LETTER

FORMATS AND
CONTENT
•LENGTH: an application letter should
not be more than one page long.
Three to four paragraphs is typical.
•FONT: Use a traditional font such as
Times New Roman, Arial, or Calibri.
The font size should be between 10
and 12 points.
• FORMAT AND PAGE MARGINS: a
letter of application should be single-
spaced with a space between each
paragraph. Use about 1" margins and
align your text to the left, which is the
standard alignment for most documents.
 WHAT TO INCLUDE IN EACH SECTION
OF THE LETTER?
•HEADING: a letter of application
should begin with both your and the
employer's contact information
(name, address, phone number,
email) followed by the date.
[YOUR NAME]
[YOUR ADDRESS]
[YOUR CITY, STATE AND ZIP CODE]

[DATE]

[HIRING MANAGER'S NAME]

[HIRING MANAGER'S TITLE]
[COMPANY NAME]
[COMPANY ADDRESS]
[COMPANY CITY, STATE AND ZIP CODE]
•SALUTATION: this is your polite
greeting. The most common
salutation is “Dear Mr./Ms."
followed by the person's last name.
•BODY OF THE LETTER: Think of
this section as being three distinct
parts.
•In the first paragraph, you will want
to mention the job you are applying
for and where you saw the job
listing.
• The next paragraph(s) are the most important
part of your letter. Remember how you gathered
all that information about what employers were
seeking, and how you could meet their needs?
This is where you will share those relevant
details on your experience and
accomplishments.
• The third and last part of the body of the letter
will be your thank you to the employer; you can
also offer follow-up information.
• COMPLIMENTARY CLOSE: Sign off your email
with a polite close, such as "best" or "sincerely,"
followed by your name.
• SIGNATURE: When you are sending or
uploading a printed letter, end with your signature,
handwritten, followed by your typed name. If this
is an email, simply include your typed name,
followed by your contact information.
 POWERFUL WAYS TO START A COVER LETTER

• RESEARCH THE COMPANY AND JOB OPENING

Thoroughly research the company you're applying to
and the specifications of the open position. The more
you know about the job, the better you can customize
your application letter.
• STATE THE POSITION YOU'RE APPLYING FOR
• EXPLAIN WHY YOU ARE THE BEST FIT FOR THE JOB
In one or two impactful sentences, explain why you're the best
fit for this job opening. Provide clear details regarding your
experience, skills, education or certifications.
• SUMMARIZE YOUR QUALIFICATIONS
Mention the top qualifications that make you a good fit for the
job. Provide a brief summary of your background that highlights
the most important points from your resume. Consider what you
want the hiring manager to know first. The reader will likely read
your cover letter before reviewing your application, so this is
your opportunity to make a compelling argument for why the
reader should review your resume.
• MENTION WHY YOU WANT THE JOB
Include a personal statement about why you want this
position. You've already explained why the company should
want you. This section details why you have chosen this
company and what excites you most about this job
opportunity.
• INCLUDE A PROFESSIONAL CLOSING
Thank the reader for reviewing your letter, reference your
resume and any other attached documents and offer to
provide additional information as needed. Mention that you
look forward to the next steps in the hiring process and
conclude with "sincerely," as a closing.
LETTER FORMATS:
BLOCK, MODIFIED
BLOCK, AND SEMI-
BLOCK
 BLOCK FORMAT
•BLOCK FORMAT- Features all
elements of the letter aligned to
the left margin of the page. It has
a neat and simple appearance.
Paragraphs are separated by a
double line space.
 MODIFIED BLOCK FORMAT
• MODIFIED BLOCK- Differs from block style
in that the date, sign off, and signature lines
begin at the center point of the page line.
The beginning of each paragraph is indented
five spaces, along with the subject line, if
used. Depending on the length of the letter,
paragraphs may be separated by a single or
double line space.
 SEMI-BLOCK FORMAT
•SEMI-BLOCK- is similar to block but
has a more informal appearance. All
elements are left-aligned, except for
the beginning of each paragraph,
which is indented five spaces.
Paragraphs are separated by a
double line space.