Formatting Your Cover Letter

Keep the following in mind as you format your cover letter:

  • Your letter should not exceed one page in length (three-four paragraphs). Use a standard font such as Times New Roman or Arial at a 10- or 12-point font size; margins should be one-inch on each side.
  • Address your letter to a specific individual. Use the company website, LinkedIn, or Google to determine the appropriate individual and verify the person’s gender. If you cannot determine to whom the letter should be addressed or the correct gender, call the organization and ask the receptionist to provide you with that information. If you absolutely cannot determine the correct contact, address the person by title (e.g., “Dear Director of College Relations”).
  • Letters to prospective employers are business communications, and should follow the business letter block style shown below.

Sample cover letter:

Your street address
City, State, zip code

Date

Ms./Mr. with full name
Title
Company/organization name
Street address
City, State, zip code

Dear Ms./Mr. with last name:

Opening Paragraph

Middle Paragraph(s)

Last Paragraph

Sincerely/Yours Truly,

Signature

Typed name