What is a cover letter?

What should I include in my cover letter?

How can I learn what will impress prospective employers?

How do I read a job advertisement carefully?

How can I learn what my qualifications are?

What if I don't have a qualification the employer is seeking?

Why is it important to learn about companies before preparing my cover letter?

How do I format my cover letter?

How do I organize my cover letter?

What do I include in my heading?

To whom should I address my letter?

What do I write in my introduction?

How do I approach writing my argument?

What should I include in my argument?

In my argument, should I show off my knowledge of the company?

What do I include in my closing?

Is there anything I should do before sending my cover letter to potential employers?

Is there anything I should do before sending my cover letter to potential employers?

Always proofread your cover letter carefully. After you've finished it, put it aside for a couple of days, and then reread it. You'll be sure to discover sentences that could be improved, or grammatical errors that could otherwise prove to be uncharacteristic of your writing abilities.

We also recommend giving your cover letter to friends and colleagues. Ask them for ways to improve it, and they should be able to give you useful feedback.

If you are a Purdue student, you may go to the Writing Lab for assistance with your cover letter. You can make an appointment to talk about your letter, whether you need to begin drafting it or want help with revising and editing.