Use this checklist to assess the quality of your cover letter. You will want to answer “Yes” to as many questions as possible to ensure you are submitting a high-quality application.
Layout, Appearance, & Grammar
- Is your contact information listed at the top of the page in the same way it is on your resume?
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□ Yes □ No
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- Did you include the date you wrote the letter?
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□ Yes □ No
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- Did you include the contact information of the hiring manager/company?
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□ Yes □ No
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- Is the salutation addressed to the hiring contact? Or, “Dear Hiring Manager,” if unknown?
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□ Yes □ No
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- Is the letter an appropriate length (typically 3-4 paragraphs and 1 page long)?
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□ Yes □ No
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- Does the font, style, and paper quality match that of your resume?
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□ Yes □ No
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- Does the letter have a balance of white space throughout?
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□ Yes □ No
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- Did you use block format (i.e., paragraphs not indented with one space between paragraphs)?
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□ Yes □ No
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- Did you limit the amount of sentences that begin with “I” as a way to vary your writing?
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□ Yes □ No
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- Did you avoid using contractions (i.e., I’ve, didn’t, it’s, etc.) to maintain a professional tone?
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□ Yes □ No
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First Paragraph
- Do you clearly state the specific position you are applying for?
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□ Yes □ No
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- Did you indicate how you found out about the position?
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□ Yes □ No
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- Did you make a connection to the organization/role of why you are interested?
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□ Yes □ No
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- Did you briefly summarize why you are qualified before leading into the body paragraph(s)?
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□ Yes □ No
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Body Paragraph(s)
- Is your letter tailored to the organization, demonstrating you have done your research?
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□ Yes □ No
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- Did you describe what you can contribute to the organization (i.e., skills, experience, etc.)?
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□ Yes □ No
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- Does your letter focus on what you can do for the organization, not what they can do for you?
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□ Yes □ No
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- Did you use specific examples of how your skills and experience will benefit the organization?
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□ Yes □ No
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- Does the info in the letter intrigue the employer by providing more detail than your resume?
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□ Yes □ No
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- Is there a logical flow to your information (i.e. separate paragraphs for education vs. experience)?
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□ Yes □ No
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- Do your statements demonstrate enthusiasm for and interest in the position?
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□ Yes □ No
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- Did you highlight your unique or most significant qualifications and not just list all relevant skills?
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□ Yes □ No
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Closing Paragraph & Salutation
- Did you reiterate your excitement for and interest in the specific position you are applying for?
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□ Yes □ No
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- Did you express your interest in the opportunity to interview?
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□ Yes □ No
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- Did you thank the reader for their time in considering you as an applicant?
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□ Yes □ No
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- Did you include a closing phrase such as Sincerely, Best Regards, etc.?
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□ Yes □ No
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- Are there blank lines below the closing phrase, allowing space for a written or typed signature?
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□ Yes □ No
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- Did you remember to sign the letter (using an e-signature is fine)?
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□ Yes □ No
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- Did you include your typed name below your signature?
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□ Yes □ No
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