Sample Letter Outline

• Your name and address can be placed at the top middle of the paper, center aligned
• The date can appear two spaces to the right and below your header
• There are VARIATIONS regarding the placement of name and address
• You decide where you want to place the information
• Look at the models and experiment
• Decide what might be pleasing to a reader.

• List the addressee two lines beneath the date on the opposite side
• Below the name type the person's formal title and company
• Use the full name of the person you are sending the letter to

• The salutation should be placed two lines beneath the party addressed's address

• In this paragraph, state why you are writing this letter and what your intentions are
• Some writers state where they found the job advertisement or information on the program
• Tell the employer/director why you are the candidate who should be considered as well as what capabilities and qualifications set you above the average person
• This paragraph should be short and to the point

• In detail, state what you will contribute to this company or program if accepted
• How will your competencies benefit the employer/program
• What skills do you possess that are essential to them

• Describe what it is about the company/program/univeristy you are applying to that grabbed your interest
• What is it about them that you are most enthusiastic and eager about
• Use knowledge of them to make them knowledgeable of your research. (Look at the kinds of information included in the models.)

• In this last paragraph, state your intent on calling for and interview or appointment
• Your phone number and hours you can be reached should be stated in this paragraph as well

• The closing should be two lines beneath the letter, aligned with the return address
• Type sincerely and return four times to type your name
• In the blank space that you just provided, you will hand write your name in black ink

• Include this line to let them know that your resume or other documents are attached