Cover Letters

1
Cover Letters

• Tutorial

2

• This tutorial will assist you in writing an
• effective cover letter and introduce you to
• the various types of business letters.

3
What is it?

• A cover letter accompanies your resume when you
  are applying for a job or internship.
• It is intended to introduce your skills and
  experiences that are relevant for the desired
  position.
• It should be written to reflect the needs of a
  particular employer and position.

4
Functions of Cover Letters

• Explains why you are interested in the position.
• Calls attention to your resume.
• Expresses an eagerness to interview.
• Thanks the employer for their consideration.

5
Cover Letter Contents

• Your name, address and current date
• Name, title and address of the employer
• Formal salutation

• First Paragraph
• Second Paragraph
• Third Paragraph
• Closing and Signature
• Enclosure Listing

6
Name, Address Date

• Joy Parker
• 780 Beacon Way
• Walden, Nevada 45678
• 777-000-7878
• June 5, 2004

7
Employer Name, Title Address

• Mary Silver, Coordinator
• Wainwright Financial Services
• 430 Airport Drive
• Annapolis, MD 21012

8
Formal Salutation

• Dear Ms. Silver

9
First Paragraph Why You Are Writing?

• State the specific position or type of work for
  which you are applying and how you heard of the
  opening.
• If someone who works with the company encouraged
  you to apply mention their name here.

10
Second Paragraph Why You Should Call Me For An
Interview?

• This is where you shine! Explain how your skills,
  education and training relate to the position for
  which you are applying.
• Address the main qualifications listed in the job
  announcement.

11
Third Paragraph Next Steps

• This section addresses what you expect to happen
  next.
• Let the employer know when you would be available
  for an interview.
• Thank the reader for taking the time to consider
  your application.

12
Closing, Signature Enclosure Listing

• Sincerely,
• 2 SPACES
• John Wright
• Enclosure

13
Types of Business Letters

• Cold Cover Letters
• Targeted Cover Letters
• Referral Cover Letters
• Networking Letters
• Thank-You Letters
• Acceptance Letters
• Withdrawal Letters
• For sample letters, refer to our Guide to
  Writing Cover Letters

14
Dos Donts

• Dont restate your resume
• Keep copies of all cover letters you sent out
• Match the type style and paper with your resume
• Write as if you are actually talking to the reader

• Be clear and concise and keep your paragraphs
  short
• Keep it to one page
• Customize each cover letter, making it fit the
  company
• Proofread for spelling and grammatical errors

15
Need More Help?

• For additional information, visit Career Services
  in Smith House.
• To speak with a career counselor, complete the
• Talk to a Career Counselor form on our website.