Job Letter Information
The information below is what normally goes into a strong cover letter:
Header Information
- Your full mailing address (don’t forget zip code)
- Their full mailing address (adding phone/email can be helpful)
- Dear Job Title & Full Name
Paragraph 1
- State the title of the specific job for which you are applying
- Detail your current student status (school year, major, minor, at Indiana University of Pennsylvania [write out the school name], expected graduation date and work availability date)
- List the company name and state, briefly, why you are interested in that company (requires background research)
- Mention any contact you have at the company (friends, acquaintances, even someone you called)
- Select 3 key skills mentioned in the job ad which you say you will now discuss
Paragraphs 2-4
- Write a full paragraph about each key skill you hold related to the job
- Give proof that you have these skills by discussing specific work/school experiences that show you using these skills
- Anyone can claim to have a skill, so it is the specific details about the skill which help back up your claims
- Mention any evaluation you received of your work (a boss’s review, promotions, being given extra responsibilities, earning employee of the month, etc.)
Final Paragraph
- Restate why they would want to hire you
- Mention that you hope to hear from them within 2 weeks
- State if you plan to give a follow-up call or email
- If you are sending enclosures (resume, references list, writing sample), mention these
- Note any travel plans which will bring you to the area
Salutation
- First and Last Name
- Signature
- Cell phone
- Email address
- Web address