1. Your Name and Address: You want a prospective employer to be able to contact you.

2. The Date.

3. The Name and Address of the person and company to whom you are applying.

4. Salutation: (Dear Mr., Ms., or To Whom It May Concern).

5. Opening Paragraph: The opening paragraph should state your specific purpose for writing and how and where you found out about the job. You want to establish as much personal rapport as possible in this opening paragraph so the reader will want to read the rest of the letter and look at your resume. Personal rapport can be established by mentioning the names of your network friends who referred you, or by bringing up some of the positive features of the company that make it attractive to you. This paragraph should only be about three lines long.

6. Body: The body is one or two paragraphs to explain why you want the job and why you are qualified. Outline your strongest qualifications as they relate to the position for which you are applying. Try to demonstrate your accomplishments and experience. Remember SCANS.

7. Final Paragraph: The final paragraph should be a short summary of your personal qualities and a request for an interview. You need to be assertive and suggest a plan of action (I will call you next week…..). You should also include the number where you can be reached. Remember you want to make it as easy as possible for the interviewer to contact you.

8. The Closing: Thank you, Sincerely, etc.