| OVERALL FORMAT, LAYOUT, MECHANICS, AND STYLE | YES | NO |
| Single spacing and balanced page layout margins (using Microsoft Word is strongly recommended) | ||
| Appealing and easy-to-read fonts and font sizes (e.g.,Times New Roman, Arial, 11-12 point) | ||
| One page in length (unless an employer contacts you directly and asks you to address specific topics requiring a longer document) | ||
| Consistent layout/neat, clean, and well-presented (headings, fonts, spacing, etc.) | ||
| Concise and error-free (spelling, proper grammar and punctuation, consistent verb tense, limit abbreviations except states) |
| LETTERHEAD | YES | NO |
| Letterhead matches resume and includes: Full name, address, phone number, and professional email address at the top of the page – it may also include your LinkedIn, a blog and/or personal website |
| RECIPIENT ADDRESS | YES | NO |
| Date written out in full (Example: January xx, 20xx) | ||
| Contact information for the employer: name, title, organization name, address (even if the letter will be emailed) |
| ORGANIZATION AND CONTENT | YES | NO |
| Address the hiring manager whenever possible and instead of using Ms. /Mr. use their title (Dear Director Last Name:) | ||
| Identify the position you are applying for, how you found out about the opportunity and why it is of interest to you | ||
| Make reference to your resume and highlight how you possess the key skills for the position | ||
| Bullet Points or Paragraphs: Select 3-5 job requirements from the job description that match your strongest qualifications and provide evidence of your related experiences and accomplishments | ||
| Reiterate your enthusiasm for the position | ||
| Express appreciation to the reader and suggest a way to continue the conversation | ||
| Have at least one other person proofread the letter |
| DELIVERY | YES | NO |
| If emailing save as a PDF first so that formatting does not change | ||
| If mailing or bringing to interview, print on quality paper (81⁄2×11) |