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Typically kept to about one page (with some fields allowing two), it follows discipline-specific conventions and includes key components: address and date, accurate recipient information, an appropriate salutation, purpose-focused opening, qualification-driven body paragraphs with evidence, a courteous closing, a formal sign-off, signature/contact details, and enclosed document notes.","|  | Writing a Cover Letter for a Job Application: The Basics\u003Cbr>You may need to write a cover letter as part of a job application. It is a piece of professional correspondence and as such it should be clear and direct. For many job applications, the cover letter should be no more than a page, but in some careers two pages are expected. Follow the conventions of your field/the kind of job you are applying for. Ask your professor or industry professionals if you don’t know. The cover letter should include:\u003Cbr>- your address (perhaps with other contact info in a letterhead; Microsoft Word offers letterhead templates you can use)\u003Cbr>- the date\u003Cbr>- the recipient’s address (make sure it is accurate)\u003Cbr>- a salutation (for example: Dear or To Whom It May Concern)\u003Cbr>- an introductory paragraph stating your purpose for writing. This first paragraph states why you are writing, how you heard about the position, and something brief about why you are qualified. Tips:\u003Cbr>o A brief list of reasons why you are qualified is kind of like a thesis statement and should structure the organization of the paragraphs that follow.\u003Cbr>o Use some of the wording from the job ad.\u003Cbr>- well organized body paragraphs highlighting your qualifications. These correlate to the qualifications and experiences listed more briefly in the resume. Tips:\u003Cbr>o Think of these paragraphs as the evidence of the claim you make in the first paragraph.\u003Cbr>o Offer some more detail, like examples, for each qualification you highlight.\u003Cbr>- a closing paragraph thanking the recipient for their attention and wrapping up\u003Cbr>- sign off (Sincerely,)\u003Cbr>- your signature and contact info like phone number and email address if these aren’t in a letterhead\u003Cbr>- a list of enclosed documents as applicable\u003Cbr>See the sample letter on the next page and the Resume and Cover Letter Guide from the BSU Career Development Center at [https://www.bowiestate.edu/fi](https://www.bowiestate.edu/fi)les/resources/resume-andcover-letter-guide.pdf. |\n| --- | --- |\n\n\n|  |  |  |  |  |\n| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |\n|  | 1234 State Street Bowie, MD 20715\u003Cbr>May 20, 2020 | \u003Cbr>Your address can be placed here, centered, or located in a custom letterhead.\u003Cbr> Two line spaces between your address and date.\u003Cbr> Two line spaces between date and recipient’s address. |  |  |\n|  | Dr. Michael Becker Writing Center Coordinator Bowie State University 14000 Jericho Park Rd Bowie, MD 20715\u003Cbr>\u003Cbr>Dear Dr. Becker, \u003Cbr>Recipient’s address goes here. Try to find out the name of the person you should address the letter to.\u003Cbr>Two line spaces between address and salutation. Salutation here.\u003Cbr>\u003Cbr>Paragraph 1 gets to the point of why you are writing. For example: I write to apply for the position of Writing Center Consultant advertised on the BSU Department of Psychology listserv. My qualifications include two years of tutoring experience, fluency in Spanish, the ability to learn quickly, and excellent written, oral, and interpersonal communication skills.\u003Cbr>Body paragraphs each say something about your qualifications. Each one should focus on a qualification or set of qualifications. Think of these paragraphs as a place to highlight what you might not get to say in as much detail in a resume. Give brief descriptions of what you have done and why it qualifies you for the job you’re applying for. For example: As a Writing Tutor with the Prince George’s Community College Writing Center and a Psychology Tutor with the BSU PRISEM Center, I tutored undergraduate students in introductory courses and earned consistently good reviews from tutees, especially for help with study skills and organization.\u003Cbr>No matter how many paragraphs you have, the last paragraph sums up your application and thanks the reader for their attention. For example: My resume is attached and I can be reached at the below contact information. I hope to hear from you soon. Thank you for your consideration.\u003Cbr>Sincerely,  Sign off here.\u003Cbr>MayaJohnson  Yo","cbCaiiZaftpywBGt","https://ap.wps.com/l/cbCaiiZaftpywBGt","pdf",119054,2,"English","en",105,"# Writing a Cover Letter for a Job Application: The Basics\n## Core structure and required elements\n## Writing tips and example phrasing","[{\"question\":\"How long should a cover letter be for a job application?\",\"answer\":\"For many job applications, keep it to no more than one page, though some careers expect two pages.\"},{\"question\":\"What should be included at the top of a cover letter?\",\"answer\":\"Include your address (often via a letterhead), the date, the recipient’s accurate address, and a salutation such as “Dear” or “To Whom It May Concern.”\"},{\"question\":\"What do the body and closing paragraphs need to accomplish?\",\"answer\":\"Body paragraphs highlight qualifications with evidence and examples that connect to the resume. 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