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The Cover Letter

THE COVER LETTER

A cover letter informs recruiters about the qualifications of a candidate, enticing them to review the candidates rsum. The cover letter should include the following:

The cover letter format can be either block or semi-block style. This is a type of business correspondence and should be in the proper format (see back). It should be addressed to the person responsible for the position or the Human Resources Manager. It should be one page in length and printed on the same stock paper as used for the rsum. It should be free of ERRORS.

Examples of skills paragraph:

I have successfully developed, motivated, and directed a professional staff of administrative assistants. My experience includes planning, organizing, and developing procedures and policies for a manufacturing facility. I am convinced that this is the right field for me, and that my understanding of the regulations and laws will enable me to make a real contribution to your firm. In regard to my previous work experience, I am very confident that my strengths in marketing, research, and project building are of potential value. In addition, I have led the development of three strategy building projects that resulted in an increase of 10 percent in annual revenues.

I am confident that my skills in creativity, organization, leadership, problem solving, and communication will assist in developing innovative ways to enhance the companys marketing and sales initiatives.

Example of interview action plan:

I will contact you by phone within a week to arrange an interview at a mutually convenient time. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me at ...............

I would appreciate an opportunity to further discuss the position. I will contact you via telephone next week to arrange a time to meet with you to discuss my qualifications in detail.

Thank you in advance for the opportunity to meet with you concerning this position.

*FORMAT EXAMPLE ON BACK*

SAMPLE COVER LETTER FORMAT

(Make sure to center your letter between the top and bottom margin)

Street Address
City, State, Zip
Date

(4 blank lines)

Name (person interviewing or HR Manager's name)
Title
Department
Organization
Street Address
City, State, Zip

(1 blank line)

Dear Mr./Mrs./Dr.- Individuals Last Name:

(1 blank line)

Dear Mr./Mrs./Dr.- Individuals Last Name:

(1 blank line)

Introduction: State clearly and concisely the purpose of the letter.why you are writingeither to apply or to inquire about the position. If a mutual acquaintance has recommended that you apply/inquire, use their name in this paragraph (i.e., I am writing in response to the Administrative Assistant position posted in the Houston Chronicle the week of January 3, 2005. (This example does not mention the name of the mutual acquaintance.)

(1 blank line)

Body: (usually two (2) paragraphs). Use these paragraphs to convey your qualifications. DO NOT REPEAT YOUR RSUM; identify your match with the employers requirement. Use keywords specific to the position. In addition, interject information about the company in this paragraph.

(1 blank line)

Close: Identify the next step. Arrange an interview or discuss opportunities, state that clearly. End with a note of appreciation.

(1 blank lines)

Sincerely,

(1 blank line)

Type name

(1 blank line)

Enclosure (if applicable)

Which position the candidate is pursuing and how he/she learned of the employment opportunity
The skills that are closely related to the requirements for the position being sort
An outline of an action plan for setting up an interview