Preparation
for Job Search
Sample Cover Letters
Cover Letters / Letters of Application
Ah yes, cover letters (sometimes called letters of application), the key to making a GREAT first impression. Cover letters, which accompany and introduce your resume are the ones you may hear about most but are not the only letters you will use during your job search. You may construct letters to follow-up and confirm verbal conversations or to serve as a record and reminder of interactions with employers, or a thank you for an interview, to name a few. They also show evidence of your communication skills.
What exactly is a cover letter?
- A cover letter or letter of application is written communication -- whether hard copy or e-mail -- which accompanies your resume to an employer.
- Cover letters connect your past experiences listed on your resume to your potential future position at a new job.
- They highlight your strengths, accomplishments, and sparkling personality!
- The cover letter is your opportunity to personalize your resume and target your skills to that specific employer.
Do I have to send a cover letter with my resume?
- Yes! Anytime a resume is sent by mail or emailed, it must be accompanied by a cover letter. A well-written cover letter is an important tool for getting in the employer "yes" pile.
- Whenever possible address the cover letter to a specific person by name and title.
- Remember, preparing the cover letter for a particular company can also get your resume past the first barrier.
What should be included in a cover letter?
- A cover letter needs to be written concisely and formatted well to be most effective. This type of writing utilizes action words and descriptive statements as a way of conveying qualifications and career objectives.
- Assist the reader in identifying why you should be called in for an interview.
- One way to make sure your resume is passed on to the boss is the use of words from the job ad or description.
- Cover letters can be an opportunity to explain away any problems or questions. You can explain gaps in employment, etc. Things that may not be clear in your resume.
- Keep in mind that generalities can be damaging.
For all business correspondence, including e-mail:
Individualize:
There are similar elements to job seach letters, but each letter should be individually tailored and targeted to the recipient. There is no such thing as an effective "form letter" in a job search. You know when you get a form letter in the mail; a prospective employer knows too. A letter that looks like it could have been randomly sent to any employer is a good candidate for the employer's "no" pile.
Make your purpose clear:
Don't make an employer guess why you are writing or what you are writing about. In choosing your words, think about the purpose of your letter and details of your individual circumstances. For example, if you make a telephone call to an employer prior to sending a cover letter, it makes sense for your letter to refer to the telephone call. If you must respond to an employer's letter to you, read the letter carefully to draft an appropriate response.
Edit:
Grammar, spelling and punctuation should be error-free; wording should be clear, concise and business-like; avoid gimmicky language and slang terms.
Be yourself:
Be your formal, business-like self, but express yourself in a manner that is natural to you. Avoid too much borrowing of language from sample letters and friends' letters. Excessively flowery language or using complicated words won't make you sound smarter; it will make you sound silly. Use good examples as inspiration, but don't copy.
Record-keeping:
Retain a copy of every letter you send, including e-mail; mark your calendar for any appropriate follow-up.
For print (hard copy) correspondence:
Paper:
Use 8 1/2 by 11 inch, good quality paper; preferably the same paper as used for your resume. Particularly for your resume, make sure you choose paper which produces clean photocopies. Some papers with flecks make hazy copies.Print:
Produce laser quality print; choose a proportionally spaced font, rather than an evenly spaced font. You may choose either serif type (like Times New Roman) or sans serif type (like Arial).
Folding vs. large envelopes:
A one-page cover letter and a one-page resume (appropriate for 98.6% of undergraduates) can be folded, but it's a nice touch to use a larger flat envelope so your letter and resume don't have to be folded. By all means, if you're sending other things the employer requested (transcripts, application forms, etc.) and/or you're a Ph.D. candidate with a four-page C.V., don't try to cram it all into a small envelope.
Cover Letter Structure
(Your Name)
Address
City, State, Zip
(Optional: Telephone and/or E-mail)
Insert Date Here
Ms. Catherine Jones
Human Resource Manager
4M, Inc.
987 Carlson Drive>
Minneapolis, MN 55621
Dear Ms. Jones:
Introduction: One Paragraph
- Explain why you are writing (position applying for)
- Where you learned of the position
- Who referred you to the job, if someone did
- Explain your interest in the employer, company, product/services
Body: Two to Four Paragraphs
- Explain why you are qualified for the position
- Link your cover letter to your resume, expand upon resume in letter
- Talk about your most relevant and distinguishing characteristics
Closure: One Paragraph
- Indicate that your resume is enclosed
- Mention your desire for interview
- Express your appreciation for their time and consideration of your application
Sincerely,
(Your signature in blue or black ink)
(Your name typed)
Visit the Career Services Center to view and get copies of more sample cover letters!
