There are four main elements to a cover letter.
- Opening.
Explain why you're writing. State the position
you are seeking and the source of the job opening.
(e.g., newspaper ad, friend, co-worker).
- Main body. Highlight your job qualifications and
link them to the company's needs. Show that you
know something about the company and are interested
in the company's products or services.
- Closing.
Request an interview and enclose your phone number.
- Thank the
employer for his or her time and effort.
Other important information when writing a cover letter:
- Write an individualized cover letter for each job employer.
- Address the letter to the person you want to contact, preferably
the one doing the hiring.
- Type letter on quality 8 ½ x 11 paper.
- Use correct grammar, spelling and punctuation.
- Convey personal warmth and enthusiasm.
- Keep your letter short and to the point.
- Describe how your skills and abilities will benefit the company.
- Provoke the employer to read your resume.
- Request a job interview.
- Keep a copy for your follow-up records.
- Sign your letter.
Follow-Up
Keep a file of the resumes you send out and follow up
with a phone call. Surveys have shown that only two
percent of resumes mailed to employers result in
an interview. If you follow up with a phone call,
the success rate jumps to 20 percent. Below is an
example of a cover letter.
14 Busy Avenue
Gloucester, MA 01632
November 16, 1993
Ms. Gail Zwenthal, President
What's In Store, Inc.
1 Copley Place
Boston, MA 02116
Dear Ms. Zwenthal:
I am interested in the Customer Service position you
recently advertised in the Boston Gazette on November
15, 1993.
My part-time work experience and high school education
have prepared me for this position. As the yearbook
sales representative, I was responsible for the communication
and problem-solving needed to successfully sell the
advertisements for the yearbooks. I can also use
WordPerfect and type forty-five words per minute.
I would like to discuss my skills in an interview.
My home telephone number is (508) 947-8811.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
Shirley Givens |
