University of Arkansas Career Guide - 2025 - Flipbook - Page 26
26
Application Material Toolbox
Cover Letter Checklist
C o v e r L e tt
er
Templates
Motivate employers to invite you to an interview!
• Use the QR code to access cover letter templates.
• Next, use the checklist to make sure your cover letter is ready to go.
Formatting
Yes
No
Yes
No
Yes
No
Yes
No
Yes
No
Did I use a plain 10-12 point size font and have approximately y / - 1 ” margins?
Does my cover letter use the standard business format ?
Is my formatting (e.g., bold, font, bullet sizes, indentions) consistent throughout the cover letter?
Is my cover letter free from spelling, punctuation, and grammatical errors?
Is my cover letter an appropriate length? (1/2 page -1 page preferred)?
Header
Did I address my cover letter to a specific person (if possible) or to the hiring committee?
Did I either use the header on my resume or a business letter header at the top of my letter?
First Paragraph
Did I mention the position I am applying for?
Did I state where I found the job posting?
If I have a connection to the company (i.e. friend, family member, colleague), did I mention them?
Second Paragraph
Have I conducted research on the company and integrated that research into the cover letter?
Did I relate relevant skills to the company and to the position?
Have I demonstrated relevant past accomplishments to demonstrate what an employer could gain by
hiring me?
Did I include industry buzzwords and keywords from the job description?
Does all included content strengthen my application and demonstrate an ability to fit into the position
and company?
Did I thank the reader for their consideration of my application and time?
Did I inform the reader how to contact me?
Did I include information on how and when I intend to follow up regarding my application?
Did I leave space at the bottom between my salutation and my name for my signature (if submitting
through mail or in-person)?
