how to make a cover letter purdue owl

Purdue Online Writing Lab Purdue OWL® College of Liberal Arts

Cover Letters Part 2

Welcome to the Purdue OWL

This page is brought to you by the OWL at Purdue University. When printing this page, you must include the entire legal notice.

Copyright ©1995-2018 by The Writing Lab & The OWL at Purdue and Purdue University. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, reproduced, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed without permission. Use of this site constitutes acceptance of our terms and conditions of fair use.

What should I do before I write my cover letter? Collect information about the employer and the job opening before you start your cover letter. This information will help you write your letter. The information you collect will help you explain how your experiences can help the employer and fulfill the job requirements. To collect information, do the following:

• Read the job advertisement carefully and underline important information you can use in your letter: Looking for a motivated person with a good driving record. “I am a motivated person who has a good driving record.”
• Collect information about the employer/company and job. Use the Internet or speak with people who may know about the employer. Make sure you use sources you can trust
• Visit the local employment office, library, or community college career center and ask about the employer and job position
• If you have remaining questions about the employer or the job position, call the company and ask

What sections should my cover letter include? Your cover letter should include these sections:

• Date you are writing
• Your mailing address
• Phone number (home, cell)
• Email address
• Address of the employer’s company
• Greeting (a specific person if you know)
• State the position you are applying for and how you heard about it
• State why you believe you are a good match for the position and organization, including 2-3 experiences you will talk about in the rest of the letter (these items should come from your résumé)
• Tailor the cover letter for each job application
• Focus each paragraph on one experience that shows you are a good match for the job opening
• Tell a story; do not just list your skills
• Mention your résumé
• Close with a strong reminder of why you are a good match for the job
• Ask for an interview in some way
• Provide your phone and email contact information again
• Sign your name
• Include your attachment reference about your résumé (Enclosure: John Smith Résumé

Please note that your cover letter needs to be free of spelling grammatical errors. You should also avoid using contractions: won’t, can’t, I’ll. Instead, spell out these words: Will not, cannot, I will. The following pages explain what each section should contain. Click here to download the PDF file containing sample résumés and employment letters.

• Military & Veterans
• Transfer Students
• Education Partnerships
• COVID-19 Info
• 844-PURDUE-G
• Student Login
• Request Info
• Bachelor of Science
• Master of Science
• Associate of Applied Science
• Graduate Certificate
• Master of Business Administration
• ExcelTrack Master of Business Administration
• ExcelTrack Bachelor of Science
• Postbaccalaureate Certificate
• Certificate
• Associate of Applied Science (For Military Students)
• Programs and Courses
• Master of Public Administration
• Doctor of Education
• Postgraduate Certificate
• Bachelor of Science in Psychology
• Master of Health Care Administration
• Master of Health Informatics
• Doctor of Health Science
• Associate of Applied of Science (For Military Students)
• Associate of Science (For Military Students)
• Master of Public Health
• Executive Juris Doctor
• Juris Doctor
• Dual Master's Degrees
• ExcelTrack Master of Science
• Master of Science (DNP Path)
• Bachelor of Science (RN-to-BSN)
• ExcelTrack Bachelor of Science (RN-to-BSN)
• Associate of Science
• Doctor of Nursing Practice
• Master of Professional Studies

The average Purdue Global military student is awarded 54% of the credits needed for an associate's and 45% of the credits needed for a bachelor's.

• General Education Mobile (GEM) Program
• AAS in Health Science
• AS in Health Science
• BS in Organizational Management
• BS in Professional Studies
• AAS in Criminal Justice
• AAS in Small Group Management
• AAS Small Group Management
• Master's Degrees
• Bachelor's Degrees
• Associate's Degrees
• Certificate Programs
• Noncredit Courses
• Tuition and Financial Aid Overview
• Financial Aid Process
• Financial Aid Awards
• Financial Aid Resources
• Financial Aid Frequently Asked Questions
• Financial Aid Information Guide
• Tuition and Savings
• Aviation Degree Tuition and Fees
• Professional Studies Tuition and Fees
• Single Courses and Micro-Credentials
• Time and Tuition Calculator
• Net Price Calculator
• Military Benefits and Tuition Assistance
• Military Educational Resources
• Military Tuition Reductions
• Military Spouses
• Student Loans
• Student Grants
• Outside Scholarships
• Loan Management
• Financial Literacy Tools
• Academic Calendar
• General Requirements
• Technology Requirements
• Work and Life Experience Credit
• DREAMers Education Initiative
• Student Identity
• Student Experience
• Online Experience
• Student Life
• Alumni Engagement
• International Students
• Academic Support
• All Purdue Online Degrees
• Career Services
• COVID-19 FAQs
• Student Accessibility Services
• Student Resources
• Transcript Request
• About Purdue Global
• Accreditation
• Approach to Learning
• Career Opportunities
• Diversity Initiatives
• Purdue Global Commitment
• Cybersecurity Center
• Chancellor's Corner
• Purdue Global Moves
• Leadership and Board
• Facts and Statistics
• Researcher Request Intake Form

Most Commonly Searched:

• All Degree Programs
• Communication
• Criminal Justice
• Fire Science
• Health Sciences
• Human Services
• Information Technology
• Legal Studies
• Professional Studies
• Psychology and ABA
• Public Policy
• Military and Veterans
• Tuition and Fee Finder
• Financial Aid FAQs
• Military Benefits and Aid
• Admissions Overview
• Student Experience Overview
• Academic Support Overview
• How to Write an Interview-Winning Cover Letter

Tips on Writing a Stellar Cover Letter

Whether you’re just beginning your first job search or deep in the trenches of your career, one of the most daunting parts of an application process can be crafting a cover letter. According to a 2020 survey by Resume Lab , 83% of human resources professionals said a cover letter is an important part of a hiring decision. In a separate question, 83% of respondents claimed that a great cover letter can secure you an interview even if your resume isn’t good enough. This leaves many job applicants wondering how to write a good cover letter.

