Job Search Related Information - Specimen Cover Letter Format

This letter format is an essential one used in business correspondence, irrespective of the subject matter.  Use it for your cover letter to make your letter look professional.

Break up your letter into short paragraphs.  Use bullet points to highlight key benefits you offer in your cover letter.  Bullet points also serve to break up the wall of text in a letter and make it easy to read quickly and to recall the key points made in your letter.  

The image of the specimen cover letter format is below the bullet points.

Note the key elements that form this 'letter'.

• The Ref (that would be the vacancy reference that companies and recruitment agencies use to identify the post)
• Date of your letter
• The addressee's title, name and surname and address
• Their designation (CEO, MD, Manager, etc)
• The salutation - Dear Sir/Madam or if you have their name: Mr X or Ms Y
• The subject heading
• The introduction - expressing interest in being considered for the given vacancy
• The body of the letter, giving reasons why you would be a good fit for them
• More reasons why the employer would benefit from your qualifications, expertise and experience
• Concluding paragraph - hoping to being invited for an interview to discuss the job vacancy
• Complimentary close: Yours faithfully (if Dear Sir/Madam) or Yours sincerely (if addressing them by name)
• Space for your signature
• Your name
• Enclosure(s) - your CV/Résumé and any other verification document(s) that may have been requested

Your own address may appear at the top or at the foot of the letter - adjust your top and bottom margins accordingly.