Writing Studio

Cover Letter Review and Revision Checklist

Use this checklist to review and revise your resume before using it for job or internship applications.

1. Overall Impact

   • I clearly state the position I am applying for
   • The letter is tailored to a specific employer – not generic
   • The letter explains why I am a strong fit — not just that I am interested
   • The letter stays focused and fits on one page

2. Professional Formatting

   • Employer name, title, organization, and address are formatted as a business letter
   • Spacing and margins are consistent
   • Font is professional and matches my resume

3. Introduction Paragraph

   • I clearly state the position and how I learned about it
   • I briefly mention my degree and connect it to the position
   • I highlight my most relevant qualification(s) to the position

4. Body Paragraphs: Skills and Evidence

   • I am not repeating my resume in the form of paragraphs
   • Each paragraph centers on one main qualification or experience, supported with examples
   • I demonstrate results, growth, and impact
   • I show how my skills would benefit this employer

   Ask yourself:

   • What problems can I help this employer solve?
   • What value do I bring?

5.  Employer Knowledge and Fit

   • I clearly explain what I bring to the employer and why I want to work there
   • I show that I researched the organization
   • I mention something specific about their mission, values, or work, and connect it to my experience

6. Tone and Professionalism

   • Tone is confident but not arrogant
   • I avoid overly casual language
   • I avoid overly formal or robotic phrasing

7. Closing Paragraph
   

   • I express appreciation for their time and consideration
   • I restate my interest in the position and my most relevant qualification(s)
   • I include a professional call to action (e.g., I look forward to discussing…)

8. Clarity and Language

   • No grammar or spelling errors
   • Sentences vary in structure (not every sentence begins with “I”)
   • Sentences are concise and purposeful
   • No filler phrases or unnecessary repetition (e.g., I believe that, I feel that, I would like to)
   • Verb tense is consistent (e.g., past tense for previous jobs, present tense for current roles)

9. Final Professional Check

   • File name is professional (FirstName_LastName_CoverLetter.pdf)
   • Another person (or more) has reviewed it