Cover LettersSarah Rach-Sovich

Purpose of a Cover Letter

To highlight those areas of your skills and experience (on your resume) which make you particularly well-suited to the position for which you are applying

Cover letter – should market your advantages to the employer

Resume – give the facts Always send with a resume

Cover letter basics

Content and style is up to you There should be a basic structure

Sections of a Cover Letter

Address it Greeting Opening Why this job? Why you? Ending

Address It

Standout salespeople know the names of all their customers.  Whenever possible, get personal by addressing your cover letter to a particular individual instead of writing a generic salutation such as "To Whom It May Concern" or "Dear Employer." 

Use "Dear Director" or "Dear Personnel Manager" if you don't know proper names.

If a job posting doesn't mention whom to contact, call the company to ask for the hiring manager's name and title, the correct spelling of the name, and the person's gender if it's not obvious. 

At the very least, avoid using the following salutations from two actual cover letters: "Dear Sir or Mom" and "To Concern Whom It May Concern."

Opening

Introduce yourself Explain why you are writing If you are responding to an

advertisement or classified ad, say where you saw it

Opening

Example:› I am writing in response to a recent

vacancy notice in the newsletter of Minnesota State Community & Technical College (M-State) Careers Service and wish to apply for one of your sales vacancies. As you will see from my resume, I am in my final year of an Associate in Arts degree in Business Management at M-State.

Why this job? Explain why you are interested in the job and

the organization This is where you should put all your research

to good use – target the letter to the organization. Make it clear that you have not simply sent out multiple copies of the same letter to different employers

If you can, say something original about the organization

Explain what factors attract you to them – don't just repeat text from their publicity material

Why this job?

Example:› Most of my computer experience has been with PCs, and I

am a confident user of Word, Excel and Access. While at M-State, I have also worked on Apple Macs, however, and I am familiar with the word processing packages which are available. I feel that this background awareness would be advantageous in selling Apple Macintosh machines - and I certainly know some ways in which Apple Macs outperform PCs. I am attracted by the opportunity to act as an interface between technical staff and clients, and the scope of your training scheme would give me a broad base of experience on which to develop my career. Having spoken to a number of people who have worked with your company, I am drawn to the supportive and friendly working environment you offer.

Why you?

Use the third paragraph to explain why you are well-suited to the position

Refer to relevant skills, experience and knowledge that you have

Try to avoid using exactly the same phrases which appear on your resume

Match what you say to the requirements given in the job advertisement

Why you?

Example:› I worked as an intern at IBM last summer, and enjoyed

the IT experience in a commercial environment. I seized the chance while there to give presentations to my colleagues. I particularly enjoyed the opportunity to develop my communication skills, explaining features to those without a technical background. I am an enthusiastic and outgoing person, who thrives in group situations. In both high school and college I have sought out opportunities to initiate and coordinate worthwhile group activities. In my role as Treasurer of the Circle K club, for example, I raised over $5,000 from contributors by introducing a sponsorship scheme tailored to the needs of local employers.

Ending

Reiterate your desire to join the organization Add a 'look forward to hearing from you'-type

statement Take action - - either request an interview or let

them know that you will follow up with a phone call

Be sure the employer can reach you (correct phone number, address)

End your letter by thanking the person reading it for his or her time (good manners never go out of style)

Don't forget to sign it!

Ending

Example› I am excited to establish a career in

computer sales, as I am confident of the future potential for the industry. I feel that a young but growing company such as yours would provide excellent opportunities as it deals with such a well-regarded product. I look forward to hearing from you.

Tips for a successful cover letter

Do NOT exceed one page Write to a named person – never Dear Sir/Madam Check spelling – don't just rely on the spell-checker; get

someone else to read it too Don't use long words and complicated sentence

structure just for the sake of it Don't start every sentence with "I" Do give evidence for your claims Be enthusiastic End "Yours sincerely", and type your name and title

under your signature Use good quality paper – no bright colors Don't repeat your whole resume