Page Comparison

...

• Length – typically 1 page but in some cases longer is permitted (refer to application instructions, if they exist, to guide your decision)

• Typically 3+ paragraphs

• Layout - ½ inch to 1-inch margins

• Font - 10 to 12 size font (match your résumé font style and size)

• Header- You may include the same header as your résumé since it’s expected that the résumé and cover letter are submitted together

• Date - Common to include the date

• Position title – Include the position number as well if there is one in the job ad

• Contact information: Include the employer’s contact information

• Address the cover letter to “Dear Hiring Manager,” “Dear Hiring Committee,” or “Dear Recruiter” if you do not know their name. It’s more personal to address the letter to a specific person, so if you know or can research and find out with certainty the hiring manager’s full name, include it (first and last names). Avoid using gendered titles such as “Mr” or “Mrs” unless the job ad specifically includes those titles.

• Sign off with an e-signature or typed signature

• Write in the first person (‘I,’ ‘me’) and use complete sentences (for impact, key points can be included in a bulleted list)

...