Heading same as your resume heading

Date

Dear First/Last Name, or Dear Hiring Manager or Dear Search Committee:

First Paragraph: WHY THEM

• Explain the reason for the letter and/or identify the job position you are seeking (ex. who are you, what job are you applying for, and how did you find the position) (1 – 2 sentences)
• Demonstrate knowledge and/or interest in the company. Tell them why you are interested in them (think: mission, vision, company goals) (1 – 2 sentences)
• Thesis Statement: Tell them what you are going to prove to them that you can do (skills, technologies, key characteristics) (1-sentence)

Second Paragraph: WHY YOU (related to the position)

• Address a skill, technology or key characteristic from your thesis statement (1- sentence) 
• Give a tangible demonstration of how you have achieved, accomplished or grown that skill, technology or characteristic (1-2 sentences)
• Why YOU in relation to THEM --> what value does this skill bring to their company (use your research!)

Third Paragraph (if necessary): WHY YOU (additional information, maybe less related to position)

• Address a different skill, technology, or key characteristic that may not be part of the job description (e.g. do you have a certification or a club affiliation that you want to highlight?)
• Give a tangible demonstration of how you have achieved, accomplished, or grown that skill, technology or characteristic (1-2 sentences) 
• Why YOU --> what else about you would make you a good coworker or employee, even if it’s not directly related. You still have something unique to share!

Concluding Paragraph

• The closing paragraph should end with an action statement (e.g. I will follow up with you in one week to discuss next steps in the process).
• Express your thanks
• Sign off like you would an email – include follow-up contact information in the signature