Cover Letter Outline
Name
Applicant's Address
Applicant's Phone Number
Date
Employer's Name and Complete Title
Employer's Address
Salutation:
Opening Paragraph: State why you are writing, name the position or type of work for
which you are applying and mention how you heard of the opening or organization.
Middle Paragraph(s): Explain why you are interested in working for this employer and
specify your reasons for desiring this type of work. If you have had relevant work
experience or related education, be sure to point it out, but do not repeat your entire
résumé. Emphasize skills or abilities you have that relate to the job for which you are
applying. Be sure to do this in a confident manner and remember that the reader will view
your letter of application as an example of your writing skills.
Closing Paragraph: You may refer the reader to your enclosed résumé (which gives a
summary of your qualifications) or whatever media you are using to illustrate your
training, interests and experience. Have an appropriate closing to pave the way for the
interview by indicating the action or steps you will take to initiate an interview date.
Sincerely,
Type your name under signature
Enclosure
Cover Letter Sample -- Acceptance
Name
Address
Telephone Number
Date
Mr. Edward A. Sanderson, President
Sanderson Market Research, Inc.
5612 Lionel Drive
St. Louis, MO 63102
Dear Mr. Sanderson:
I would like to thank you for the time you spent with me on Wednesday, explaining the
requirements of the position of Senior Project Leader at Sanderson Market Research. I
have studied the job description very carefully since our meeting and feel even more
strongly that I am the person for the job.
Specifically, as I mentioned to you in our meeting, my demonstrated ability to manage
client projects within budget means that I can similarly keep Sanderson's costs under
control - I know that you are concerned with that objective. In addition, while it did not
occur to me in our meeting, I just recalled that the director of market research at Playtime
International, one of your most important clients, is Bob MacKintosh, a client of mine
when he was with Allen Toys and I was employed by Omega Surveys - and with whom I
had an excellent working relationship.
Lastly, with my background working with personal computers I would be able to assist
you in acheiving your year-end goals of computerizing your project-management and
client-reporting functions.
In summary, I am confident that my performance in the position of Senior Project Leader
would be consistent with the high standards I know your company has. I look forward to
the opportunity to demonstrate this.
Sincerely,
Donna F. Hagstrom
Cover Letter Sample -- Application
Name
Address
Telephone Number
Date
RR192
Times 10108
The New York Times
19 West 44th Street
New York, NY 10036
Dear Sir or Madam:
I am replying to your advertisement for an editorial assistant for your music trade
publication. As you can see from my résumé, I graduated from Boston University with a
B.S. in Journalism. I was an editor for Boston University's student-run newspaper, The
Daily Free Press.
In addition to my experience at The Daily Free Press, I compose and sing songs to my
own guitar accompaniment. The job you advertised appears to fit in perfectly with my
interests and experience.
I wish to be frank with you. Since my sixteenth birthday, I have been confined to a
wheelchair as a result of an automobile accident. My disability has in no way affected my
capacity to hold down a job. Transportation is no problem either, since I own and drive
my own car.
I would welcome the opportunity to meet with you to discuss my qualifications for this
job. In my last position, I received $25,000 per annum. However, since I am eager to
move into the field of music publishing, I prefer to keep the question of salary open.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
Anthony Jordan
Cover Letter Sample -- Inquiry
Name
Address
Telephone Number
Date
Ms. Martha Main
Senior Employment Representative
General Systems, Inc.
19 Highland Avenue
San Francisco, CA 94660
Dear Ms. Main:
I recently read about your company's expansion plans. Since you are extensively involved
in dyadic communication research, I am very interested in an entry-level research
position with your organization. I will receive my bachelor's degree in Communications
from Boston University this May.
I have performed three independent research studies at the Hawkins Communications
Institute, which involved the study of dyadic communication and the use of API research
procedures. In addition, I have worked closely and effectively with other research
personnel. My writing ability and analytical skills have been developed through course
work and practical experience.
Enclosed is my résumé, which outlines my qualifications in further detail. I would
welcome the opportunity to discuss these qualifications with you. I will phone within
eight to ten days to see if an appointment can be arranged.
Very truly yours,
Sheila Brown
Enclosure
Cover Letter Sample – Referral
Name
Address
Telephone Number
Date
Ms. Carol Jackson
Mott Enterprises
8330 Tenely Circle
Denver, CO 80214
Dear Ms. Jackson:
Mr. Stan Naple, director of Naple Marketing International, suggested I write to you and
apply for a position of research analyst. Please consider the enclosed résumé as an
application for this position.
My educational background in marketing and computer science, along with my
quantitative skills, makes me especially qualified for the position. I work well
independently and communicate easily with all types of people. My analytical skills have
been demonstrated through experience in coding information for computer input and
checking output for accuracy.
At your earliest convenience, I would appreciate discussing my qualifications with you. I
will call you within the week to schedule an interview
Sincerely,
Jane Green
Enclosure