COVER LETTER WRITING
A cover letter is an ideal opportunity to illustrate your ability to communicate effectively
and your achievements.
Explain why you are sending a resume.
Don't send a resume without a cover letter.
Don't make the reader guess what you are asking for; be specific: Do you want a summer
internship opportunity, or a permanent position at graduation; are you inquiring about
future employment possibilities?
Tell specifically how you learned about the position or the organization a flyer
posted in your department, a web site, a family friend who works at the organization. It is
appropriate to mention the name of someone who suggested that you write.
Convince the reader to look at your resume.
The cover letter will be seen first.
Therefore, it must be very well written and targeted to that employer.
Call attention to elements of your background education, leadership, experience
that are relevant to a position you are seeking. Be as specific as possible, using examples.
Reflect your attitude, personality, motivation, enthusiasm, and communication skills.
Provide or refer to any information specifically requested in a job advertisement that
might not be covered in your resume, such as availability date, or reference to an attached
writing sample.
Indicate what you will do to follow-up.
In a letter of application applying for an advertised opening applicants often say
something like "I look forward to hearing from you." However, if you have further
contact info (e.g. phone number) and if the employer hasn't said "no phone calls," it's
better to take the initiative to follow-up, saying something like, "I will contact you in the
next two weeks to see if you require any additional information regarding my
qualifications."
In a letter of inquiry asking about the possibility of an opening don't assume the
employer will contact you. You should say something like, "I will contact you in two
weeks to learn more about upcoming employment opportunities with (name of
organization)." Then mark your calendar to make the call.
COVER LETTER DONTS
Never use generic letters, each letter should be tailored for specific jobs.
Never use "To Whom It May Concern", letters should be personally addressed to the
recipient.
Never generalize about the position being sought, do your research and be specific.
Never repeat the details of the resume, elaborate on valuable qualities not mentioned
before or illustrate new ones which sell you as an ideal candidate.
Never convey desperation to get the job - focus on your assets and not why you want
the job
Never send out a job application without proof reading or spell-checking, an error-free
letter is just as important as a perfect resume .
Never use coloured stationery unless you're an artist otherwise, light coloured paper
which matches resume is enough
There are 3 examples some are further down
Your name
Mailing address
City, state, and zip
Telephone number(s)
Email address
Todays date
Your addressees name
Professional title
Organization name
Mailing address
City, state and zip
Dear Mr. (or Ms.) last name,
Start your letter with a grabbera statement that establishes a connection with your
reader, a probing question, or a quotable quote. Briefly say what job you are applying for.
The mid-section of your letter should be one or two short paragraphs that make relevant
points about your qualifications. You should not summarize your resume! You may
incorporate a column or bullet point format here.
Your last paragraph should initiate action by explaining what you will do next (e.g., call
the employer) or instigate the reader to contact you to set up an interview. Close by
saying thank you.
Sincerely yours,
Your handwritten signature
Your name (typed)
Enclosure: resume
sample of handed in cover letter
Janice Moulton
129 Hollywood road 876 555-2455
Lucea, Hanover Jamaica
Whitneyhouston@[Link]
June 1, 2007
The Green Island Child Care Centre
Nancy Angell- Associate Personnel Administrator
45 Mall Drive Suite 1
Green Island, Hanover
Jamaica
Dear Sir/ Madam,
Please accept this letter and resume in response to your opening that I heard of through a
friend that sparked considerable interest on my part. Most of my background closely
parallels your specific requirements and I am certain that my qualifications and
experience could be an excellent match for your organization.
My experience has afforded me the opportunities to provide assistance and overall
support in varying organizational levels, especially concerning childcare and youth
counseling, as my resume will demonstrate.
I would welcome the opportunity to personally meet with you to explore how I might
bring added value to your agency The Green Island Child Care Centre.
Thank you for your consideration and I look forward to hearing from you.
Sincerely,
_____________________
Janice Moulton
Attachments: Resume
Sample of email cover letter
To: [Link]
Subject: Re: Telemarketing job
Dear Sir/Madam,
This email is in reference to the opening position at your company as a sales
representative in the telemarketing department. I was made aware of this position
through an employment website. Attached to this email is my resume and if any
additional information is needed I am able to provide it. I am willing to attend a
meeting in-person at your convenience.
Thank you kindly for your time and I look forward to hearing from you soon.
Yours truly,
Janice Moulton
Attachment: Resume
