Resume Cover Letters

Opening. This is where you describe who you are as it relates to the employers needs, why you're writing and how you heard about the organization or the specific opening. Explain why you are writing. State the position you are seeking and the source of the job opening (e.g., newspaper ad, professional organization, colleague).

Main body. The objective of this part of the letter is to list, either in paragraph form or as an actual list of bullet points, the reasons why the employer should see you as a viable candidate. Highlight your job qualifications and link them to the firm's needs. Show that you know something about the firm and are interested in the firm's products or services. Explain why you chose this company. For example, you know someone who works there, you use their products or you heard about their good reputation. Employers like to know that you have chosen them for a reason and that they're not just one of hundreds of companies you're writing to as part of a mass mailing.

Closing. Request an interview. Suggest a specific date and time. For example: "I'll contact you on Monday morning to see when you might be able to meet with me." Thank the employer for his or her time and effort.

Keep your letter short and to the point. A cover letter should contain only three or four paragraphs and be no longer than one page.

• Address the letter to the person you want to contact, preferably the one doing the hiring. Be sure the name is spelled correctly and the title is correct. If you are responding to a specific advertisement follow the instructions.

• Type or word-process your resume or have it professionally printed. If you use a computer printer, make sure the print is "letter quality." Use 8 1/2" x 11" 20 Ib. weight, 100% cotton bond paper in white, cream or ivory.

• Use a font and type size that is easy to read. Double space your cover letter with four spaces in between paragraphs. Use wide margins. Center or left-justify and capitalize all headings.

• Make sure your cover letter "looks good" - neat, readable, symmetrical and visually balanced. Stay away from needless, attention-getting visual effects. Smudges and marks are unacceptable.
• Tailor your letter as much as possible to the target reader and industry. Show that you know something about the company and the industry. Use terms and phrases that are meaningful to the employer. Describe what you can do for the prospective employer not what they can do for you. Convey focused career goals.

• Explain why you are apply for this job. The answer to this question may be obvious. Frequently, it is not. If this job is a logical career move, you do not have to say very much in cover letter in order to answer this question. The answer will likely be obvious to the employer. However, if you are making a change in career direction you have to explain yourself.

• Refer to qualifications, experience and skills that are described in the job posting and how you satisfy these requirements.

• Indicate where you can be reached by including your telephone number and/or email address.
• Proofread your resume carefully and then have someone else proofread it. Be sure your spelling, grammar and punctuation are flawless. Use your word- processing spell checker. Get other people's opinions of your letter before you send it.

• Keep easily accessible copies of all letters you mail, fax or email along with a log of when letters were sent so that you can follow up on them.