Why Include a Cover Letter?

Cover letters serve as an introduction to employers in a way that resumes are not, according to Guilene Williams, Director of Career Services at Purdue Global.

“A cover letter is important because it gives the employer additional information about why you are applying for that specific position,” Williams said. “It enables you to further discuss your skills and qualifications and gives you the opportunity to address items that do not fit within the confines of your resume.”

The cover letter serves as a strong writing sample that also provides additional information and context a resume couldn’t supply, such as:

• If you’re willing to relocate or don’t currently live in the same city as the job you’re applying to.
• If you need to explain employment gaps in a resume due to going back to school, military service, or relocating, as a few examples.
• How your skills transfer over from one industry to another if you’re making a career change.

What makes a good cover letter? This next section explains.

How to Write a Good Cover Letter

“The most important thing in writing a successful cover letter is to make sure you address the specific skills and experience that the employer puts in the job description,” said Jennifer Katz, director of career services at Purdue Global. “Don’t use the same blanket cover letter for every position you apply for. Take the time to customize your cover letter so it demonstrates that you have the skills and experience they want for that specific position.”

There are some formatting and technical requirements for cover letters, such as using the same headings and fonts as your resume and keeping it short, but Katz said the most important thing is to make sure it’s specific to the job you are applying to. In fact, most examples of good cover letters aren’t worthwhile, because what works for one person would ring insincere for another applicant.

Williams said another key part of a cover letter is addressing it to a human. It can be tempting to write “To Whom It May Concern,” but Williams said that can be a detriment to your application.

“If you do not have the hiring manager’s name, do some online research or call to ask for their name,” Williams said. “As a last resort, if you do not know who the person is, then you can resort to writing, ‘Dear Hiring Manager’ or ‘Dear Human Resources Manager.’”

Common Cover Letter Mistakes

Just like a resume, a cover letter should be error-free, which means proofread, proofread, proofread. Watch out for mistakes including not changing the name of the company or the person to whom it is addressed from the last letter you wrote.

“Those kinds of things are very stark,” Katz said, “and it just shows the employer that the candidate hasn't taken the time to customize it and maybe isn't particularly interested in this exact position.”

Should You Include Salary Requirements in Your Cover Letter?

Both Katz and Williams say no. It’s best to wait for the employer to bring up salary later in the process.

“Adding a salary to your cover letter is a fast way to eliminate yourself from the selection process,” Williams said.

Putting a salary in a cover letter can be off-putting to some employers and also isn’t a good format for negotiations. A conversation with a hiring manager allows both the employer and applicant to be flexible with the numbers they put forward. 

How to Send a Cover Letter

Now that you’ve crafted a perfectly tailored cover letter, how should you get it to the hiring manager? First, follow instructions. If an employer has requested a specific file format, be sure to send it that way.

If you’re applying through an online portal, Katz suggests following the employer’s directions regarding file format, usually either a Microsoft Word document or PDF, to ensure the document can be easily read by an applicant tracking system. If you’re sending it directly to a hiring manager, just put your cover letter in the body of the email and attach your resume and any other application materials.

Use Resources at Your Disposal for the Best Cover Letter

Schools like Purdue Global have career services departments designed to help students craft and proofread their cover letters. If you’re unsure whether you’ve caught all the errors or showcased your skills as best you can, consider reaching out to career services .

“Everybody at Purdue Global has a Career Specialist for their program of study. This is our job,” Katz said. “We are happy to review a student’s cover letter to make sure they're putting their very best foot forward when they're applying for these positions.”

Purdue Global trains students for the careers they want and supports them through education.* If you’re interested in learning whether education at Purdue Global is a good fit for you, request more information today.

About the Author

Purdue Global

Earn a degree you're proud of and employers respect at Purdue Global, Purdue's online university for working adults. Accredited and online, Purdue Global gives you the flexibility and support you need to come back and move your career forward. Choose from 175+ programs, all backed by the power of Purdue.

• General Education
• Legal Studies & Public Policy
• Online Learning

Your Path to Success Begins Here

Learn more about online programs at Purdue Global and download our program guide.

Connect with an Advisor to explore program requirements, curriculum, credit for prior learning process, and financial aid options.

* Employment and Career Advancement: Purdue Global does not guarantee employment placement or career advancement. Actual outcomes vary by geographic area, previous work experience and opportunities for employment.

• Cover Letters
• Discover the Purpose
• Start With Research
• Cover Letter Breakdown

COVER LETTER BREAKDOWN

1. format header & say hello.

HEADER:  Display your name, address, phone number and email address in the same format as your resume.

DATE:  Include the date you print and mail (or email) the letter.

RECIPIENT'S  NAME & ADDRESS:  Left-aligned align this information and include an individual’s name if possible.

SALUTATION: Dear Mr./Ms./Dr. Last Name (if you’re unsure of the recipient’s gender or you want to be gender neutral, write their full name).

