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It is your opportunity to make a great first impression! Rather than restating your resume, your cover letter should emphasize unique qualifications and personal characteristics that are relevant to that particular organization or job opportunity.  \n􀂙 A good cover letter should explicitly address what you can do for the organization, not what it can do for you. The most effective way to do this is to research everything possible about the organization. Additionally, address the requirements of the position in your cover letter by using similar language to the posted job description.  \nWhat is the format?  \nCover letters should typically be limited to one page with 3-4 paragraphs (although there are exceptions) . Additionally, your cover letter should follow the standard business letter format with 1-inch margins. Below are guidelines on what to include:  \nADDRESS, DATE, AND SALUTATION:  \n􀁸 Your address and date at the top of the page.  \n􀁸 Name, professional title, and address of the person/organization to whom you are writing.  \n􀁸 Formal salutation: “Dear Mr. / Ms  “. If at all possible, address your letter to a specific person instead of the generic “To Whom It May Concern:” If this information is not provided in the job posting, simply call the organization and request the name of the person in charge of hiring or consult the website.  \nOPENING PARAGRAPH:  \n􀁸 Begin by stating the purpose of the letter, not introducing yourself.  \n􀁸 Tell the employer how you heard about the position/organization (Career Fair, Online posting, Alumni) .  \n􀁸 If you have previously met the employer, this is the place to remind him/her (ie: “After speaking with you at the Portland Community College Job Fair…”) .  \nSECOND PARAGRAPH:  \n􀁸 Answer the question: “Why do you want to work for this company/organization/employer?”  \n􀁸 Indicate why you are interested in the organization, its products or services, and the position.  \n􀃆 Tip: Research who the organization is serving, how it performs compared to competitors, and what current trends affect that industry. This will help you answer the question.  \nTHIRD PARAGRAPH:  \n􀁸 Answer the question: “Why are you qualified for the position?”(What unique attributes can you offer?)  \n􀁸 Describe how you will relate your previous skills and experiences to the requirements of the position and benefit the employer.  \nWPC Career Services 􀂘 Smith 215 􀂘 503-517-1010 [rjohanson@warnerpacific.edu](rjohanson@warnerpacific.edu) 􀂘 [lwerner@warnerpacific.edu](lwerner@warnerpacific.edu)  \n􀁸 Provide specific examples to support your qualifications. Indicate how your work and field/internship experiences, research projects, volunteer activities, extracurricular background, and career aspirations relate to the position and the organization’s interests and goals.  \n􀁸 Use language from the job description or desired qualifications to indicate that you have what they’re looking for. Make the addressee want to read your resume by being personable and enthusiastic.  \nFINAL PARAGRAPH:  \n􀁸 Arrange to follow up with the employer on the status of your application/inquiry.  \n􀁸 Invite him/her to contact you should additional information be needed and state your primary mode of communication (ie: phone number and/or email) in the letter.  \n􀁸 Indicate your desire for a personal interview and your flexibility as to the time and place.  \n􀁸 Thank the employer for his/her time and consideration.  \n􀁸 Use a formal closing: “Sincerely” with your name signed and typed.  \nYou have a draft. Now what?  \n􀂙 It is very important to present your cover letter free of errors! Come see any of the Academic Success Center’s writing tutors to check for grammar, mechanics, and misspelled words. If you’d like to schedule an appointment with the WPC Career Services sta","cbCaivYtJ99mrlKq","https://ap.wps.com/l/cbCaivYtJ99mrlKq","pdf",563758,"English","# What is a cover letter?\n## What is the format?\n# Sample Cover Letters\n## Corey","[{\"question\":\"What is the purpose of a cover letter?\",\"answer\":\"A cover letter introduces you to an employer, encourages them to review your resume, and considers you for an interview. It helps create a strong first impression by emphasizing qualifications relevant to the specific job or organization.\"},{\"question\":\"What format should a good cover letter follow?\",\"answer\":\"A cover letter should typically be limited to one page with 3–4 paragraphs and use a standard business letter format with 1-inch margins. It should include address, date, salutation, and a clear opening, middle, and final paragraph structure.\"},{\"question\":\"What should each paragraph include?\",\"answer\":\"The opening states the purpose and how you heard about the position. The second paragraph explains why you want to work for the organization. The third paragraph addresses why you are qualified with unique attributes and specific examples. The final paragraph confirms follow-up, contact method, interview interest, and thanks the employer.\"}]","Cover Letter Guide | PDF",1789289042]