Cover Letters
Format
Purpose
 Introduce yourself and your résumé
 Indicate which job position for which you are applying
 Provide information not otherwise included on résumé
 Reason for making a job change
 Add personal information
 Intention to relocate
Heading: Contact Information
Space
Date
Space
Recipient's address
Space
Salutation: Dear [specific name]:
note : not , or ;
Paragraphs are single spaced, left
justified. One space between
paragraphs.
Closing: Sincerely,
Format Directions
 List contact information first
 Not extremely large, but easy to contact you
 Space down 2-3 lines
 Today’s date
 Space down 2 lines
 Type inside address – address of person letter is being mailed to
 Space down 2 lines
 Formal salutation -- Dear Mr. Singh:
 Must be a colon [:], not a comma
 Business etiquette states subsequent follow up letters can use a
comma
Opening paragraph
 Get the reader’s attention
 State why you’re writing
 Drop a name of someone within the company who referred you
 After speaking with Joe Schmo about the positive work environment he
enjoys, I was excited to hear that you currently have a job opening for a
mechanic. As a recent graduate of UTI Automotive School, my training
can help fill your company’s needs.
 Quote a relevant article
 I was interested to read in Business Monthly that your company plans to
expand its current operations to Vietnam and China. With seven years of
experience launching production plants, I can help make this important
venture successful for you.
Opening Paragraph, Con’t
 Quote a recent industry statistic
 Health care workers are in the shortest supply since the 1950s, according to a
recent article in Health Careers. If you are experiencing this shortage at
County General, I believe you will be interested in my qualifications as a
surgical technician and my strong desire to join your team.
 Quote the contact directly
 “Companies succeed by hiring the right people– people who want to make a
difference, not just do a job.” When I read this statement in your interview in
the Chicago Tribune, I knew that General Widget was a great fit for my energy
and passion as well as my skills as a machinist.
 Lead with your most relevant success
 Under my leadership at Sales & Marketing VP for MoneyMakers, we grew
market share from 10% to 24% on a shoestring budget. I’d like to speak with
you about opportunities where I can deliver this level of sales results for
Acme Funds.
Middle Paragraph
 Share information relevant to the reader’s needs
 Show them how you can help the business succeed
 Base information off requirements for job
 “You need…”/ “I offer…” statements
Middle Paragraph Example
If the advertisement asks for:
Customer Service Associate
If you love talking with people, solving
problems, and working with clients this
position is for you.
You will have an opportunity to use your
Excellent communication skills
Computer knowledge
Analytical Skills
Problem-solving
Minimum requirements:
Stable work history
Two years of CSR experience
Knowledge of Windows and Internet
You write:
My experience in the fast-paced environment of a
technical call center is directly relevant to your
needs. For the past three years, I have helped
employees from all departments and all locations
of our global company resolve various technical
problems. This requires not only excellent
technical skills, but patience, attentive listening,
and the ability to explain technical solutions to
non-technical workers. My efforts have been so
successful, I have twice earned “Customer Service
Rep of the Quarter” from among more than 300
people at our call center.
Show Results and Be Specific
Before
After
 My experience includes leading
 My track record reflects 100% on-
technical teams and projects for
major clients of our consulting
firm.
 My background in the
construction industry is broad. I
am knowledgeable rough and
finish carpentry for projects of
all sizes.
time delivery of critical client
projects, leading 10 person
technical teams implementing
enterprise software.
 I handled the materials and
inventory to create seamless
production. On the $140 million
Camp Building project, we set the
lowest record in our company’s 10
year history for “lost days” due to
material problems.
Optional 2nd Middle Paragraph
 Changing jobs:
 “Shortly after I started my current job six months ago, the
company owner passed away unexpectedly. His death caused
enormous change for the family-owned business, and they have
decided to downsize and keep the longest-tenured staff.”
 Eliminates employer’s fear that you job-jump.
Optional Middle Paragraph Con’t
 Add relevant personal information
 “Having been a model-train buff since childhood, I am very
excited about working for Lionel trains. I know that my passion
for your products, as well as my expertise in sales and
marketing, will help me become one of your top performers.”
 “My ties to Waterford, as you know, extend deep into my
history, and create a strong connection to the district for me.
Through my developing experiences here as a first year teacher,
my on-going business experience, and my personal drive to
succeed, I feel that Waterford has already molded me into an
effective teacher. I can only hope that I am able to continue to
learn at home, for that is what I consider WHS to be: my home.”
Optional Middle Paragraph, Con’t
 Intention to relocate
 “My current position is very satisfying, and my manager has said
she has never seen anyone come up to speed so quickly.
However, my spouse recently was offered a promotion to 3M
headquarters in Minneapolis, so we have decided to relocate to
afford her this tremendous opportunity.”
 Although I currently live in Sarasota, I am in the process of
relocating to Austin, where I grew up. I do not expect
relocation assistance, as I will be making this move on my own
in the next few weeks.”
Last Paragraph
 Close with an action statement
 Do not leave it up to the employer to contact you
 Don’t be too aggressive.
Action Statements
Assertive
 I will call in the next few days
to see if we can schedule a
time to meet. I’d like to share
my ideas for improving the
productivity of your field
technicians.
 I eagerly await your ideas and
suggestions. I will call on
Thursday in hopes of setting
up a brief meeting at a time
that is convenient for you.
Aggressive
 I will call you at 10:00 on
Tuesday. Please be available to
discuss my ideas for
improving the productivity of
your technicians.
 Your support is important for
my job search, and I eagerly
await the leads you can give
me. I will call on Thursday to
see what names you have
collected thus far.
Action Statements Con’t
 If follow up on your end isn’t possible
 End on a positive note
 I look forward to learning more about this interesting
opportunity and exploring the fit with my experience. I would
be pleased to answer any questions you have by telephone (212489-5612), and of course, I’d like to meet with you at greater
length in person. I am confident I can help your organization
achieve its goals.
The Signature Line
 Two spaces down from last paragraph
 Sincerely, OR Sincerely yours,
 Space down 3-4 lines
 Type your name
 Space down 2 lines
 Add notation to indicate included résumé with
 Enclosure
 Attachment