Cover letters are also known as application or job letters.
They generally accompany a resume when you apply for a position. (For additional information about cover letters
and a sample letter see our Writing Cover Letters
handout.)
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Use the following list to check and revise your cover letter.
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Does the letter follow a standard business format?
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Does the
letter include the date?
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Does the letter include an inside address
with your contact information (street address, city, state)?
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Does
your letter include your employer’s contact information
(contact person’s name, position/title, company,
street address, city, state)?
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Does the salutation use
the contact person’s
name?
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Is the salutation followed by a colon?
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Does the first paragraph
of the letter give details about the position being sought, including
when and where you learned of the available
position?
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Does the first paragraph give the reader an idea of why
you are qualified for the job?
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Does each paragraph within the body
of the letter have a topic sentence?
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Does each sentence in each
body paragraph develop the topic sentence?
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Are the qualifications
given in each body paragraph tied specifically to the position
and organization being applied to? Are they presented as benefits? Are they the
best ones (look back at the job ad and the resume) to mention
for this
position and organization?
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Are the qualifications mentioned developed
in more detail than in the resume?
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Are transitions between paragraphs
and sentences smooth and logical?
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Did the final paragraph thank
your reader for his or her consideration of your application?
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Does
the last paragraph ask for an interview? Does it refer the reader
to the resume?
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Does the last paragraph give accurate and complete
contact information (times, phone numbers, email)?
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Is the entire
letter free from grammar and spelling errors?
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Did you print
the letter on the same paper as the resume?
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Did you indicate that
you have an enclosure (the resume) at the bottom of the resume?
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Is
the letter signed?
