1. Do Do Not Send to specific person
Use "Ms." to address a woman unless you know that she prefers "Miss" or "Mrs."
Use formal business language
Provide your contact information
Follow the format of a block business letter
Keep your letter to one page
Tailor your letter to the position
Speak to the job requirements
Clarify why you should be hired
Be brief and to the point
Show confidence and enthusiasm
Use a variety of valuable action verbs
Proofread your letter
Send your resume without a letter
Send written material with typos or smudges
Be negative
Tell employers what they can do for you
Rehash your resume or include too much detail
Say anything about your lack of experience
Use clichés
Include false or unproven claims about your abilities

2. Cover Letters Purpose: Format: Typed, Block Format
Message to an employer expressing interest in a job and politely requesting an interview.
The word “please” does not automatically make it polite!
Format:
Typed, Block Format
Professional language
ed or dropped off in person, with a resume.

3. Message Details Opening: (2 sentence paragraph)
Interest, specific position, how you heard about the opening, and reason for writing.
See sample letter for guidance.
Body: (3-5 sentence paragraph)
Basic qualifications
Use words from the classified ad: fast paced, reliable, team player, etc…
Any experience or skills that would help you succeed in that position
Classes, GPA, bilingual, etc…
Any highlights of your career.
Employee of the month, attendance award, etc…
Closing: (1-2 sentence paragraph)
Polite request of an interview.
“I’d be happy to provide more information in a formal interview.”
Contact info.
Best times to call, address, phone number
Professional names!

4. Signature
Polite closing and final request of action
“Thank you for your consideration. I look forward to hearing from you.”
Sincerely, Enter 4 times, between sincerely and your typed name, for your signature.
Sign your letter in BLUE or BLACK INK
Type your Name & address
Make note at the bottom that you have attached your resume
(Enc: resume)

5. December 10, 2013 Mr. Carl Jones, Owner Good Food Inc
December 10, 2013 Mr. Carl Jones, Owner Good Food Inc. 705 North Oak Street Wylie, TX Dear Mr. Jones, I am extremely interested in the restaurant server position advertised in today’s Wylie News. I would like very much to discuss this opening with you in person. The enclosed resume outlines my qualifications which meet those indicated in the advertisement. I have 2 years of service experience at Hearty’s Home Cooking, where I was awarded Employee of the Month three times last year. My ability to multitask, entertain others, and work well with fellow employees should allow me to make a positive contribution to your company. Please call me any day after 3:00pm at (214) to arrange a personal interview, or leave a message at (214) Monday or Friday afternoons work well with my schedule, or another time can be arranged at your convenience. Thank you for your consideration. I look forward to hearing from you soon. Sincerely, Susan Andrews address Phone # Address Enc: Resume

6. Cover Letter Assignment
Write a rough draft cover letter on notebook paper.
This should be for the PC Classifieds job you selected in class.
Get approval to type
Type your letter using Microsoft Word.
Save… do NOT yet!!