, Alabama 35123
(205) 123-4567 [email protected]
________________________________________________________________________________________
August 10, 2015
Sally W. King
Director of Events
Acme Public Relations Firm
123 Downtown Avenue
Birmingham, Alabama 35555
Dear Ms. King:
I am writing to express my interest in exploring career opportunities in public relations and event planning with
Acme Public Relations Firm.
I will be graduating in May 2013 from Birmingham-Southern College with a Bachelor of Arts degree in
Psychology. I have comprehensive training in and a thorough academic knowledge of psychological concepts
and principles of human behavior. I have extensive managerial, administrative, fund raising, customer service,
and event planning experience. I possess strong planning and organizing abilities and excellent interpersonal
communication skills.
I would like to meet with you at your convenience to learn more about Acme Public Relations Firm and
opportunities in public relations and event planning. I will contact you next week. Thank you for your
consideration.
Sincerely,
David L. Stellar