2. INTRODUCE YOURSELF & WHAT YOU WANT

• Immediately state the position for which you are applying and how you heard about it. If you are not applying for a specific position, indicate your area of interest.
• Mention if you were referred by someone (like an alumni or other contact).
• Introduce yourself by stating your major and anticipated graduation date.
• Mention why you find the company/organization compelling and why you want to work for them.

3. DESCRIBE YOUR ACCOMPLISHMENTS & WHAT YOU WOULD BRING

• Point out the relevant skills you have developed through your coursework and experiences in order to show the hiring manager that you are a good fit for the position.
• Expand on the experiences that support you are a “match” for the position. Use keywords from the job description if possible.
• Describe how you would apply the skills and knowledge you gained from your experiences to the position for which you are applying.

4. WRAP IT UP & SAY THANKS

• Thank the employer for their time and consideration.
• Offer to provide any additional information.
• Provide your email and phone number in the last sentence.

End your letter with:

Your signature (leave 3 -4 spaces)

Your Typed Name

  Check out the CCO Handbook for more cover letter tips

• Graduate Students
• Undergraduate Students
• Online Students
• First Generation
• International Students

Create a Resume / Cover Letter

• Expand Your Network
• Explore Your Interests / Self Assessment
• Negotiate an Offer
• Prepare for an Interview
• Prepare for Graduate School
• Search for a Job / Internship
• CareerBound
• Business Analytics
• General Management
• Human Resources Management
• Integrated Business & Engineering
• Supply Chain Management
• Undergraduate Outcomes
• Graduate Outcomes
• Labor Market Insights
• Our Mission, Vision and Values
• Undergraduate Advising Team
• Graduate Advising Team
• Employer Recruitment Team

A well written resume provides employers with a favorable first impression and the information they need about you to determine whether or not you’re a match for their position and organization.  With a plan developed, you can prepare to communicate your brand through your resume, cover letter, and LinkedIn profile.  Developing these pieces allows you to tailor your communications to the types of industries, organizations, and roles you are targeting.

Resume Tips to follow

• Keep your resume to one page unless you have 10+ years of experience
• Limit contact information under your name to Purdue email, phone number and LinkedIn URL.  Home address and personal email are not necessary
• Spell out your degrees, do not abbreviate
• List professional experiences in reverse chronological order
• Quantify your accomplishments if possible and include the outcome, purpose or method
• Remove non-essential words (e.g., a, an, the, which, that), to conserve space
• Begin bullets with dynamic, action verbs; avoid starting with “assisted with,” or “responsible for” as these phrases are a weak representation of your accomplishments

Upcoming Events

Featured articles, what are transferable skills 10 examples for your resume.

• Share This: Share What Are Transferable Skills? 10 Examples for your Resume on Facebook Share What Are Transferable Skills? 10 Examples for your Resume on LinkedIn Share What Are Transferable Skills? 10 Examples for your Resume on X

Transferable skills, also known as portable skills, are those versatile abilities that you can bring to any role or industry—which is particularly helpful when changing careers . But you don’t need to be an expert to have them; these valuable skills …

Fueling Your Career Journey: Embracing the Latest in Resume Excellence

• Share This: Share Fueling Your Career Journey: Embracing the Latest in Resume Excellence on Facebook Share Fueling Your Career Journey: Embracing the Latest in Resume Excellence on LinkedIn Share Fueling Your Career Journey: Embracing the Latest in Resume Excellence on X

In the dynamic landscape of job seeking, your resume serves as your gateway to unlocking career opportunities. Visualize it as your passport to your ideal job, stamped with the latest trends and innovations. For executives and senior professionals navigating today’s …

The Pros and Cons of a Video Resume

• Share This: Share The Pros and Cons of a Video Resume on Facebook Share The Pros and Cons of a Video Resume on LinkedIn Share The Pros and Cons of a Video Resume on X

A video resume is a high risk / high reward job search tactic.

It is a supplemental approach that is increasingly welcomed by major employers (many of whom use video questions as part …

Teamwork Skills for Your Resume

• Share This: Share Teamwork Skills for Your Resume on Facebook Share Teamwork Skills for Your Resume on LinkedIn Share Teamwork Skills for Your Resume on X

Teamwork skills are the soft skills you use to work efficiently and effectively with others. Even if you’ve never had a professional coworker before, chances are you use teamwork skills in the classroom, while volunteering, and during your extracurricular activities …

20+ Business Analyst Skills for Your Resume in 2023

• Share This: Share 20+ Business Analyst Skills for Your Resume in 2023 on Facebook Share 20+ Business Analyst Skills for Your Resume in 2023 on LinkedIn Share 20+ Business Analyst Skills for Your Resume in 2023 on X

Business analysts bridge the gap between business and information technology (IT), helping companies make better and more informed data-driven decisions. The most crucial business analyst skills include a mix of technical abilities and interpersonal skills — a successful analyst must …

Career Resources

Cover letter creation guide.

