Writing Cover Letters

How should I format my cover letter? Use 1-inch margins. Left-align all paragraphs, or indent the first line of each paragraph. Use consistent, readable font type and size (such as 10-point Arial or 11 or 12-point Times New Roman ). Use white space between sections and between paragraphs. Fill 1 page (single-spaced).

What should I include in my cover letter? heading greeting statement of interest expression of qualifications summary of interest and qualifications closing

Heading Include your name and address. Include the full date: month, day, and year. Include the name, position, department, and address of the specific person who will be reading the letter. Make every attempt to find out the name of the person who will be reading your cover letter, but if no name can be found, use the person’s position, such as Hiring Manager. This is preferable to using “To Whom It May Concern.”

Example: Heading Ethos P. Tigris 3500 John A. Merritt Blvd. Nashville, TN January 25, 2010 Dr. Johnanna Grimes Director Tennessee State University Writing Center 3500 John A. Merritt Blvd. Nashville, TN 37209

Greeting Use Dear Mr./Ms./Dr. _____: (or Dear Hiring Manager:)

Example: Greeting Dear Dr. Grimes:

Statement of Interest In the first paragraph, state the position you are interested in and how you found out about it. Briefly tell why you’re interested in the position.

Example: Statement of Interest I am writing regarding the posting on the Tennessee State University website for a Graduate Student Tutor in the Writing Center. Since I am currently pursuing my Master’s in English at TSU, I believe this experience would enhance my graduate studies.

Expression of Qualifications In the following paragraph(s), discuss what makes you qualified for the position.

Example: Expression of Qualifications Having served as the Writing Center Data Assistant for the past semester, I am particularly qualified to become a Writing Center tutor. I have had the opportunity to distribute surveys to students following their sessions, so I am already familiar with many of the students. I also worked with several of the same students as a Freshman English I and II peer tutor in the ICAN Tutorial Center. Writing Center tutors have used some of the materials on MLA format and plagiarism that I developed for Freshman English, and I presented these materials as a guest workshop leader for the Writing Center. In addition, tutoring in the Writing Center will allow me to experience students’ approaches to various writing assignments as I prepare to teach my own writing classes during my second year as a Master’s student. Furthermore, these sessions will assist me as I write my Master’s thesis: “The Tutor-Teacher Identity in the Writing Center: Styles and Responses.” Not only will I study similarities and differences between other tutors’ tutoring and teaching styles, but I will also discover my own and use this valuable information in my future teaching career.

Summary of Interest and Qualifications In the last paragraph, summarize your interest and qualifications.

Example: Summary of Interest and Qualifications I bring with me familiarity with the TSU Writing Center and the students it serves as well as a desire to prepare myself to teach. Tutoring in the Writing Center would provide me with the experience I need while providing the Writing Center with an experienced tutor.

Closing Thank the reader for considering you for the position. Indicate any other materials you are sending. Close with the following: Sincerely, Type your name, and sign your name above your typed name.

Example: Closing Enclosed are my transcripts and resume. Thank you for considering me for the position of Graduate Student Writing Tutor. Sincerely, Ethos P. Tigris

Example: Cover Letter

Don’t forget: print the handout that goes with this presentation! Please complete a survey on this tutorial.survey For more information about how to write cover letters or for help with other writing concerns, come to TSU’s Writing Center. Visit room 300 in the Learning Resources Center or call to make an appointment.