COVER (Actual Job Opening)

BROADCAST (Possible Job Opening)

• 1 page maximum, business format

• Introduce yourself

• Tell why you are writing

• Excite reader in your credentials

• Mention your resume

• Refer to some follow-up

Dear Mr./Ms. (Last Name):

Dear Mr./Ms. (Last Name):

First Paragraph

• Name job applying to and where saw/heard advertisement

• Statement(s) summing up the benefits you bring to the employer

• State what interests you in the organization and position

• Name area you are interested in and starting date

• Include a reference to the person(s) you spoke to about the organization

• State what interests you in the organization and area and how you can meet the employer’s needs

Middle Paragraph

• Underline action verbs and circle aspects or components in the job description to enable you to organize ideas

• Match the employer's words

• Document your qualifications by themes and prove points by using examples

• Organize paragraphs putting the most important ones first

• Based on your research, write your own job description, underline action verbs and circle aspects or components to enable you to organize ideas

• Document your qualifications by themes and prove points through examples

• Organize paragraphs putting the most important ones first

Final Paragraph

• Refer to your enclosed resume

• Mention you would like an interview to provide more information

• Include your phone number with best times to reach you, and your e-mail address

• Refer to your enclosed resume

• Mention the follow-up you will do (e.g., phone to arrange a mutually convenient time to meet) or phone to discuss career opportunities