How To Write A Good Cover Letter

1. Write a custom cover letter for each employer. 2. Be sure to direct your letter to a person. Call the company ahead of time and ask for the name of the person and verify the correct spelling. (When it is impossible to get their name you may opt to use Dear Recruiter or Dear Hiring Manager but never say to Whom it may concern). 3. State why you are writing to the company. 4. Demonstrate your knowledge of the company. Show that you are aware of their current problems, interests or priorities. 5. Express your enthusiasm and interest. 6. Project warmth and friendliness, while still being professional. This is a letter to a real live person. 7. Set yourself apart from the crowd. Identify at least one thing about you that is unique, that goes beyond the essential requirements of the position and is still relevant to the position. 8. Be specific about what you are asking for and what you are offering. Make it clear what position you are applying for and the exact experience that relates. 9. Take the initiative when appropriate and you have the contact information. Indicate that you will follow up to confirm receipt of your rsum and discuss the opportunity further. 10. Keep it brief. A few short paragraphs are all that is needed-one page only.

Tips:

Check spelling and grammar carefully. Avoid clichs and meaningless or wordy expressions. Your cover letter should complement, not duplicate your rsum. Your cover letter is often the first contact with an employer so make sure it makes a good impression.
Adapted from The Damn Good Rsum Guide by Yana Parker

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Suggested Content for a Cover Letter

At the top of the cover letter, continue the same format and personal information you have as a header on your rsum for consistency between both documents. This section is unnecessary when using your cover letter as the email correspondence. For email cover letters, include this information listed directly below your name in the closing phrase at the bottom of the letter. Date letter is being written

Name of Employer, Title Name of Organization Address City, State, Zip Dear Mr. Or Ms. (name): (Do NOT use To Whom IT May Concern or Dear Sir.) Be sure to direct your letter to a specific person. Telephone the organization to identify the name and job title of the person who should receive your rsum.) Tell why you are writing: name the position, or field, or general professional area about which you are askingbe as specific as possible. Tell how you heard of the opening or organization, for example; The Columbus Dispatch classified advertisements from April 17, 2004 Summarize your qualifications which would be most relevant and of greatest interest to the potential employer or present them utilizing bullets to make them stand out. Cite relevant experience. Sincerely state your interest in their organization, location, or type of work. Make reference to the application or rsum you are including. Request the next step in the employment process. Indicate that you will phone for confirmation and thank the reader for his/her time. Sincerely, (Your handwritten signature when not emailed) Typed Name Enclosure

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Suggested Content for a Targeted Cover Letter

At the top of the cover letter, continue the same format and personal information you have as a header on your rsum for consistency between both documents. This section is unnecessary when using your cover letter as the email correspondence. For email cover letters, include this information listed directly below your name in the closing phrase at the bottom of the letter. Date letter is being written

Name of Employer, Title Name of Organization Address City, State, Zip Dear Mr. Or Ms. (name): (Do NOT use To Whom IT May Concern or Dear Sir.) Be sure to direct your letter to a specific person. Telephone the organization to identify the name and job title of the person who should receive your rsum.) Tell why you are writing: name the position, or field, or general professional area about which you are askingbe as specific as possible. Tell how you heard of the opening or organization, for example; listed in The Columbus Dispatch classified advertisements on April 17, 2004. Sincerely state your interest in their organization, location, or type of work. Microcenters Requirements Cite the individual job requirements as listed in the classified ad or job description. For Example: Bachelor Degree My Qualifications List/bullet your individual qualifications as they apply to the classified ad or job description.

