• Mention the job title + how you found it

• Express enthusiasm for their mission or work

• Reference something specific about their company

Example: I’m excited to apply for the Veteran Program Coordinator role at ABC Nonprofit. Your work supporting transitioning service members has inspired me throughout my own military-to-civilian journey.

• Highlight 1–2 key qualifications or strengths

• Use a STAR story: Situation + Task + Action + Result

• Show impact and results from past experience

• Reaffirm your interest in the role

• Thank them for reviewing your application

• Include a clear call to action and your contact info

Example: I would be honored to contribute to your team and bring my leadership experience to the role. Thank you for considering my application—I look forward to the opportunity to connect. I can be reached at janesmith@email.com or (555) 123-4567.

• Save as a PDF, named like this: FirstName_LastName_CoverLetter.pdf

• Use block formatting (no indents, space between sections)

• Choose either a matching resume header or a traditional letter layout

• Personalize your greeting whenever possible (e.g., “Dear Hiring Team at [Company]”)

• Include a professional signature (digital or scanned)

• Translate military roles into civilian impact—focus on leadership, logistics, and results

• Avoid generic cover letter templates—make it personal

• Let your passion show: this is where you get to explain why you’re applying