Sample Cover Letter Format:

Your Street Address
City, State, Zip Code
Today's Date           

Person's Name
Title
Company
Street Address
City, State, Zip Code

Dear Mr., Miss, Mrs., Dr.,:

First paragraph: Inform him/her why you are writing.   Explain why employment with this particular company interests you.

Middle paragraph(s): Awaken the reader's interest in you.   Explain how your academic background makes you a qualified candidate for the position.  If you have had some practical (related) work experience, point out you achievements or unique qualifications.  Do not summarize your resume, expand it.

Second-to-last paragraph: Refer the reader to the enclosed resume or application.  Indicate your desire for a personal interview and your flexibility as to the time and place.  Repeat your phone number and offer any assistance to facilitate a timely response. 

Final paragraph: Express your appreciation for the reviewers time. 

Sincerely,                                 

Susie M. Smith                         

Enclosure: resume

Sample Cover Letter (Finished):

Susie M. Smith        
237 East 40th Street
Ogden, UT, 84408  

Mr. Robert L. Gamrath
Executive Vice President
Amoco Oil Corporation
268 Lakeshore Drive
Chicago IL 60901

Dear Mr. Gamrath:

I was delighted to see your recruitment notice in the Career Services Center at Weber State University.  Your description of the director of Marketing position fascinated me because I saw in it a reflection of my education background, experience and goals.  I believe that I would be an asset to your company.

I will complete my baccalaureate degree requirements with a major in technical sales this December 2001.  My education has provided me with solid academic grounding in marketing.  I have also developed excellent verbal and written communication skills and can program in COBOL, Ada, and regularly use Lotus 1-2-3.   As part of my degree requirements, I participated in a three month sales internship at the Equitable.  During my internship I completed a comprehensive target market research project by profiling potential industrial and professional markets.  To do so, I interviewed industry leaders and researched economic reports.

To finance 100 percent of my educational expenses, I also work part time in regional sales for Walter Cribbin specialty Advertising Products.  I have increased sales more than 75 percent and netted over one million dollars in profits over three years.  I have successfully researched the commodity market, have been responsible for major budget projections, and several times have been commended for innovative ideas and follow-through in designing distribution objectives.

Enclosed is my resume for your review.  I am interested in learning more about this position and meeting with you for a personal interview.  I will call your office next week to find out when you expect to be setting up interviews.  If you have questions regarding my credentials, please call me at (801) 626-1234 after 5:00 p.m. Mountain Standard Time. 

I thank you for your consideration and look forward to meeting with you personally.

Sincerely,                                 

Susie M. Smith                         

Enclosure: resume