A cover letter is comprised of several parts: contact information, a salutation, the body of the cover letter, an appropriate closing, and a signature.
Parts of a Cover Letter
Contact Information
The first section of a written or uploaded cover letter should include your contact information:
- Your Name
- Your Address
- Your City, State, Zip Code
- Your Phone Number
- Your Cell Phone Number
- Your Email Address
Employer Contact Information
If you have contact information for the employer, list it below your contact information. If not, leave this section off your cover letter.
Email Cover Letter Contact Section
When you send an email cover letter, instead of listing your contact information at the top of the message include your contact information in your signature.
Cover Letter Salutation
It's important to include an appropriate salutation at the beginning of the cover letter or message. If you have a contact person for your letter, be sure to include their name in your letter. Review examples of cover letter salutations.
Body of Cover Letter
The body of your cover letter lets the employer know what position you are applying for, why the employer should select you for an interview, and how you will follow-up. This section of your cover letter should include:
- First Paragraph - Why you are writing
- Middle Paragraphs - What you have to offer the employer (be specific)
- Final Paragraph - How you will follow-up
Cover Letter Closure
When you're writing a cover letter or sending an email message to apply for a job it's important to close your letter in a professional manner. Review examples of cover letter closings.
Cover Letter Signature
What is included in a cover letter signature and the format of your signature depends on whether you are sending or uploading a cover letter document or using an email message as your cover letter.
Cover Letter Template
This cover letter template outlines the information you need to include in the cover letter you submit with your resume. Use the cover letter template as a guideline to create customized cover letters to send to employers.
Email Cover Letters
Email cover letters are handled differently. When sending a cover letter as part of an email message, include your contact information on your signature, rather than at the top of the letter.
How to Write a Cover Letter
How to write a cover letter, including what to include in your cover letter, how to write a cover letter, cover letter format, targeted cover letters, and cover letter samples and examples.
Cover Letter Articles and Advice
- Top 10 Cover Letter Writing Tips
- What to Include in a Cover Letter
- Cover Letter Writing Guide
- Email Cover Letters
- Targeted Cover Letters
- Sample Cover Letters
- Cover Letter Salutations
- Cover Letter Closings
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