COVER LETTER GUIDE

Purpose of the Cover Letter
The purpose of the cover letter is to "introduce" your resume to the employer.

Importance of the Cover Letter
The cover letter is particularly important because it highlights your most significant qualification, accomplishments, and abilities, directly applicable to the position for which you are applying. It also serves as a demonstration of your written communication skills to the prospective employer.

Writing the Cover Letter
Before writing the cover letter, make sure you know and understand the employer's needs and requirements for the position. Next, organize information and examples, which demonstrate how your background, training, work experience, and abilities can meet those needs.

Basic Principles

• Research the employer's organization and personalize each letter. This indicates that you know something about the company and that you are interested in the employer.
• Briefly highlight one or two most significant accomplishments or abilities to show you are an above average candidate.
• Use a polite, formal style, which also demonstrates both self-confidence and respect for the employer. Be clear, objective and persuasive.
• Be positive in the tone of personal descriptions and expectations. Do not call attention to any weaknesses or cause uncertainty about your confidence or ability to do the job.
• Use powerful action verbs to hold the employer's interest and convey a sense of energy and enthusiasm.
• Group similar items together in a paragraph and then organize the paragraphs to relate logically. Use strong topic sentences to tie information together in an organized fashion.
• Close the letter with a plan for follow-up action. Be proactive and ask for an interview to further discuss your qualifications for the position.

DOs

• Write to a specific person.
• Send an original cover letter for each job application.
• Demonstrate that you know something about the organization.
• Provide information that reflects the reader's interest. (Relate ways you can meet their needs.)
• Use power words.
• Laser-print your cover letter for a professional look.
• Keep it to one page, and use business letter style.
• Realize the reader will view the cover letter as an example of your written communication skills.
• Proofread, as-well-as, have someone else proofread your letter.
• Make sure the letter is well organized and carefully worded.
• Be honest and sincere. Give an impression of modest confidence.
• Sign your letter.

DON'Ts

• Do not use a duplicated form letter.
• Do not overuse the pronoun "I".
• Do not repeat the same material that is in your resume, but DO make reference to your resume.
• Never use company stationery.

Sample Cover Letter - Format


Your street address
City, State Zip
Telephone Number

Date of writing

Mr./Ms. Recruiter’s Name
Recruiter’s Title
Department Name
Company Name
Street Address
City, State, Zip




Dear Mr./Ms Last Name:

1st paragraph – Explain why you are writing; identify the position and your source of information. Indicate in summary form your strongest qualifications for the position using a series of phrases.

2nd paragraph – Outline your strongest qualifications in more detail and show how they match the position requirements. As much as possible, provide evidence of your related work, extracurricular, and academic experiences and accomplishments. Refer to your enclosed resume.

3rd paragraph – Optional. Convince the employer that you have the personal qualities and motivation to succeed. Relate your interests and qualities to your knowledge of the company.

4th paragraph – Request an interview and indicate how and when you can be contacted. Suggest that you will call at a specific time to discuss interview possibilities. Thank the reader for his/her consideration.

Sincerely,

(Handwritten signature)

Your name typed

Enclosure (to indicate that your resume or additional materials are enclosed)