Graduated Cum Laude from Yale University with a BA in Business

Request the next step in the employment process. Indicate that you will phone for confirmation and thank the reader for his/her time. Sincerely, (Your handwritten signature when not emailed) Typed Name Enclosure

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Cover Letter Hard Copy Example 1

ERIC BOWEN
589 Swan Street Columbus, Ohio 43219 (555) 555-5555 ebowen@yahoo.com

October 1, 2005

Mr. James Edwards, Office Manager Wright Loans 4322 Hilltop Avenue Columbus, Ohio 43237 Dear Mr. Edwards: I am writing in regards to your current Loan Officer opening. Recently, I spoke with Tom Kinny in your district office who told me that you are recruiting and encouraged me to apply. My rsum outlines my skills and experience in marketing and operations and I believe both aspects of my past experience can benefit Wright Loans in expanding into a new region with unique lending guidelines and regulations. Key elements that I would bring to your company include: The ability to build a client base from ground zero Experience maintaining a high-profile clientele in two major states Eight years as operations manager with a mortgage company closely comparable in size and mission to Wright Loans In addition to my experience, I am a person of integrity with high energy who will offer a diverse background and range of abilities. I also have been recognized as one who embraces creativity and new ideas. Thank you for taking the time to review my enclosed rsum. I hope to be given an opportunity to interview with you soon and discuss in more detail the experience I can offer your loan department. Sincerely,

Eric Bowen Enclosure

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Cover Letter Email Copy Example 1

October 1, 2005

Dear Mr. Edwards: I am writing in regards to your current Loan Officer opening. Recently, I spoke with Tom Kinny in your district office who told me that you are recruiting and encouraged me to apply. My rsum outlines my skills and experience in marketing and operations and I believe both aspects of my past experience can benefit Wright Loans in expanding into a new region with unique lending guidelines and regulations. Key elements that I would bring to your company include: The ability to build a client base from ground zero Experience maintaining a high-profile clientele in two major states Eight years as operations manager with a mortgage company closely comparable in size and mission to Wright Loans In addition to my experience, I am a person of integrity with high energy who will offer a diverse background and range of abilities. I also have been recognized as one who embraces creativity and new ideas. Thank you for taking the time to review my enclosed rsum. I hope to be given an opportunity to interview with you soon and discuss in more detail the experience I can offer your loan department. Sincerely, Eric Bowen 589 Swan Street Columbus, Ohio 43219 (555) 555-5555 ebowen@yahoo.com

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Cover Letter Hard Copy Example 2

SARAH BAKER
67 East Palm Street Columbus, Ohio 43250 (555) 555-5555 sbaker@hotmail.com February 15, 2006

Ms. Janis Foller, CEO Richards and Smith 247 Third Avenue Columbus, Ohio 43237 Dear Ms. Foller: As an experienced Divisional Sales Manager, I possess extensive knowledge in developing new accounts and driving business, turning around sluggish sales and significantly impacting growth and profits. I have enclosed a rsum outlining my contributions for your review regarding the position of National Sales Manager which I recently found posted on your companys website. My strengths include developing my region ($46 million) to peak levels of productivity through effective management and sales strategies. In addition to expanding a client base, I have also accomplished the following: Achieving 115% quota Piercing previously closed markets Personally generating over 6.9 million sales within the past year Penetrating accounts to the U.S. government, generating more than $2 million

As an aggressive, tenacious and true team player, I am enthusiastic about continuing my career, and I look forward to discussing this opportunity with you in further detail. I will check with you in a few days to confirm receipt of my rsum and answer any questions you may have for me. Thank you for your time and consideration. Sincerely,

Sarah Baker Enclosure

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Networking Cover Letter Hard Copy Example

Daniel Rockwell 1620 Maxwell Court Gahanna, Ohio 54389 October 1, 2005

Mr. John Gingham, Marketing Director Allstar Marketing 490 West Broad Street Columbus, Ohio 43237 Dear Mr. Gingham: Henry Partner, Event Director for the Columbus Art Museum, suggested I contact you to ask for advice about pursuing a career in Marketing. I worked with Henry as a volunteer with the Arts Council Festival where I completed various marketing projects over the past year. As I look to change fields from Human Resources, Henry suggested that an excellent first step in my career search would be a discussion with you. I would appreciate being given a chance to meet with you to learn more about your experiences within the industry and gain any practical tips as I move forward. Early next week, I will call your office to see if I can schedule an appointment at your convenience and I look forward to speaking with you. Thank you for your time. Sincerely,

Daniel Rockwell

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