IEOR Required Cover Letter Format

The cover letter

  • Introduces yourself as an applicant, explains why you're interested, and highlights core qualifications
  • Illustrates your personality and writing style
  • Shows the employer that you understand the requirements of the job and possess the necessary skills

IEOR required cover letter format

  • Must be no more than one page
  • Must be written on Microsoft Word
  • Page should be 8.5 inches x 11 inches
  • Font style should be Times New Roman, Arial, Calibri, or Tahoma
  • Length can be 3-5 paragraphs
  • Font should be no less than size 10, no more than size 12
  • Use one font style and size throughout

Cover letter sections

Header

Your Name, address, phone number, and email

Greeting

"To Human Resources and Hiring Manager:" or "Dear Mr. Riley:"

  • Whenever possible, write to a specific person

Paragraph 1

Introduction: What position you're applying for, how you learned about it, why it interests you, and a statement about what you can do for the company.

Additional Paragraphs

Specific example(s) relating to critical responsibilities and competencies listed in the job description that you can speak to. Make sure to articulate clear connections between your skills and experience to the position you want, so the employer sees you understand the job, their needs, and how you fit.

  • Note: If you're a career changer, you should provide a statement about what led you to transition back to school and seek a job opportunity in a new field or industry.

Final paragraph

Summation: What you can do for the employer and why you're enthusiastic. Finally, ask for an interview. For example: I hope to have an opportunity to speak with you in order to learn more about the role and to share further about my experience and qualifications.

Closing

Sincerely, Kind Regards, Best, Respectfully, followed by exact name on your resume

Additional requirements

  • Avoid clichés and platitudes such as "I am a hard worker." Show yourself through specific examples.
  • Avoid phrases such as my name is or I am or I am willing to work at your firm
  • Proofread spelling, grammar, tenses, and word choice. Make sure to set your computer language to US English.
  • Use the job and company team description as a guide for what to focus on in your cover letter; everything you should be relevant to the employer.
  • It's important to mention your specific interest in the company
  • A cover letter is not a resume. Focus on a few relevant things you think the employer must know about you.
  • Remember that stories are Context—Action—Results (CAR). If the results weren't great, focus on your approach and process and what you gained from the experience.
  • The overall tone of your cover letter should be this is what I can do for you

What should I put in the cover letter rather than in the resume?

The cover letter is an opportunity to introduce yourself in full sentences and should explain how you learned about the position and why you're interested and qualified for the role, whereas a resume is intended to highlight your relevant work and educational experience in bullet points. Also note that there's a difference between a formal 3-4 paragraph cover letter and an email introduction to the prospective employer. Your email should be a brief 1 paragraph note that pulls from the first and last paragraph of your formal cover letter and should be reviewed and edited thoroughly for errors before hitting send!