• Share This: Share Cover Letter Creation Guide on Facebook Share Cover Letter Creation Guide on LinkedIn Share Cover Letter Creation Guide on X

A cover letter can be a valuable tool to provide additional context to your application beyond what you can provide …

Graduate Student Resume Template

• Share This: Share Graduate Student Resume Template on Facebook Share Graduate Student Resume Template on LinkedIn Share Graduate Student Resume Template on X

VMock Resume Review – Graduate Students

• Share This: Share VMock Resume Review – Graduate Students on Facebook Share VMock Resume Review – Graduate Students on LinkedIn Share VMock Resume Review – Graduate Students on X

Daniels School of Business Undergraduate Resume Template

• Share This: Share Daniels School of Business Undergraduate Resume Template on Facebook Share Daniels School of Business Undergraduate Resume Template on LinkedIn Share Daniels School of Business Undergraduate Resume Template on X

Are you ready to create or update your resume? Our undergraduate resume template is Applicant Tracking System friendly and recruiter …

Get Noticed: Submit Your Resume To a Handshake Resume Book

• Share This: Share Get Noticed: Submit Your Resume To a Handshake Resume Book on Facebook Share Get Noticed: Submit Your Resume To a Handshake Resume Book on LinkedIn Share Get Noticed: Submit Your Resume To a Handshake Resume Book on X

Business Career Services maintains resume books for employers to download via Handshake. Uploading your resume to Handshake does not automatically …

Contact & Location

Daniels School of Business Business Career Services Rawls Hall, Suite 3029 100 S. Grant Street West Lafayette, IN 47907-2076

Career Service Hours

Meet the Team

Cover Letters

The cover letter is a formal way to communicate with journal editors and editorial staff during the manuscript submission process. Most often, a cover letter is needed when authors initially submit their manuscript to a journal and when responding to reviewers during an invitation to revise and resubmit the manuscript. For more information on the peer review process and possible manuscript decisions, see Section 12.7 of the Publication Manual .

Because cover letters are separate documents from the manuscript file, all correspondence during the publication process must include the complete manuscript title, the authors’ names, and the manuscript number (assigned by the journal when the manuscript is first received). Although any author may correspond with the journal editor or editorial staff, most correspondence is handled by the corresponding author , who serves as the main point of contact and responds to questions about the published article. All authors should decide prior to submission who will serve as the corresponding author.

Cover letters are covered in the seventh edition APA Style Publication Manual in Section 12.11

Cover letter for manuscript submission to a journal

Authors usually must include a cover letter when they first submit their manuscript to a journal for publication . The cover letter is typically uploaded as a separate file into the online submission portal for the journal (for more information on using an online submission portal, see Section 12.10 of the Publication Manual ).

The cover letter should be addressed to the journal editor; any interim correspondence is addressed to the editor or associate editor with whom you have been in communication.

In your submission cover letter, include the following information:

• manuscript title
• manuscript authors
• assurances that all authors agree with the content of the manuscript and with the order of authorship (for more information, see Sections 1.21–1.22 of the Publication Manual )
• assurances that the corresponding author will take responsibility for informing coauthors of editorial decisions, reviews received, and any changes or revisions made
• information about the existence of any closely related manuscripts that have been submitted for simultaneous consideration to the same or to another journal
• notice of any conflicts of interest or activities that might be seen as influencing the research (for more information, see Section 1.20 of the Publication Manual )
• a request for masked review, if that is an option for the journal and desired (for more information, see Section 12.7 of the Publication Manual )
• verification that the treatment of human participants or nonhuman animal subjects was in accordance with established ethical standards (for more information, see Sections 1.18 and 12.13 of the Publication Manual )
• a copy of any permissions to reproduce copyrighted material or a notice that permissions are pending (for more information, see Sections 12.14–12.18 of the Publication Manual )
• the telephone number, email address, and mailing address of the corresponding author

Check the journal’s website for the current editor’s name and for any other journal-specific information to include in your cover letter.

Cover letter for a revised and resubmitted manuscript

Also include a cover letter with manuscripts being resubmitted to a journal after receiving an invitation to revise and resubmit. Ensure the cover letter contains the complete manuscript title, the authors’ names, and the manuscript number (assigned by the journal when the manuscript was first received). In the cover letter for the resubmission, thank the editors and reviewers for their feedback and outline the changes you made (or did not make) to the manuscript to address the feedback.

The cover letter for a revised and resubmitted manuscript summarizes the changes to the manuscript. Along with the cover letter and revised manuscript, authors should also provide a response to reviewers , which is a detailed document explaining how they responded to each comment.

Sample cover letters

These sample cover letters demonstrate how authors can communicate with the journal editor at the initial manuscript submission and following an invitation to revise and resubmit a manuscript for publication.

• Sample Cover Letter for Manuscript Submission (PDF, 73KB)
• Sample Cover Letter for a Revised and Resubmitted Manuscript (PDF, 91KB)

Professional Writing

Many people engage in specific types of writing, particularly non-academic and technology-based writing, that they might not even think of as “writing.” But these specific types of writing–such as emails and web-based writing–require writers to meet certain guidelines in order to be effective. This section provides resources for writing emails, writing for the web, and writing for the job search.

Also see: Writing in the Disciplines and Across the Curriculum for specific types of academic writing in Business, Humanities, Social Sciences and Sciences | Conducting Research for resources on how to write a research paper | Writing with Technology for information on free online tools, Microsoft Word, and Microsoft PowerPoint.

Note for Montclair State University Students : Montclair State University’s Center for Career Services also offers assistance with writing related to career and graduate school applications. See their on-demand workshops .

WORKPLACE WRITING

Writing for email.

Email is one of the dominant ways people communicate at home, work, and school. Even though email is used for both formal and informal communications, one needs to consider the setting and audience when composing a message. In other words, it may be appropriate to use a casual tone in an email to a friend, but that tone may be inappropriate when making a formal request of a professor. These resources address such issues involved in email etiquette.

Effective E-mail Communication (The Writing Center, UNC Chapel Hill) Thorough guideline for writing effective, professional email that includes examples you can use.

Email Etiquette (Purdue OWL) “Although instant and text/SMS messaging is beginning to supplant email for some groups’ primary means of Internet communication, effective and appropriate email etiquette is still important. This resource will help you to become an effective writer and reader/manager of email.”

