Cover Letter Quick Tips - v1 - Format, Content, Closing, Review

Sep 15, 2026

Uploaded by Skyler

Cover letter quick tips explain how to present a strong match for a job or internship while tailoring the letter to each application. The guidance covers required structure—address block, date, recipient details, and personalized greeting—followed by content rules for opening lines, stating the role, referencing referrals, aligning motivations to organizational benefit, highlighting relevant experience and skills, and connecting to the company’s mission and values. Closing guidance includes interview requests, contact restatement, gratitude, and sign-off, plus proofreading steps, one-page length, and follow-up persistence.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryLetters

FormatPDF

Pages1

AccessFree to download

Cover Letter Structure

Format

Content

Closing

Writing and Review Tips

Review/Proofread

Length and Customization

Follow-up Advice

Cover letters aren’t always required, but they can help you show that you are a good fit for the role. Remember to modify the content of your cover letter for each different job or internship position. FORMAT – Your own address and contact information (could match the top of your resume) – The date – Name of the person to whom you are sending the letter, including, title (optional), name of their organization and address – Address your cover letter to an actual person. Search online or even call for the name. If impossible to find, write “Dear Hiring Manager.” – Dear Mr. or Ms. or Dr. and their last name (do not use a first name) CONTENT (1-3 paragraphs) – Writing a strong first line or two can help attract the reader’s interest (optional if difficult to write effectively) – State the position for which you are applying – If there is a person that referred you to the position, mention their name – Include motivations for applying only in terms of how you can help the organization (not what’s in it for you) – Feature some specifics from your past experiences (work, volunteer, activities, etc.) that might impress the employer – Review the job or internship description for personal skills to highlight – Research the organization’s mission/ culture/values and indicate how or why you connect with those – Write your top qualifications in a bulleted section or sentence format CLOSING (last paragraph) – Request an interview or a time to talk more about the position and your qualifications – Express your interest in the position or summarize reasons to consider you (optional) – Restate how to reach you (email and/or cell) – Thank the reader for their time and consideration – Use a closing such as “Sincerely” or“Respectfully” REVIEW/PROOFREAD – Read letter out loud to check for errors and flow – Have someone else review it, such as a Career Services staff member IMPORTANT! Keep letters to 1 page or less, single-spaced. cqieketrips ADVICE FORA STRONG START & END Beginning Help (See Resume Target on the CUConnect portal, under CUC Experience – scroll down to Career Services.) Resume Target has many cover letter templates. After you select a resume template, you’ll see a tab at the top fora corresponding cover letter template. Please remember to modify the template wording or your cover letter will sound‘canned’ or unoriginal. You can also search online for cover letters related to your field; make sure to modify the wording (no plagiarism) . Persistence Pays! Following up once or twice after submitting your resume and cover letter can increase your chance for successfully landing an interview. HOT TIPS! coverletters want more information? need help? check the student portal or make an appointment 708-209-3033 [career.services@CUChicago.edu](career.services@CUChicago.edu)

FAQs

What format elements should be included in a cover letter?

Include your own address and contact info, the date, the recipient’s name with title/organization/address, and address the letter to an actual person. If no name is found, use “Dear Hiring Manager.”

What should the cover letter content include?

Use 1–3 paragraphs covering the targeted position, referral name if applicable, motivations framed around how you help the organization, and specific past experiences that may impress the employer. Highlight personal skills based on the job/internship description and connect to the organization’s mission, culture, and values.

How should the cover letter end and what review steps are recommended?

In the final paragraph, request an interview or time to talk, express interest, restate how to reach you (email/cell), thank the reader, and use a closing like “Sincerely” or “Respectfully.” Review/Proofread by reading aloud for errors and asking someone else (e.g., career services) to check flow; keep it to one page or less and single-spaced.

Sep 15, 2026

Uploaded by Skyler