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A cover letter introduces you - and your resume
- to a prospective employer. In it, you state what type of
position you're seeking, and explain how your particular mix
of skills and experiences would meet the employer's needs.
At the end of the letter, you request an interview.
Cover letters are important whether you're sending
a mass mailing or responding to an advertisement. They give
employers a context for your resume, clarify why you're specifically
interested in their organization, and allow them a glimpse
of your writing ability and style. Because you may be evaluated
on for as well as content, aim for a letter that is cohesive,
grammatically correct, and error free. The tone of your letter
should be polite yet assertive. However, here are some guidelines
to help you get started:
- Address the letter to a specific person (phone
the organization to ask for a name if necessary). Spell
names and titles correctly.
- Write letters in a standard business format.
- Be sure to include contact information (your
name, address, and phone number).
- Get your reader's attention and identify
why you are writing in the first paragraph.
- Incorporate what you have to offer with what
you know about the organization's needs.
- Draw attention to items on your resume that
are specifically relevant to the position you seek; also
mention anything not on your resumes that is relevant to
the employer.
- Vary sentence structure to create interest,
and avoid beginning too many sentences with "I".
- Keep your letter to one page.
- Proofread - then have somebody else proofread!!
- Use the same bond paper and laser-quality
print as your resume.
- Personally sign each letter.
Your Name
Your Street Address
City, Province, Postal Code
Your Phone Number
Month, Date, Year
Name of Recipient
Title
Name of Organization
Street or P.O. Box Address
City, State, Zip Code
Dear Mr./Ms.: __________:
Opening paragraph:
Get your reader's attention. Identify the position you are
applying for or the type of work you are seeking; mention
how you heard of the opening. Try to build a bond with the
reader by mentioning a mutual contact or information about
the reader and/or their organization.
Middle paragraph(s):
Tell why you are particularly interested in the employer
or type of work. Highlight qualifications/skills that would
interest the employer, and indicate how they could specifically
benefit the organization. Refer to your related experience,
which can include class projects, work, internships, volunteering,
and campus involvement.
Closing paragraph:
Make a specific request for an interview. State if you plan
to follow up with a phone call or of you want the employer
to contact you. Clarify where and when you may be reached.
End with an expression of enthusiasm or thanks.
Sincerely,
Your hand written signature
Type Your Name
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