Business Education and Training

Besides having a proper format, your cover letter should have three distinct paragraphs. The first two should be an introduction, and the reasons why you are the right person for the job.

Now for the content of your letter; while format is very important, the content is the heart of the matter. Mention right off the bat which position you are applying for and the reference number from the job posting (if any) and mention where you saw the posting. Something along the lines of “Please consider this letter my application for the position of —–” makes for a good first line especially if you are just learning how to write a cover letter for the first time.

The second paragraph is where make your case to the reader briefly. Tell them why you want to work at their firm, why you are the ideal candidate for this position and include anything that will help you stand apart form other applicants. If you have held a similar position in the past, now is a good time to say so. This paragraph is the most important part of your cover letter.