What should the cover letter do for you?
It should answer the question - Why should I hire you? It should grab the employers attention and point out why you, above all other applicants, should be contacted for a personal interview.Before you are granted a job interview, a cover letter is the first means to communicate with your potential future employer. So you should spend some time to prepare it to give a good impression to employers. The following are tips for writing a cover letter.
Tone
You should be polite in writing the letter. In addition, try to show your strengths and enthusiasm in applying for the job advertised. Use positive words such as pleased, keen, devoted and strong.Length
The letter should not be too long (2-3 pages) or too short (only 1-2 paragraphs). One page with 3-5 paragraphs is desirable. Human Resources staff do not have much time to read through all applications. So, they will not choose long cover letters to read. For short letters, it is impossible to tell the employers much by one or two paragraphs only.Content
At the beginning, you should state the job position you are applying for. Companies may be recruiting a number of positions at one time and it would be helpful if you state the position clearly to avoid being considered for the wrong job. Do not repeat information in the resume. Instead, address the job requirements and tell the employer why you think you are suitable for the position. You can state your skills and your personalities which match the job requirements. Even if you do want to mention your experience, highlight the accomplishments only. You have to state clearly the documents you are attaching to the letter, including resume, portfolio of work or reference letters. In the last paragraph, let the employer know that you are available for job interviews and how they can contact you.Signature
Remember to sign your letter if you are going to send it by post.Proofreading
After you have finished writing the letter, read it over and over again to make sure there is no spelling or grammatical mistakes. Don't just rely on the spellcheck programme installed in the computer. Sometimes a word is not misspelled, but it is used wrong. In such cases, spellcheck programmes may not be able to detect them. Even one single mistake in the letter will give a bad impression to the employer. Don't lose a mark because of that.Design
Use quality white A4 paper to print your letter. Give enough space between the paragraphs so that the recipient can read your letter comfortably. Remember that every job has specific requirements, and it is essential to tailor the cover letter to every job you apply for. Don't make it a “standard” letter by just changing the company name and position you are applying for and then sending it out every time. In addition, keep a copy of the letter for future reference. You may find this helpful when you are later granted an interview for that position.Format of a cover letter
YOUR ADDRESS (Do not put your name here)TODAY'S DATE
Mr./Ms. EMPLOYER'S NAME (If you don't have one, get one!)
TITLE (vice-president?)
COMPANY'S NAME
ADDRESS
DEAR Mr./Ms. EMPLOYER:
FIRST PARAGRAPH: This is the "why I'm writing
to you" paragraph which immediately tells the employer the position you want to be
considered for. This is short - usually 2-3 sentences. Points to cover:
- Why you are writing and which position you are applying for.
- How you heard about the position is irrelevant unless it is a mutual contact or
recruiting program. Do not write, "I learned of this opportunity through the Career
Services Office." - Show from your research why you are interested in this position or organization. The
goal is to make a connection - do this Briefly and Specifically or leave it
out; sweeping statements will not work.
qualified" paragraph. Highlight some of your most relevant experiences and qualities
as they relate to the position for which you are applying. Choose 2 - 3 points you want to
make about Specific experiences/accomplishments or about general qualities you have
exhibited, and provide Specific examples to support those points. This
paragraph will change according to the job/employer for which you are applying. This is
usually the longest paragraph of the letter. You may break this paragraph into two if it
looks too lengthy or if your points work best in separate paragraphs. Points to ponder:
- The first sentence should be a hard-hitting opener. It is a quick introduction, which is
accomplishment-oriented and directed at the skills and qualifications needed for the
job/industry. - The body of the paragraph should provide evidence to back up what you've just claimed.
Cite specific jobs/internships/activities/projects and accomplishments associated with
those experiences. Use your resume to come up with some specifics, but NEVER reiterate
passages from your resume word for word. Discuss why what you did is to the employer-
relate the facts to the job. Strong examples are important! - The final sentence is a summary of what you've discussed above. It's a good idea to
mention the position title and company name to bring the reader back to the specific job
in question.
paragraph. You should refer to the enclosed resume, request an interview and let the
reader know what will happen next (Contact them within specific period of time unless it
is a recruiting program). It is vital that you thank the reader for his/her time
and consideration.
