A good cover letter is as important as a good resume. A cover letter demonstrates your writing skills and informs an employer of your basic strengths and how you feel you would fit in that particular company’s professional environment. The main purpose of a cover letter is to request a personal interview.
As in a resume, there should be no errors. Leave a 1” margin on all sides and be sure to proof the final version. Cover letters should be individually typed and signed. It should be brief, one page, and follow a general business style. Always include a cover letter when you mail your resume. If you e-mail a resume, include a brief cover letter and explain that the hard copy will be coming. Always send a hard copy of your resume and cover letter in the mail following an emailed or faxed copy.
The following is a layout of what you should say in each paragraph:
Your address
Date
Name, title (always know a name and title)
Company Name
Address
(Salutation) Dear Mr. Wonderful:
First Paragraph: Introduce yourself and state what you want in the first two sentences. You may want to state how you heard of the open position or who referred you.
Second Paragraph : This paragraph is redundant to your resume. State why you are qualified for the job, your personal as well as professional characteristics and skills, your accomplishment highlights that would pertain to this job. Also,state why you want to work for this organization. You should have done some research on the company and know the strong points that attract you to them. Tell what those are. Make confident statements about yourself.Why would you be a “fit” for this job?
Third Paragraph: This part is the “thank you,” “follow-up" paragraph. State that you would like a personal interview, and give the times you are available. Always take the responsibility of getting back with them. Example: “If I have not heard from you by November 21, 2000, I will call regarding the possibility of scheduling a mutually convenient interview time. Thank you for considering my enclosed resume. I look forward to meeting you.” And then mark that date on your calendar and call them; they may wait to see how dependable you are.
Sincerely,
(4 spaces for signature)
John Q. Student
Phone #
