Cover Letters
PURPOSE:
- A cover letter usually goes along with a resume, and deserves just as much attention.
- A terrific resume might never be read if the cover letter is not up to par.
- Consider a cover letter your first “writing sample”.
- A good cover letter provides additional information, and complements, but does not repeat, your resume.
- Use the opportunity to indicate why you are a good fit for the job.
- Show that you have done research on the type of work, position and/or the organization.
Suggestion:
take a look at “What Makes a Good Cover Letter” on the jobsmart website
at
http://www.jobsmart.org.tools/resume/cletters.htm
for some fun ways to jazz up what can be dry material!
COVER LETTER TIPS:
- Use standard 8 ½ x 11 paper.
- Use the same paper as for your resume.
- Never hand write.
- Stay to one page.
- Check and re-check for spelling, grammar and typographical errors.
- Make every attempt to have a name and title for addressing the letter ( avoid “To Whom it May Concern” ).
- Write it in your own words so it sounds like you – not like something out of a book.
- Visit Career Services for
a cover letter critique.
Paragraph 1:
- State the reason for the letter.
- Name the specific position or type of work for which you are applying.
- Indicate how you learned of the opening (referral, newspaper, Career Fairs, job posting, etc.).
Paragraph 2 (possibly 3):
- State why you are interested in the position/organization.
- Indicate how your academic background makes you a good candidate.
- Mention relevant skills you have developed through your experiences (summer jobs, volunteer positions, internships, etc.).
- Explain what you can do for the employer (use your knowledge of the organization).
Final Paragraph:
- Explain your interest in discussing the position or other possibilities within the company/organization.
- Repeat your phone number and/or e-mail address.
- Offer to produce additional information if desired.
- Close with a statement
or question that will encourage a response (e.g., you will be in the
city on a certain date and would like to set up an interview).
DON’T FORGET TO SIGN THE LETTER!
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
STANDARD FORMAT
221 Popular Street
Missoula, MT 59818
(123) 456-7890
January 13, 2001
Mr. John P. Johnson, Vice
President
Ajax Accounting Company
555 Tamarack Drive
Billings, MT 59801
Dear Mr. Johnson:
Paragraph One: the first line of each paragraph is indented five
spaces, all other lines begin at the left margin.
Paragraph Two: the first line of each paragraph is indented five
spaces, all other lines begin at the left margin.
Paragraph Three: the first line of each paragraph is indented five spaces, all other lines begin at the left margin.
Sincerely,
Thomas L. Smith
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
BLOCKED FORMAT
221 Popular Street
Missoula, MT 59818
(123)456-7890
January 13, 2000
Mr. John P. Johnson, Vice
President
Ajax Accounting Company
555 Tamarack Drive
Billings, MT 59801
Dear Mr. Johnson:
Paragraph One: All lines begin at the left margin, nothing is indented.
Paragraph Two: All lines begin at the left margin, nothing is indented.
Paragraph Three: All lines begin at the left margin, nothing is indented.
Sincerely,
Thomas L. Smith
last updated September
2000
