Cover Letters

Present Yourself as a Marketing Tool!

CSSE Cover & Thank You Letters Handout

What is a Cover Letter?

It is a personalized business letter addressed to a specific person in the company (e.g. name of the hiring manager). Research the targeted company and desired position since the letter should reflect your knowledge of the company's specific needs and how your skills will fulfill those needs. A successful cover letter can sell the applicant to a desired employer whether there is a current job opening or not.

Successful Steps for a Cover Letter:

(Tips from collegerecruiter.com)

• Keep your letter short and focused (four to six paragraphs).
• Address a specific person's name in the company.
• Focus on the specific need of the employer and how your skills meet those needs.
• Display knowledge of the company.
• Briefly state your best qualifications and achievements.
• Show enthusiasm for the job and the targeted company.
• State that you will follow up to schedule an interview.
• Close with an expression of appreciation for the time taken to review the material.

Great Tips to Follow:

• Keep in mind the employer's point of view. The employer is thinking, "What's in it for me?" The cover letter should answer this question by presenting how you would benefit the company.
• Create a new cover letter for each applied position. Mass producing cover letters and resumes is less effective.
• A hand written P.S. is a very nice touch in order to emphasize a special qualification or achievement.

The following suggestions for writing cover letters are taken from the Department of Workforce Services:

First Paragraph
State the reason for writing. Name the specific position or type of work for which you are applying.

Second Paragraph
Explain why you are perfect for this position. Include something unique about yourself that would "benefit" the employer.

Third Paragraph
Mention that your resume is enclosed. Indicate your desire to meet with the employer and that you will follow-up. Thank the employer for their time.

To View Examples of Cover Letters, Check out These Websites:

http://www.collegegrad.com/coverletters/index.shtml
http://www.quintcareers.com/covres.html
www.CollegeRecruiter.com/lastjobguide.html