Full name

12345 Sixth Ave.

Los Angeles, CA 99000
September 5, 2000
Full name of addressee
9999 Planet St.
San Diego, CA 99001
Dear Mr. ____,
Introduction Paragraph
In this paragraph you are telling the hiring manager why you are writing in a few sentences.
State the position you are applying for. Only tell how you heard of the position if it is through
mutual contact or a recruiting program. If you are writing a prospecting letter, specify why you
are interested in working for the company.
Main Paragraphs
Following the introduction, you want to outline your qualifications in one or two paragraphs.
Remember to tailor these qualifications to the employers ideal vision of a perfect candidate. Do
a little research about the companys visions, projects, and goals and use this information in your
writing. The key is that you want to show hiring managers what you can contribute to their
company, not how they can help you in your own private endeavors.
Open with a strong introductory sentence directed at the qualities that make you the perfect
candidate for the job. Use actual accomplishments to show these qualities, not a bunch of fluffy
words about potential characteristics that anyone can claim. Make two to three assertions about
why you are the perfect candidate (show, not tell), and support your assertions with concrete
evidence. Cite experiences and accomplishments from your resume, but do not reiterate
passages word for word. The difference between a letter and a resume is that a little bit of
discussion is involved in a letter.
Closing Paragraph
The final paragraph is short and brief. You want to refer the reader to an enclosed resume, leave
contact information such as telephone and email (it is crucial that you give contacts that you
respond to regularly). If you want to be assertive you can let them know when you will contact
them to set up a meeting. Last, but most importantly, thank the reader for their time.
Sincerely yours,
(Signature)
Printed name