The Purdue OWL (Online Writing Lab) cover letter resource is a free, widely used guide that explains how to write a professional cover letter, including formatting, structure, and content. It provides sample letters and general advice that apply to most job applications, though it is not tailored to specific industries or roles.
What the Purdue OWL Cover Letter Resource Actually Contains
The Purdue OWL’s cover letter section is part of its larger job search writing collection. It includes:
- An overview of what a cover letter is and why it matters
- Guidelines for formatting (margins, font, spacing, alignment)
- Structure advice: header, salutation, body paragraphs, closing
- Two full sample cover letters (one general, one for an academic position)
- Tips for tailoring the letter to a specific job posting
- Common mistakes to avoid (e.g., generic openings, typos, overlong paragraphs)
Unlike some career sites, the OWL does not offer a fill-in-the-blank template. Instead, it teaches you the principles so you can write your own letter from scratch.
How to Use the Purdue OWL Guide Step by Step
To get the most out of the resource, follow this process:
- Read the overview to understand the purpose of a cover letter—it should complement, not repeat, your resume.
- Review the formatting guidelines (usually 1-inch margins, 10-12 pt font, single spacing, and a professional font like Times New Roman or Arial).
- Study the sample letters to see how a strong opening paragraph states the position and your interest, how the middle paragraphs highlight relevant skills and achievements, and how the closing requests an interview.
- Draft your own letter using the structure, then revise it to match the specific job description.
- Proofread carefully—the OWL emphasizes that typos can undermine your credibility.
Key Structure and Formatting Rules from Purdue OWL
The OWL recommends a standard business letter format. Here are the specific elements:
- Header: Your contact information, date, and the employer’s contact information, all left-aligned.
- Salutation: Use “Dear Mr./Ms. Last Name” if you know the name; if not, use “Dear Hiring Manager” or the full name without a title.
- Opening paragraph: State the position you’re applying for and where you saw the ad, plus a brief “hook” that shows your interest.
- Body paragraphs (1-2): Highlight your most relevant skills, experiences, and achievements—use concrete examples and quantify results when possible.
- Closing paragraph: Thank the reader, reiterate your interest, and mention that your resume is attached. Request an interview or follow-up.
- Sign-off: Use “Sincerely” or “Best regards,” followed by your name (and a handwritten signature if submitting a hard copy).
The OWL also advises against including personal information like age, marital status, or hobbies unless directly relevant to the job.
Common Problems and How the Purdue OWL Helps You Avoid Them
Many job seekers struggle with cover letters because they either write too much or too little. The OWL addresses these issues directly:
- Generic openings: The guide urges you to avoid “To whom it may concern” and instead research the hiring manager’s name.
- Repeating your resume: The OWL stresses that a cover letter should tell a story, not list bullet points.
- Being too vague: Instead of saying “I’m a hard worker,” show it with a specific achievement (e.g., “I increased sales by 20% in six months”).
- Overly long letters: The OWL recommends keeping it to one page, with 3-4 concise paragraphs.
- Forgetting to proofread: The resource reminds you that errors signal carelessness.
A common misconception is that the OWL provides a one-size-fits-all template. In reality, it teaches you to adapt your letter to each job, which is more effective in the long run.
Comparison: Purdue OWL vs. Other Cover Letter Resources
Compared to sites like Indeed or The Muse, the Purdue OWL is more academic and less flashy. It doesn’t offer interactive tools or downloadable templates, but it is completely free, ad-free, and backed by a university writing center. Its advice is timeless and focuses on clarity and professionalism, whereas many commercial sites push trendy formats (like visual CVs) that may not be appropriate for all industries. The OWL is best for traditional, conservative fields like law, finance, or academia. For creative roles, you might supplement it with portfolio-based advice.
Template: A Simple Cover Letter Structure Based on Purdue OWL
Below is a blank template you can fill in, following the OWL’s recommended structure. Remember to replace the underscores with your own details.
| Field | Your Content |
|---|---|
| Your Name | ________________________ |
| Your Address | ________________________ |
| City, State ZIP | ________________________ |
| ________________________ | |
| Phone | ________________________ |
| Date | ________________________ |
| Employer’s Name | ________________________ |
| Company | ________________________ |
| Company Address | ________________________ |
| Salutation | Dear ________________________: |
| Opening Paragraph | I am writing to apply for the position of ________________________ at ________________________, as advertised on ________________________. My background in ________________________ makes me a strong candidate. |
| Body Paragraph 1 | In my previous role at ________________________, I ________________________ (specific achievement). This experience taught me ________________________. |
| Body Paragraph 2 (optional) | Additionally, I have ________________________ (another relevant skill). I am particularly drawn to this role because ________________________. |
| Closing Paragraph | Thank you for considering my application. I have attached my resume and would welcome the opportunity to discuss my qualifications further. I can be reached at ________________________. |
| Sign-off | Sincerely, |
| Your Name | ________________________ |
Sample (fictional): Jane Doe, 123 Main St, Anytown, USA. Date: May 1, 2024. Hiring Manager, TechCorp. “Dear Ms. Smith: I am writing to apply for the Marketing Coordinator position advertised on LinkedIn. My experience in digital campaigns increased web traffic by 30% at my last job. I would love to bring that same growth to TechCorp. Thank you for your time. Sincerely, Jane Doe.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Does Purdue OWL provide a downloadable cover letter template?
No, the OWL does not offer a fillable PDF or Word template. It provides structural guidelines and sample letters, but you must create your own document. This is intentional—it encourages you to write a personalized letter rather than just filling in blanks.
Q: Is the Purdue OWL cover letter guide suitable for academic job applications?
Yes, the OWL includes a sample academic cover letter, which is typically longer and includes sections on research, teaching, and service. However, for academic positions, you should also check the specific requirements of the institution, as some expect a full statement of teaching philosophy.
Q: How long should a cover letter be according to Purdue OWL?
The OWL recommends keeping it to one page. That usually means 3-4 paragraphs with around 300-500 words. For academic letters, it can be two pages, but always check the job posting.
Q: What if I don’t know the hiring manager’s name?
The OWL suggests using “Dear Hiring Manager” or “Dear [Department] Committee” if you can’t find a name. Avoid “To Whom It May Concern” as it’s outdated and impersonal.
Q: Can I use the same cover letter for every job?
No, the OWL emphasizes tailoring each letter to the specific job. You should tweak the opening and body paragraphs to highlight the skills most relevant to that position. A generic letter is easily spotted and often ignored.
Q: Does the OWL cover email cover letters?
Yes, the OWL briefly mentions that when sending a cover letter as an email, you should put your contact info in the signature and use a clear subject line. The body of the email should be your letter, and you can attach your resume as a PDF.
Final Thoughts on Using the Purdue OWL Guide
The Purdue OWL cover letter resource is a solid starting point for anyone new to job applications or needing a refresher. It’s free, reliable, and backed by decades of writing instruction. However, it’s not industry-specific, so you may need to supplement it with advice from professional organizations in your field. Always cross-check the job posting for any specific instructions, and if you’re in a highly regulated profession (like law or medicine), consider asking a mentor or career counselor to review your letter. For legal, tax, or financial advice related to your job search, consult a qualified professional.