Sincerely,
Your Signature
Your Name
Enclosure(s)
Tips to Make Your Letter Professional
- Research the company and the specifics about the position so you
can tailor your letter to the needs of the organization. - Avoid using too many sentences that start with "I" or writing in the passive
voice (ex. "This experience enabled me to..." or "Through my internship, I
was responsible for..."); instead, make yourself the subject of each sentence and use
active descriptions (ex., "In this internship, I demonstrated sound judgment and
problem-solving skills on a daily basis."). - Do not use contractions (I'd, didn't, it's).
- Spelling, grammar, or punctuation mistakes are out of the question! Cover letters are a
reflection of your writing skills, so make each cover letter an example of your best work. - Be sure to sign your letters. (Black ink is suggested)
- Keep your letter short and simple. This is not the time to tell your whole life's story.
- Have a Career Specialist review your cover letters during drop-in hours: Monday-Friday
1:30 - 4:30 and Wednesday 8:30am - 11:30am OR you can make an appointment
anytime. - Use good quality paper that matches your resume paper and envelopes.
Sample Cover Letter 1
Elicia Delombard286 North 75th St. – Apt 5L
New York, NY 10021
212-555-9988
March 21, 1998
Mr. Ralph Cantor
Executive Vice President
Republican Young, Inc.
321 Marzio Rd.
Mohaonk, NY 12561
Dear Mr. Cantor:
I would like to be considered for the Legal Assistant position offered at White, Case & Bothalemule. I learned of this opportunity through the New York Recruiting Consortium at Trinity College.
My high level of concentration and excellent organizational skills have helped me achieve a strong academic record at Trinity College which reflects my diligence and commitment to success. Rigorous liberal arts courses and a concentration in psychology have provided me with a first rate writing ability as well as sharp analytical, problem-solving and research skills. In my International Politics and Clinical Psychology courses, I have written papers involving in-depth research and analysis in order to prove a specific thesis. I have also developed research skills in a different capacity by compiling and analyzing data in a Research Design and Analysis class. In addition, my studying in England and France as well as taking French and Spanish classes, has greatly expanded my knowledge of different cultures and languages. My language proficiency will be an asset to a law firm with global interests.
Through challenging leadership positions, I have developed a strong sense of responsibility, effective interpersonal skills and the ability to contribute to teamwork, even in high-pressure environments. As a Resident Assistant, I successfully resolved conflicts among residents, planned social and educational programs while serving as a positive role model for my peers. With my background in liberal arts, business and leadership, I am confident that I can make a profound contribution to White, Case and Bothalemule.
Enclosed is my resume for your review. I am enthusiastic about the position and look forward to meeting with you at the Consortium in January. Thank you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
Elicia Delombard
Elicia Delombard
Enclosure
Sample Cover Letter 2
300 Summit St.Hartford, CT 06106-3100
August 17, 1998
Ms. Arianna Rikic
Director of Recruiting
Eastern Arbor
225 East 72nd Street
New York, NY 10098
Dear Ms. Rikic:
Laura Flannigan suggested I contact you concerning the Marketing position available at Eastern Arbor. I am inspired to pursue my marketing interests at Eastern Arbor due to its reputation as a prestigious, innovative and growing company in liability policies.
My diverse and intense academic, professional, and leadership experiences would make me a valuable asset to Eastern PG Arbor. Currently, as a professional Student Admissions Associate, I assist in promoting Trinity College to prospective students and parents. I am responsible for interviewing and evaluating students as well as leading group information sessions. Since I work with people every day in a business setting, I have developed strong interpersonal and communication skills.
My leadership experience, particularly with the President’s Special Council on Women, is another example of my strong sense of responsibility and motivation. As a council member concerned with the rights of women, I have brought fierce new ideas onto the agenda, such as bringing student leaders together to discuss how to create a more active community at Trinity. As a result of this idea, the council along with other student leaders has begun planning a leadership forum for next semester. In all of my business experiences, my motivation and energy has ignited me to work hard and accomplish goals.
My resume and transcript are enclosed for your evaluation. I will contact you on the
week of Augustl 30th to schedule a time in which I may further discuss my
qualifications for the Marketing position. Thank you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
Marty E. Spruce
Marty E. Spruce
