Cover Letters: How to Introduce Yourself to a Potential Employer After this lesson, you will be able to: Determine what content should be in a cover letter. Write a cover letter. What is the purpose of a cover letter? A cover letter is a method of introducing yourself to the company for whom you would like to work. If you do not make a clear and positive first impression, you might be eliminated from a position without even speaking with the employer. In general, your letter will either be a letter of application or a letter of inquiry depending on whether or not you are writing to apply for an open position. A letter of application will include specific details about the position for which you are applying; whereas a letter of inquiry is asking the employer to consider you for any existing or future positions that suit your experience. What does a cover letter look like? Here are a few basic guidelines for formatting your letter: Formal professional business letter format with correct addresses, salutation (or greeting), and closing. Approximately 3 to 4 short paragraphs long. Font that matches your resume in size and type. Arial or Times New Roman in 11- or 12-point size is a safe choice. Typically it is best to avoid the more interesting, artistic fonts as they can be difficult to read or distracting. 1 inch margins. If necessary, use italics or bold sparingly for emphasis. The only real exception to these guidelines is if you are in a field where creativity is expected, understood, and appreciated. In this situation, your letter should still be legible, but you might opt to take more liberties with the presentation. 1
What information should I include in a cover letter? It is important that your cover letters contain the following elements: Identify yourself, the position for which you are applying, and the way you found out about the position (internet, newspaper, personal reference). Briefly explain your most relevant credentials. Offer some description of your work ethic or career approach. Ask the reader to review your resume. Provide specific information requested in the job posting. Let the reader know how to contact you or, if you are writing in inquiry, how you will follow-up on your request. Even a cover letter in a creative field requires these elements.if you have the option of being creative, make sure you provide the employer with enough information to know why you are writing and what to do with your application. How do I write a cover letter? The most important thing to remember about cover letters is that you don t overwhelm the reader. Keeping your letter concise will help the reader get to your résumé faster. You don t want the reader to get bored or not feel like reading your résumé. Keep the 3 to 4 paragraph guideline in mind to help you with this issue. Maintain a professional, motivated tone. Writing concisely and professionally coveys respect for your reader and his/her time. Being too informal might accidentally get yourself ruled-out because the reader may interpret your informal presentation as a lack of respect or, worse, as presumptuous. The cover letter should provide details that are not present in your résumé, but that are important to the job for which you are applying. This is especially important if you do not customize your resume for each position. Conversely, you don t want to give away everything in your cover letter. The goal is to get the reader to review your résumé request a face-to-face meeting. You need to leave something to talk about in your interview. Be especially careful that you don t provide your potential employer with personal information that may create problems with anti-discrimination laws. Do not include any information that reveals your age, race, religion, martial status, family details, or any disability you may have. Finally, carefully proof read your cover letter to make sure it is error-free. What should the envelope look like? Neatly type or hand-write your envelope. Include your return address. 2
Sample Cover Letter Template The sample letter template below will show you what a cover letter might look like. On the left is some additional information. Use the person s name, if possible. Do not address the person by his/her first name, but as Mr. or Ms. and his/her last name. Don t use Mrs. Unless you know it to be true. Use colon, not comma. Full Name of Contact, Title of Contact Name of Company Street Address of Potential Employer City, State Zip Dear Sir/Madam/Mr./Ms. : Your Street Address City, State Zip Month Day, Year The 1 st paragraph explains why you are writing and how you heard about a position, if relevant. The 2 nd paragraph outlines your most relevant experience and points of anything that the employer especially needs or wants to know. The 3 rd paragraph offers information about your work ethic. The 4 th paragraph explains how to contact you or how you will follow-up on your inquiry. Be sure to that the reader for his/her time. Use a standard formal closing, type out your full name, and sign it. List all enclosures, such as your resume, transcripts, or other requested documents. I am writing to submit my application for the position of (Title of Job) at (Name of Company) as advertised in (Name of Source) on (date). As an experienced (state relevant job title), I have proven my ability to perform all the duties required of an effective (Title of Job) from (state key skill) to (state key skill). I am seeking a long-term position with growth opportunities at (Name of Company) because (offer one or two reasons based on what you know about the company). My experience as a (Past Job Title or Skill) would lend well to this position and to (Name of Company) because I (list one or two skills that are not apparent on your resume or are most important- Explain what you can offer that someone else can t.). In addition, I am a (descriptive word/phrase), (descriptive word/phrase), and (descriptive word/phrase) (Job Title or Skill) who understands that success is garnered through the application of superior skills, quality service, and effective team work. (Or list other similar statement about your work ethic.) I have an excellent reputation for my professional conduct as a (Job Title or Skill). I am highly motivated and hope that I will have an opportunity to prove my abilities at (Name of Company). Enclosed is my resume that summarizes my professional qualifications. I can be reached by phone at (555) 555-0000. Please don t hesitate to call if you have any questions. I am available at your convenience for an interview by phone or in-person. Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to hearing from you soon. Enc. Résumé Sincerely, John Q. Public 3
Write Your Cover Letter Worksheet Now it s time to write your own cover letter. Use this worksheet to help you. Steps 1. Using the template on the previous page and the worksheet below, make some notes about the information you need or want to include. 2. Once you have considered this information, write a draft using the format provided above. 3. Revise your letter, type it, and prepare it to send. Answer these questions to help you prepare to write your letter. Contact Information for the Cover Letter: Paragraph 1: Introduction Paragraph 2: Reason for Application to the Company Contact Name: Contact s Title: Official Name of Company: Street Address: City, State, Zip: Title of Available/Requested Position: Source of Job Listing: Date of Job Listing: List one or two skills that you have that make you a good candidate: List one or two things that make you want to work for this company: List one or two professional skills that are unique to you and may not be immediately apparent on your resume: 4
Paragraph 3: Work What are two or three characteristics that describe you Ethic professionally and make you a good employee? 1. 3. Paragraph 4: Which phone number will you provide the employer? Contact Preference When will you follow-up for a job inquiry? Enclosures Needed: List anything that needs to be included in the envelope: 5