Cover Letter

Cover Letter Evaluation Questions

• Does the cover letter introduce the résumé?
• Does it state interest in a particular position?
• Does it highlight applicant’s strengths?
• Does it attempt to gain an interview?
• Does the opening gain attention? How? Does it address the reader by name?
• Is the letter solicited or unsolicited? How is this evident?
• Is the tone confident without being arrogant?
• Is there redundancy between the letter and the résumé? Does the letter explain and highlight the résumé rather than just repeat it?
• How does the letter stress what the applicant can do for the company? Does the body emphasize reader benefits?
• Does discussion of qualifications address a particular job?
• Are relevant personal traits discussed, like teamwork, responsibility, initiative?
• Does the letter's close motivate action by asking for an interview — not by asking for a job?
• Is contact information and time given?
• How many sentences begin with an “I”? Can these be cut down to emphasize how the reader will benefit form hiring the “I”?
• Does the letter sell the applicant?
• Is the latter signed?

Design

• Is block style correct?
• Does the paper match the résumé’s?
• Does the letter use a personally designed letterhead? Is it a Word template? Is it professional, not over-the-top?
• Is white space used effectively?
• Does the design pass the “blurred-eye” test?

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Professional Communication