Cover Letter Guide
Student Handbook
Cover Letters & Resumes – Student Handbook
Cover Letters
Always send a cover letter
along with an application or
resume to an employer. Its
purpose is to introduce you
and show the prospective
employer
how
your
background
fits
their
particular job. Use the
cover letter to expand on
points from your resume
that you feel are especially
noteworthy or relevant. For
example, you can let the
employer know that you are
willing to relocate. You
should also demonstrate
that you have done your
homework
on
the
organization and you know
how you can be an asset to
the employer. Prepare an
original cover letter for each
job – NOT a form letter.
Cover Letters for
Advertised Listings
1. Research the employer
Research the prospective
employer’s organization to
see how your skills, abilities
and values match those of
the organization. In the
cover letter, show why you
are a good fit. Send the
letter to a specific person
whenever
possible;
otherwise, use “Dear Hiring
Manager” or “Dear Human
Resource Manager.”
2. Job description
Take a good look at the job
responsibilities
and
qualifications and design
your cover letter to match
these as much as you can.
Often job listings are short
and vague. In this case,
draw from your research of
similar jobs to infer what
skills and abilities might be
required. For instance, if
you were looking for an
accounting
position,
courses
and
past
experience
related
to
finance and accounting
would be appropriate to
mention.
3. Analyze your background
Think
about
your
background in relation to
the job responsibilities and
qualifications. Ask yourself,
“What have I done that is
similar to what this job
entails?” Consider courses
taken, classroom projects,
past
work
experience,
summer jobs, internships,
volunteer
experience,
extracurricular involvement
and travel.
Beyond Advertised
Listings
Networking and research
leads You will also write
cover letters to employers
that you identify in your
independent job search.
Through networking or
research, you will learn of
specific openings or job
titles that interest you.
Be sure to indicate in the
first
paragraph
what
position you are seeking. If
a specific person alerted
you to the job opening,
include that person’s name
and
affiliation
to
the
company. Employers are
more likely to read letters
that mention specific people
they know.
COVER LETTER
DOS AND DON’TS
Do
• Use paper that matches
your resume
• Write an original cover
letter for each employer
and position
• State in the first sentence
why you are writing
• Show that you know your
career goals and how
they relate to the position
and the organization
• Demonstrate originality
and enthusiasm
• Make your points
succinctly; every point
should support your
application
• Proofread for typos
• Utilize spell check on
your computer
• Keep copies of all
materials for your records
• Follow up with the
employer if you hear
nothing after a couple of
weeks. Inquire if any
further information is
needed and reiterate your
interest.
Don’t
• Make the letter more than
one page
• Use generic, all purpose
cover letters - never copy
cover letters
• Exaggerate your skills or
experiences
* Learn About Unlimited New Careers in Healthcare
© 2012 Revised by Kaiser Foundation Health Plan, Inc. all rights reserved
1
Cover Letters & Resumes – Student Handbook
Basic Elements of a
Cover Letter
Your Name
Your Address
City, State Zip Code
Your Phone Number
Date of Letter
Reader’s Name
Reader’s Title
Name of Company
Company Address
Salutation: Use title and last name if available (e.g., Dear Dr. Smith: or Dear Ms. Jones:);
don’t use a first name unless you know the individual well and are sure this is acceptable;
if you do not have a name, use the title (e.g., Dear Employment Manager:). If you have the
name but are not sure whether the individual is a male or female, use the full name with no
title (e.g., Dear Terry Jones).
Opening Paragraph: State why you are writing, name the position or types of work for
which you are applying and mention how you heard of the opening or organization.
Middle Paragraph(s): Here you want to describe your major strengths as they relate to
the position you are seeking. If possible, mention one or two recent accomplishments that
illustrate your proficiency and effectiveness. The idea is to create interest and show how
your skills and qualifications can be of value to the organization – to make the reader want
to know more. Do not reiterate everything that is in your resume, but refer the reader to
your enclosed resume for more detail on your qualifications and experience.
Closing Paragraph: Restate your strong interest in the position or organization and your
desire for a face-to-face meeting. Pave the way for the interview by indicating the action or
steps you will take to initiate a meeting. If this is not appropriate, simply state that you look
forward to hearing from the reader soon. Finally, express your appreciation for the reader’s
time and consideration.
Sincerely,
Your Full Name
Enclosure
* Learn About Unlimited New Careers in Healthcare
© 2012 Revised by Kaiser Foundation Health Plan, Inc. all rights reserved
2
Cover Letters & Resumes – Student Handbook
Cover Letter Sample
Amy Sherwood
930 Common Drive
Interntown, CA 96801
May 7, 2007
Mr. John Doe
Recruiting Manager
Company Name
1 Company Address
City, CA 33333
Dear Mr. Doe,
I am applying for the position of client account assistant, which was advertised April 21
with the career services center at Elk Grove High School. The position seems to fit very
well with my education, experience, and career interests.
According to the advertisement, your position requires excellent communication skills,
computer literacy, and an interest in business, economics, or finance. I will be graduating
from Elk Grove High School this month and will be attending San Jose State University in
the fall as an intended business major. My studies have included courses in computer
science, pre-calculus, statistics, speech communications, and business writing. I
understand the position also requires a candidate who is team- and detail-oriented, works
well under pressure, and is able to deal with people in departments throughout the
organization. These are all skills I that I have developed in my course work.
My Background and goals seem to match your requirements well. I am confident that I can
perform the job effectively, and am excited about the idea of working for a dynamic,
nationally recognized investment management firm.
If you would like to schedule an interview or otherwise discuss my interest in this position,
please call me at (814) 555-2468. I will be available at your convenience.
Best regards,
Amy Sherwood
Enclosure
* Learn About Unlimited New Careers in Healthcare
© 2012 Revised by Kaiser Foundation Health Plan, Inc. all rights reserved
3