Email Tune-up (businessenglishpod.com) Posted on YouTube | April and November 2008 A series of video podcasts for ESL students who want to improve their business email writing skills. Here is a list of several of these 9-10 minute videos.

• Email Tune-up 01: Overview (9:43)
• Email Tune-up 02: Asking for Feedback (9:21)
• Email Tune-up 04: Bad News Messages (10:49)

Email Writing (Texas A&M University Writing Center) “Many of the best practices for writing an effective business letter or memo also apply to writing a business email. For instance, when sending email, it’s just as important as ever to tailor your message specifically to your recipient and keep it brief, direct, and engaging. There are, however, some special considerations for conducting business via email.”

How to Practice Email Etiquette (Tracy Goodwin, expertvillage.com) Posted on YouTube: September 25, 2008 Series of short (1 – 1 1/2 minute) videos on email etiquette in a business environment. Here is a list of segments in this series:

• Greetings and Closings (1:13)
• Replies (1:24)
• Subject Lines (1:15)
• CC & BCC (2:18)
• Conciseness (1:05)
• Editing (1:18)

3 Ways to Boost Gmail Netiquette (University of Iowa) “Here are three tools that could save your life, give your emails a professional, unique look, and possibly save you some minor embarrassment.”

WRITING FOR THE WEB

General Tutorials on Web Content, Writing for Web Sites (Jimdo.com) “Good website writing is the key to beating these odds. Well-written content that’s optimized for the web rises to the top of search results and holds readers’ attention.”

Writing for the Web: Articles & Videos (Nielsen Norman Group) A list of articles related to “Writing for Web.”

WRITING FOR THE JOB SEARCH

• General Resources for Professional Writing

Cover Letters

Resumes/cvs.

• Asking for references or recommendations
• Serving as a reference or writing a letter of recommendation

Correspondence with Prospective Employers

General resources.

Action Verbs

• What is an action verb? (Purdue OWL) An explanation of why we should use action verbs when writing professionally and applying to jobs.
• Categorized List of Action Verbs (Purdue OWL) This categorized list contains only a few action verbs you can use to compose concise, persuasive , reader-centered resumes, cover letters, or other types of workplace documents. The examples are illustrations that overview the uses of action verbs in professional writing.
• List of Action Verbs for Resumes and Professional Profiles (Wake Forest University) (PDF) A list of action verbs categorized according to skill sets.

Career Services (State of New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development) Resources including Resume Writing Guidance .

Determining Audience (Purdue OWL) “This handout provides information on how to tailor your employment documents to a specific audience.”

Example Employment Documents (Purdue OWL) (PDF) This PDF contains “examples of resumes, CVs, and cover letters for a variety of disciplines.” It is annotated with comments on organization, grammar, layout, language and other useful tips.

Job Interview Worksheets (The Resource Center) (PDF) A collection of worksheets that can assist job seekers in defining their objectives, collecting information for their resumes, writing their cover letters, filling out application forms, and acing their interviews.

Job Skills Checklist (Purdue OWL) “The following is a sample list of skills found in a cross-section of careers. Circle every skill that applies to you. Jot down examples of situations in your working life that demonstrate this skill. Then try to incorporate these skills into your resume and/or cover letter.”

Reading and Using Job Ads (Purdue OWL) This resource discusses the organization and language used in job ads, along with strategies for critically reading and understanding ads.

Conduct a Job Search (Career Services, Montclair State University) A variety of online resources and tools for students and alumni.

• College of the Arts
• College for Community Health
• College for Education and Engaged Learning
• College of Humanities and Social Sciences
• College of Science and Mathematics

Tailoring Documents (Purdue OWL) “This handout provides information on how to tailor your employment documents to a specific audience.”

Cover Letters 1: Quick Tips (Purdue OWL Workplace Writers) “This page provides a down-and-dirty guide to writing cover letters. Here you will find brief answers and lists of what you should include in a cover letter, how to order and format such a letter, and what to do before sending it out.”

• What is a Cover Letter?
• Quick Content Tips for Cover Letters
• Quick Formatting Tips for Cover Letters
• Showing off knowledge of company
• Before sending the letter

Cover Letters 2: Preparing to Write (Purdue OWL Workplace Writers) “Before you start to write a cover letter, you should gather information about yourself, the company, and the job. This page will help you learn what kind of information to find, where to find it, and how and why to use that information to ‘sell yourself’ in a cover letter.”

• Impressing Prospective Employers
• Reading Job Ads
• Researching Companies
• Communicating with Insiders
• Using University Career Centers
• Addressing Qualifications

Cover Letters 3: Writing Your Cover Letter (Purdue OWL Workplace Writers) This page includes information on writing your heading, addressing your cover letter, and writing your introduction, body, and closing paragraphs.

• Cover Letter Headings
• Addressing Cover Letters
• Cover Letter Introductions
• Cover Letter Body Paragraphs
• Cover Letter Closings

Curriculum Vitae Guide (Marquette University Career Services Center) Describes how a CV differs from a resume and how to compile information for your CV.

Curriculum Vitae Samples, Templates, and Writing Tips (Alison Doyle, The Balance Careers) Here are some CV examples, formats, and templates for academic, IT, medical, and international positions, among others.

Guide: Curriculum Vitae (Writing@CSU) A step-by-step guide to writing your CV. Use the navigation bar on the right to view different categories.

Resume Examples (NC State University Career Development Center) Includes resume examples for various industries.

