How to Format a Cover Letter for Email
Cover letters and resumes are traditionally sent through the mail as hard copies when applying for a job. However, for convenience and speed, many companies are increasingly accepting cover letters, resumes and job applications via email. While email language is usually casual, a cover letter sent through email must still use professional language. The formatting for an email cover letter is slightly different than that of a printed cover letter, but the information in the body is the same.
Other People Are Reading
Instructions
-
-
1
Write a brief but eye-catching title in the subject line of your email that describes who you are and what specific job description you are seeking. For example: "Experienced Choir Director Seeks Fine Arts Director Position." If the job posting indicated you should include an identification number or specific title, follow the instructions explicitly.
-
2
Open with a formal salutation that addresses your recipient by name, such as "Dear Mr. Black."
-
-
3
Double space down and type your introductory paragraph, single spaced. Do not indent, as the formatting may look different in another email account. Keep the entire letter left-justified.
-
4
Double space down and type the second paragraph, single spaced, highlighting the most impressive aspects of your resume and explaining why you are enthusiastic about this position. If the paragraph is longer than five lines (not sentences), double space and start a new paragraph. Large blocks of text in an email can be difficult to read and may cause the recipient to scan.
-
5
Double space down and type the concluding paragraph, single spaced, thanking the recipient for his time and consideration and indicating that you would like to proceed with an interview.
-
6
Double space and type "Sincerely," double space again, then type your name.
-
7
Single space beneath your name and type your current job title. Double space down, then type a single space block that includes your address, phone number and email address. Include a link to your website if appropriate for this job.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
Do not use colored or special fonts. They may not come across in other email programs, and even if they do, they appear unprofessional.
Do not type a header including your contact information and the recipient's contact information at the top of the email as you would in a printed cover letter, because this will take up most of the window when the recipient will have to scroll down to see the beginning of your letter. Omit the recipient's contact information and include your contact information beneath your name at the bottom.
References
- Photo Credit email @ image by Witold Krasowski from Fotolia.com
