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PARTS OF A COVER LETTER
Part 1 – The Introduction
The first section of your cover letter should address why you are writing and it may also address who you
are, including why you are the best fit for the position.
It's best to address your letter to a specific person, so always research the company to find out the name
of an individual in order to address your letter properly. Often the best person to contact is the head of
the department in which the position is located or in which you want to work. The addressee is often
listed on the job description itself in the "how to apply" or "send inquiries to" section of the job briefing.
Whenever possible, always address the hiring person formally by their last name (i.e. “Dear Dr. Jones” or
“Dear Mr. Jennings”). If no proper name has been provided and cannot be obtained, then “Dear
Recruiter” or “Dear Hiring Manager” is acceptable.
Be sure to identify exactly what position you are applying for, as there may be several available within an
organization, using a requisition or job number when one exists. It’s also a good idea to state where you
learned about the position, such as a website or listserv.
If you were referred by someone you know within the organization or who knows the individual to whom
you are writing, this is a strong addition to your résumé and should come in the first sentence (i.e. “I was
referred to you by John Smith regarding the Project Coordinator position”). Current employees are
among the best sources of referrals. Many firms report that 40-50% of their openings are filled by
candidates referred to by staff members. Moreover, companies view such candidates more favorably
than those brought in through other methods, because they already know something about the
organization and have a personal connection with it.
In your opening paragraph, give a brief synopsis of your background (i.e. degree and area(s) of
experience).
Here are some tips for your introductory paragraph:
Use an appropriate greeting in the salutation, such as “Dear” and use proper names if known
Use the professional title (Mr., Ms., or Dr… never Mrs.) followed by last name – do not include
the first name here
Use professional language
State your purpose for writing
Be specific – name the position and organization
Reference position number and/or advertising location
Provide brief description of who you and why you are a good candidate for position based upon
your experience or education
GOOD EXAMPLE
Dear Ms. Smith,
I am writing to express my interest in the Research Assistant position (Requisition
#10209) currently open in the Division of Nutrition and Physical Activity of the Centers
for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) advertised through LinkedIn. My previous
research experience in obesity and nutrition coupled with my current Master of Public
Health degree in Epidemiology make me an ideal candidate for the position.