Cover Letters
Sell Yourself in Writing
Joliet Junior College Career Services
Cover letter + Resume
The cover letter and resume are a team
Resumes and cover letters are most effective when
targeted for a specific job.
Employers want to see that you have researched
the position and have prepared a package that
best represents your match in qualifications.
What is a Cover Letter?
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Expresses your interest in an job or
position
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Conveys your knowledge of the company

Helps you to market your qualifications to
the prospective employer
Cover Letter Tips
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Address letter to an individual not a company
Keep letter to one page
Customize the letter for each position
Do not repeat the resume, highlight it!
Research: Review websites, brochures, etc.
Plan the letter prior to writing
October 26, 2010
Phillip A. Levy
ABC Company
4201 East Street
Romeoville, IL 60446
Dear Mr. Levy:
Opening / Introduction:
• Reference previous conversation, if any.
• Mention company name, job title, etc. – customize.
• How you heard about the job.
• Why you are interested in the job.
OPENING / INTRODUCTION
BODY
CLOSING
Sincerely,
Jane Doe
Body:
• Connect the job qualifications/experiences to your
background (work, education, etc) – be specific.
• Mention any related experience or specialized training.
• Show that you have researched the company.
Closing:
• State the action you expect from the recipient and/or the
action you will take.
• Offer specific time frames for the action.
• Thank the reader for his/her time and consideration.
• What job you are
applying to and how you
learned about it.
• Any personal contacts
you have in or with the
company.
• Your general
qualifications for the job.
Phillip A. Levy
ABC Company
4201 East Street
Romeoville, IL 60446
Dear Mr. Levy:
I am applying for the position of Department Manager which was
advertised in the Chicago Tribune. Having recently completed my
Associate Degree in Management and Supervision, I am seeking a
position in…
As you can see from my resume, I bring significant skills from my
previous work experience. I have gained experience in inventory
control, purchasing and customer service. I have also developed
excellent time management…
Thank you for your time and consideration in reviewing my resume. I
believe my qualities could be a good match for your management
position. Please feel free to contact me at your convenience to
discuss this position. I may be contacted
Sincerely,
Jane Doe
Enclosure
Phillip A. Levy
ABC Company
4201 East Street
Romeoville, IL 60446
• Expand upon your
qualifications.
• Discuss your most
relevant qualifications in
detail.
• Refer the reader to
your resume for
additional details.
Dear Mr. Levy:
I am applying for the position of Department Manager which was
advertised in the Chicago Tribune. Having recently completed my
Associate Degree in Management and Supervision, I am seeking a
position in…
As you can see from my resume, I bring significant skills from my
previous work experience. I have gained experience in inventory
control, purchasing and customer service. I have also developed
excellent time management…
Thank you for your time and consideration in reviewing my resume. I
believe my qualities could be a good match for your management
position. Please feel free to contact me at your convenience to discuss
this position. I may be contacted…
Sincerely,
Jane Doe
Enclosure
Phillip A. Levy
ABC Company
4201 East Street
Romeoville, IL 60446
Dear Mr. Levy:
I am applying for the position of Department Manager which was
advertised in the Chicago Tribune. Having recently completed my
Associate Degree in Management and Supervision, I am seeking a
position in…
• Close by thanking
your reader for his or her
time and consideration.
As you can see from my resume, I bring significant skills from my
previous work experience. I have gained experience in inventory
control, purchasing and customer service. I have also developed
excellent time management…
• State where and when
you can be reached, and
express your willingness
to come to an interview
or supply further
information.
Thank you for your time and consideration in reviewing my resume. I
believe my qualities could be a good match for your management
position. Please feel free to contact me at your convenience to discuss
this position. I may be contacted…
Sincerely,
Jane Doe
Enclosure
Cover Letter Formatting
• Microsoft Word
• 1”
margins on all sides
• Choose font and font size (Times 12)
• Avoid fancy
• Limit
type or difficult to read styles
to one page
• Check spelling, punctuation, grammar and
word usage (ask a friend)
For more information and sample
cover letters, please visit:
www.jjc.edu/info/careers
or contact Career Services at:
Campus Center
Phone: (815) 280-2756
Email: careers@jjc.edu