Resumes and CVs (Purdue OWL) “These OWL resources will help you compose effective résumés and Curriculum Vitae for your job search. This section includes resources on page design (which includes using white space, headings, and fonts), as well as resources on tailoring your résumé for specific employers. This section also contains links to other OWL resources geared for working class positions.”

Writing Curriculum Vitae (Alison Doyle, The Balance Careers) Includes information on when to use a CV and how it differs from a resume.

Writing the Curriculum Vitae (Purdue OWL) “This handout provides an overview of strategies for writing an effective curriculum vitae. This topic is particularly important for graduate students who are entering the academic job market for the first time.”

100 Potential Interview Questions (Thad Peterson, Monster.com) “While there are as many different possible interview questions as there are interviewers, it always helps to be ready for anything. So we’ve prepared a list of 100 potential interview questions. Will you face them all? We pray no interviewer would be that cruel. Will you face a few? Probably. Will you be well-served by being ready even if you’re not asked these exact questions? Absolutely.”

Interview Questions (LiveCareer) “A great interview boils down to one thing: sound preparation. With the right amount of research, practice, and persistence, you’ll be ready to give the best answers to even the toughest interview questions. To get started, have a look through our list of sample interview Q&As and professional tips. From example responses to salary negotiation guidance, we’ve given you the helpful advice you need to ace your next interview.”

Interviewing Skills Guide (Virginia Tech, Career and Professional Development) The guide provides a comprehensive review of interview skills including the following topics: ethical issues | standards of conduct, types and locations, DOs and DONTs, employer information sessions, skills and demeanor, interview attire, typical interview questions, questions to ask the employer, practice interviews and after interviews.

References and Recommendations

Asking someone to be your reference or write you a letter of recommendation:

Applicant Request for a Reference (Purdue OWL) Here are some suggestions for contacting people you wish to serve as references for you.

Asking for Letters of Recommendation (Stanford University) Simple guidelines for managing your letter requests.

How to Ask for a Reference (Alison Doyle, The Balance Careers) Here are some suggestions for asking someone to serve as a reference for you and creating your reference list.

Sample Reference Request Letter (Alison Doyle, The Balance Careers) This is a very basic template for writing a letter/e-mail asking someone to serve as a reference for you. You might also want to describe the position you are applying for and attach your current resume to the e-mail.

Serving as a reference or recommendation:

Guidelines for Writing Letters of Recommendation (Linda Kaiser of University of Missouri, Columbia; Retrieved from Saint Mary’s College) (PDF) A two-page handout on what to include in the opening, body, and conclusion of a letter of recommendation. The PDF also contains a sample letter.

How to Write a Recommendation Letter (Susan M. Heathfield, The Balance Careers) Useful tips on what to include/not include in a letter of recommendation.

“If your reference says this, you’ll get a job” (Amy Levin-Epstein, CBS News) This article explains what you can do to prepare your references to speak about you or, if you are serving as a reference for someone, what you can say to help the person sound like a top candidate.

Top 10 Sample Recommendation Letters (Karen Schweitzer, Thought Co.) “Writing a recommendation letter for someone else is a huge responsibility and getting everything just right is important. If you are seeking inspiration, the following sample recommendation letters should help. These sample recommendations are the most popular samples on the site.”

Acceptance Letter (Purdue OWL) General guidelines for what to include in a letter/e-mail when you are accepting a job offer.

Follow-Up After No Response to an Interview (Purdue OWL) General guidelines for what to include in a follow-up letter/e-mail when you have not heard back from a company after an interview.

Follow-Up to an Interview (Purdue OWL) General guidelines for what to include in a follow-up letter/e-mail after an interview along with a model letter.

Interest Letters (Luciana Paulise, Forbes) “A well-crafted letter of interest can set you apart from the competition in today’s cut-throat job market. Whether you’re seeking a new opportunity,  changing your career path,  or simply striving to make a lasting impression, mastering the art of writing a captivating letter of interest can be a game-changer.

Inquiry about Cover Letter and Resume (Purdue OWL) General guidelines for what to include in an inquiry letter/e-mail when you have not received a response to your job application. This site also provides a model letter.

Letter of Interest Samples (Alison Doyle, The Balance Careers) An example of a letter/e-mail you would write to a company that has not advertised specific openings. This letter allows you to inquire about potential openings, emphasize your interest in the company, and highlight your skill set.

Letter When You Receive a Rejection (Purdue OWL) “Consider writing a letter even when you receive a rejection. Sometime later when you have had additional experience or training, you may want to apply to the firm once more. The letter shows that you were extremely interested in working for the particular company and states your interest in applying for another position at a later date.” This site offers suggestions about what to include in this letter/e-mail.

Model for Writing a Request for Further Negotiations (Purdue OWL) An example of how to professionally and politely discuss a job offer you would like to negotiate.

Rejection of Job Offer (Purdue OWL) General guidelines for what to include in a letter/e-mail when you are not accepting a job offer.

Phone Skills (Virginia Tech, Career and Professional Development) “In your search for an internship or job, your resume and cover letter alone are not the only tools to success. Employers will be evaluating you on all forms of communication and how you handle and present yourself. Be a pro on the phone.”

The “Write” Way To Engage Future Employers (Michael Sachs, Major Lindsey Africa) An article about how to converse with prospective employers that includes three key tips: use formal language, pay attention to your tone, and think about how you’re representing yourself.

