COVER LETTER

What is a cover letter?

Definition:

A cover letter is a document sent with your resume to provide additional information on your skills and experience.

A cover letter typically provides detailed information on why you are qualified for the job you are applying for. Effective cover letters explain the reasons for your interest in the specific organization and identify your most relevant skills or experiences.

There are three general types of cover letters:

The application letter which responds to a known job opening (review samples)

The prospecting letter which inquires about possible positions (review samples)
The networking letter which requests information and assistance in your job search (review samples)
Your cover letter should be designed specifically for each purpose outlined above as well as for each position you seek. Do not design a form letter and send it to every potential employer (you know what you do with junk mail!).
Effective cover letters explain the reasons for your interest in the specific organization and identify your most relevant skills or experiences (remember, relevance is determined by the employer's self-interest). They should express a high level of interest and knowledge about the position.

All cover letters should:

Explain why you are sending a resume.

Don't send a resume without a cover letter. 

Don't make the reader guess what you are asking for; be specific: Do you want a summer internship opportunity, or a permanent position at graduation; are you inquiring about future employment possibilities?

Tell specifically how you learned about the position or the organization —

a flyer posted in your department, a web site, a family friend who works at the organization. It is appropriate to mention the name of someone who suggested that you write.

Convince the reader to look at your resume.

The cover letter will be seen first.

Therefore, it must be very well written and targeted to that employer.

Call attention to elements of your background —

 education, leadership, experience — that are relevant to a position you are seeking. Be as specific as possible, using examples.

Reflect your attitude-,

personality, motivation, enthusiasm, and communication skills.

Provide or refer to any information specifically requested

 in a job advertisement that might not be covered in your resume, such as availability date, or reference to an attached writing sample.

A SAMLE LETTER HERE

Cover Letter Outline

Your Address

City, State, Zip

Date

(Ms. or Mr.) Personnel Manager

Name of Company

Company Address

City, State, Zip

Dear (Ms. or Mr.) Hiring:

Your opening paragraph should arouse interest on the part of the reader. Tell the employer why you are writing the letter. Do not say in the first paragraph that you are looking for a job. Give information to show your specific interest in the company.

Your middle paragraphs should create desire. Give details of your background that will show the reader why one should consider you as a candidate. Be as specific as possible about the kind of a job you want. Don't make the reader try to guess what you would be interested in.

Refer the reader to your general qualifications on your enclosed resume or other material. Use as much space as you need to tell your story but keep it brief and to the point.

In your closing paragraph you ask for action. Ask for an appointment suggesting a time when you will contact the individual. You may now list your dates of availability.

Sincerely yours,

[Your Signature]

Type your name here 

NOTE: This is fictitious adress....