Cover Letter Checklist

Does your cover letter include…

OVERALL FORMAT, LAYOUT, MECHANICS, AND STYLE YES NO
Single spacing and balanced page layout margins (using Microsoft Word is strongly recommended)
Appealing and easy-to-read fonts and font sizes (e.g.,Times New Roman, Arial, 11-12 point)
One page in length (unless an employer contacts you directly and asks you to address specific topics requiring a longer document)
Consistent layout/neat, clean, and well-presented (headings, fonts, spacing, etc.)
Concise and error-free (spelling, proper grammar and punctuation, consistent verb tense, limit abbreviations except states)
LETTERHEAD YES NO
Letterhead matches resume and includes: Full name, address, phone number, and professional email address at the top of the page – it may also include your LinkedIn, a blog and/or personal website
RECIPIENT ADDRESS YES NO
Date written out in full (Example: January xx, 20xx)
Contact information for the employer: name, title, organization name, address (even if the letter will be emailed)
ORGANIZATION AND CONTENT YES NO
Address the hiring manager whenever possible and instead of using Ms. /Mr. use their title (Dear Director Last Name:)
Identify the position you are applying for, how you found out about the opportunity and why it is of interest to you
Make reference to your resume and highlight how you possess the key skills for the position
Bullet Points or Paragraphs: Select 3-5 job requirements from the job description that match your strongest qualifications and provide evidence of your related experiences and accomplishments
Reiterate your enthusiasm for the position
Express appreciation to the reader and suggest a way to continue the conversation
Have at least one other person proofread the letter
DELIVERY YES NO
If emailing save as a PDF first so that formatting does not change
If mailing or bringing to interview, print on quality paper (81?2×11)