Writing Professional Letters (University of Wisconsin-Green Bay, Career Services) (PDF) This document discusses the structure and content of different correspondence between you and your prospective employer. Some topics include an interview confirmation letter, a post-interview thank you letter, and job offer acceptance/declination/clarification letters. Sample letters are located at the end of the document.

WRITING FOR PUBLICATION

Writing a proposal.

On the Art of Writing Proposals (Adam Prezeworski and Frank Saloman, Claremont Graduate University Writing Center) “Some Candid Suggestions for Applicants to Social Science Research Council Competitions.”

Planning and Organizing Proposals and Technical Reports (Richard Johnson-Sheehan, Sponsored by Indiana DOT) (PDF) An extensive guide to planning for a proposal, from identifying your purpose and audience to drafting your conclusion. This resource includes charts you can fill in while you’re preparing to write. The second half of the PDF (p. 18-end) provides tips for writing a technical report.

Resources for Proposal Writers (University of Wisconsin – Madison, The Writing Center) “This page lists some useful books and websites for graduate students working on research proposals.”

Sample Academic Proposals from the Purdue OWL (Purdue OWL) (PDF) Includes sample proposals for conferences, articles and book chapters..

Writing Academic Proposals: Conferences, Articles and Books (Purdue OWL) A guide to writing conference proposals.

PREPARING YOUR MANUSCRIPT FOR PUBLICATION

4 Editing and Proofreading Techniques for Your Novel (Courtney Carpenter, Writer’s Digest ) “Joseph Bates, author of The Nighttime Novelist , shares tips for editing and proofreading a novel or book.”

The 10 Dos and Don’ts of Writing a Query Letter (Brian A. Klems, Writer’s Digest ) “While query letters vary a little depending on who the agent is (and their guidelines) and what type of book you’re writing (novel, nonfiction, poetry, etc.), there are many elements that remain the same. That’s why I’ve developed this list of dos and don’ts to help you navigate what’s really important to include in your pitch and, also, what should be avoided at all costs. By sticking to these 10 specific dos and don’ts of writing a query letter, you’ll give yourself the best opportunity to find success and land an agent.”

10 Proofreading Tips for Self-Publishers (Anna Lewis, MediaShift) “No matter how many times you’ve read through your work, it’s amazing how often errors can sneak through to the final stages. The problem: You’re so familiar with the text that you see what you think you have written rather than what you actually wrote. For this reason, at the very least, it’s good to ask a few friends to help you proofread. Don’t forget to carefully proofread the cover, copyright, and title pages as well as any indices, tables of contents, and dedications — mistakes in these areas happen surprisingly often. So, short of hiring a professional proofreader, what else can you do to make sure your book is as close to perfect as possible? Here are some tips.”

Anatomy of a Query Letter: A Step-by-Step Guide (Writer’s Relief Staff, Huffington Post ) “When submitting book queries, your letter has precious little time to grab the attention of the literary agent reading it. If you don’t get to the meat of the book right away, your query might end up in the recycling bin. The following guidelines will help you compose a letter that will keep agents’ attention long enough to give your manuscript a fighting chance.”

Author’s Permission Guidelines (The University of Chicago Press) Most of the information regarding permissions on this site is not particular to The University of Chicago Press. This page can help any writer who wants to know more about copyright, fair use, public domain, and when permission is needed for previously published materials.

How to Write the Perfect Query Letter (Mary Kole, Writer’s Digest ) Here you’ll find an example of a successful query letter, followed by an agent’s comments.

Preparing Articles for Publication in Peer-Reviewed Journals (Siobhan Bowler, Academic Publications Writer) (PDF) “This paper focuses on preparing articles for publication in peer-reviewed journals. Four areas of article preparation are covered: (1) what you should be thinking about when selecting a journal for your paper and at what stage you should start thinking of journals; (2) style guides and the most important things you need to follow in journal style guides; (3) simple ways in which you can improve clarity when writing papers; [and] (4) what happens to your paper once you send it to the journal and the various types of responses you can expect to receive.”

Preparing Manuscripts for Publication in Psychology Journals: A Guide for New Authors (American Psychological Association) (PDF) “This guide provides an overview of the process of preparing and submitting a scholarly manuscript for publication in a psychology journal. Drawing on the experiences of authors of scholarly writings, peer reviewers, and journal editors, we seek to demystify the publication process and to offer advice designed to improve a manuscript’s prospects of publication. To exemplify the process, we describe specific publication procedures for journals of the American Psychological Association.”

WRITING AN ABSTRACT

Abstracts (UNC at Chapel Hill, The Writing Center) “This handout provides definitions and examples of the two main types of abstracts: descriptive and informative. It also provides guidelines for constructing an abstract and general tips for you to keep in mind when drafting. Finally, it includes a few examples of abstracts broken down into their component parts.”

How to Write an Abstract: Tips and Samples (Leah Carroll, University of California Berkeley) (PDF) This resource provides “the basic components of an abstract in any discipline” along with abstract samples from history, the humanities, biological sciences, and engineering.

What Exactly is an Abstract? (University of Michigan) “An abstract is a short summary of your completed research. It is intended to describe your work without going into great detail. Abstracts should be self-contained and concise, explaining your work as briefly and clearly as possible. Different disciplines call for slightly different approaches to abstracts . . . so it would be wise to study some abstracts from your own field before you begin to write one.”

Writing Abstracts (Indiana University Bloomington, Writing Tutorial Services) This site includes tips for writing and polishing your abstract and describes the components of informative and indicative abstracts.

