HOW TO WRITE A COVER LETTER A cover letter can sometimes be even more important than the resume. It will actually “sell” the reader on the idea of reading your resume. Cover letters should always accompany a resume and should always be individualized to the employer you are sending it to.

An effective cover letter: Is tailored to a specific position in a specific organization (matches your qualifications with the requirements of the job). Show why the employer should read your resume Demonstrate your knowledge of the hiring organization and the job.

States how you heard about the opening, through a person, job listing, ad, etc. Is straightforward, businesslike, and positive. Is typed neatly, error free and on good quality paper. Is no longer that one page. Is addressed to a specific person. Avoid using “Dear Sir” or “To Whom It May Concern.” If you are unsure to whom is it addressed to use – “Dear Hiring Manager, Dear Manager, Dear Human Resources Manager, or Dear Recruiter.”

Cover Letters in General Short Three paragraphs Introduce you to the company Emphasize your good points

Paragraph I Introduce yourself Explain why you are writing. If you are responding to an ad, mention where you saw the ad and the date it appeared. If you are not responding to an ad, explain the type of work you are looking for. Express interest in the company.

Paragraph II Describe your qualifications. Emphasize relevant experience or school work. Show how your abilities match the job description. Emphasize how you can benefit the company.

Paragraph III Indicate what action you plan to take. Say that you will stop by on a certain date or that you will call to arrange an interview. Include information on how and where you can be reached. End with a “thank you”.

Proofread Proofread carefully. Have at least one other person proofread your cover letter.

Format Includes correct heading Includes inside address Includes personal salutation Consists of at least 3 body paragraphs Includes appropriate closing Includes a hand written signature Notates an enclosure Written in standard block format

SAMPLE COVER LETTER MATCHING REQUIREMENTS FORMAT September 20, 2004 MBE, Inc. Box 2394 Hometown, North Carolina Dear Manager: I am interested in the general office clerk position you advertised in Sunday’s Times and Record. My resume is enclosed for your review. The following list matches my qualifications to your requirements. Your Requirements My Qualifications One year office experience Worked part time for three years Knowledgeable of computers Successfully completed training in Microsoft Office 2000 Previous related experience Excellent communications skills – Verbal and written. Cashier and Retail sales experience. Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to discussing my qualifications with you at your earliest convenience. Sincerely, Mary Fox Enclosure

SAMPLE COVER LETTER Your Address Date Mr. Ben Stewart Regional Manger, First In Food, Inc. 222 Peabody Industrial Part Raleigh, North Carolina Dear Mr. Stewart, I was excited to learn that your company plans to open ten new restaurants in this area by the end of next year. Your restaurants have always been a favorite of mine. A mutual acquaintance, Mary Walters told me you are interested in hiring managers with proven organizational abilities, a willingness to learn and a high level of commitment to the company’s goals. I have these qualifications and enclosed my resume for your review. With two years experience working in food restaurant management and a recent Associates Degree in Business Administration, I have obtained the skills, knowledge and dedication to succeed at First In Food, Inc. In my previous position, I led our team in winning “Restaurant of the Year” for two consecutive years. We also maintained the lowest employee turn over rate and increased sales by 25%. I look forward to meeting you, learning more about your expansion in this area, and discussing my qualifications with you at your earliest convenience. I can be reached at Sincerely, Mitch Stevens Encl.

Sample Cover Letter 18 Pritchard Boulevard New Bedford, MA February 14, 2008 Ms. Kathy Harding Katie’s Kraft Shop 84 Kendall Highway New Bedford, MA Dear Ms. Harding My name is Darlene DeSilva. I am a high school sophomore seeking a part-time job in the arts and crafts field. Your store is one of my favorites. I would like to know if there are any job openings at your store. You will see from my resume that I am active in school art. I enjoy sewing, knitting, and ceramics. You may not know my name, but you would recognize my face. We speak with each other when I am in the store. I am familiar with the products you sell. I am friendly and would make a good sales person. In a few days, I will visit your store and talk with you. If you wish, please feel free to call me. My phone number is (508) Thank you. Yours truly, Darlene DeSilva