Northern Arizona University

Cover Letter Instructions

 

Your Name
Your Address
Your City, State Zip

Date

Office of Residence Life
Northern Arizona University
PO Box 6100
Flagstaff, AZ  86011

Dear _____,

First Paragraph:  Identify the position title you are applying for.  Include one sentence that highlights a SPECIFIC reason you are the best candidate for this job.  Make it easy for the reader to see how well you fit what they’re asking for in the job description.  Take the job description.  MATCH all skills and qualifications YOU HAVE that THEY ASK FOR.

Second Paragraph:  Make it easy for them to see that if you’re hired, you bring additional skills/talents/attributes they’ll benefit from.  Think about what skills and qualifications or unique attributes you have that they HAVE NOT asked for but you think will be BENEFICIAL to THEIR ORGANIZATION/THIS POSITION. 

Third Paragraph:  Make it easy for them to see how you’ll fit into their organizational culture in a way that reflects that you’ve done your homework on their organization.  Look at the organization’s philosophy/mission statement/values.  MATCH your philosophy/values to THEIRS.  Articulate how your beliefs match theirs.  (Note:  If your beliefs DON’T match theirs at all, you might want to think hard about whether you really want to work there.) 

Closing Paragraph:  Indicate that you would like the opportunity to interview for a position.  Thank the employer for her/his consideration.

Closing Salutation,

Your handwritten signature

 

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nau.edu/gateway

Don’t take a chance! Make an appointment to have your cover letter reviewed by a trained Career & Academic Advisor: call 928-523-4772. This is a free service available to all currently enrolled NAU students.