Writing an Abstract (George Mason University, The Writing Center) This guide provides the definition of an abstract and the structure of an abstract for papers in the social sciences, natural sciences, and engineering sciences.

Writing Report Abstracts (Purdue OWL) “This handout discusses how to write good abstracts for reports. It covers informational and descriptive abstracts and gives pointers for success.”

WRITING GRANT APPLICATIONS

About Grants (National Institutes of Health (NIH) Central Resource for Grants and Funding Information) “Read on for an orientation to NIH funding, grant programs, how the grants process works,and how to apply.”

All About Grants Podcasts (NIH Central Resource for Grants and Funding Information) “The Office of Extramural Research (OER) talks to NIH staff members about the ins and outs of NIH funding. Designed for investigators, fellows, students, research administrators, and others just curious about the application and award process, we provide insights on grant topics from those who live and breathe the information. Episodes are available as mp3s for download here or via RSS feed.”

Candid “We connect people who want to change the world with the resources they need to do it.”

Candid Learning “Candid Learning is your destination for all of Candid’s live and on-demand trainings, webinars, and other resources designed to improve your fundraising, overall sustainability, grantmaking, and transparency.”

Grant Basics (NIH Central Resource for Grants and Funding Information) “Before getting started, learn why it is important to understand the structure of NIH and how we approach grant funding, what types of organizations and people are eligible to apply, what we look for in a research project, and the types of grant programs we offer.”

Grants and Funding: Grants Process Overview (NIH Central Resource for Grants and Funding Information) “Any successful project requires planning, development, implementation and follow-through. Obtaining NIH funding for your research idea is no exception. The Grants Process Overview below provides an overview of the steps required for an application to proceed from application planning and submission through award and close out. Look to the related resources on each page for special guidance from NIH experts that can help maximize your understanding of the grants process and help you submit a successful grant application.”

Grants.gov Search for federal grants and learn about the process of applying for federal grants.

Grant Writing (Purdue OWL) “This resource provides a general introduction to grant writing and provides information on how to ensure clarity in grant proposals.”

• Introduction to Grant Writing
• Clarity in Writing: Avoiding the Department of Redundancy Department
• Making the Request
• Specificity in Writing: Say Exactly What You Mean

Grant Writing in the Sciences (Purdue OWL) “This resource provides general guidelines for grant writing in general and in the scientific disciplines. While grant proposals are almost always overseen by a faculty member serving as the primary investigator (PI), this resource is intended primarily for graduate students and junior faculty seeking to learn more about grant writing in their fields.”

• Introduction

Grantwriter FAQs (Puget Sound Grantwriters Association) Responds to many frequently asked questions about grant writing, from how to become a freelance grantwriter to how to find corporate and government grants.

What is in a Grant Proposal? (Grant Writing Resource, Inc.) Outlines the standard components of a grant proposal.

• Skip to Guides Search
• Skip to breadcrumb
• Skip to main content
• Skip to footer
• Skip to chat link
• Report accessibility issues and get help
• Go to Penn Libraries Home
• Go to Franklin catalog

Critical Writing: WRIT0760305: Fall 2023: Cover Letter Resources

• Getting started
• News and Opinion Sites
• Academic Sources
• Grey Literature
• Substantive News Sources
• What to Do When You Are Stuck
• Understanding a citation
• Examples of Quotation
• Examples of Paraphrase
• Chicago Manual of Style: Citing Images
• Researching the Op-Ed
• Researching Prospective Employers
• Resume Resources
• Cover Letter Resources

Cover Letter resources

• Cover Letter Writing Guide - Penn Career Services  - A writing guide on cover letters prepared by Penn Career Services that covers the purpose of cover letters, cover letter etiquette,  
• Job Search Letters - Purdue Online Writing Lab (OWL)  - These OWL resources will help you write job application letters, thank you and follow up letters, as well as effective acceptance and rejection letters. Also included are links to other OWL resources geared for entry-level and skilled labor positions.
• Microsoft Office Templates - Access a wide selection of MS Word templates with formatting for various styles of resumes and cover letters. 

• Skill Sumo Future Proof: How to Craft a Cover letter This video, from Academic Video, will teach you how to craft a cover letter.
• What to Include in the Resume and Cover Letter. From Sage Video, this online tutorial provides tips for developing your resume and for writing cover letters.
• << Previous: Resume Resources
• Last Updated: Aug 29, 2023 3:19 PM
• URL: https://guides.library.upenn.edu/c.php?g=1342901

ENG 280: College Writing II (Wilson)

• Writing Professional Letters
• Searching EBSCO Databases
• Mind Mapping Your Song
• Researching Your Song
• Citing Sources and Getting Help

Online Guides to Professional Letters

• Writing the Basic Business Letter (Purdue OWL) This resource is organized in the order in which you should write a business letter, starting with the sender's address if the letter is not written on letterhead.
• How to Format a Formal Letter (wikiHow) Formal letters can come in handy when you need to communicate professionally. Maybe you’re emailing your boss about an upcoming vacation, confirming an appointment, asking for references, or resigning. No matter the case, a well-formatted formal letter can help you correspond with your boss or coworkers in an authoritative and organized manner. In the business world, there are 2 main types of formal letters: block style and Administrative Management Style (AMS). Block style is most widely known, while AMS is for quick internal memos; however, both styles are good to have in your tool belt.

Videos about Professional Letters

• << Previous: Letter to a Public Official
• Next: Searching EBSCO Databases >>
• Last Updated: Feb 6, 2024 3:37 PM
• URL: https://wiu.libguides.com/eng280wilson