Cover Letters Sell Yourself in Writing Joliet Junior College Career Services

Cover letter + Resume The cover letter and resume are a team Resumes and cover letters are most effective when targeted for a specific job. Employers want to see that you have researched the position and have prepared a package that best represents your match in qualifications.

What is a Cover Letter?  Expresses your interest in an job or position  Conveys your knowledge of the company  Helps you to market your qualifications to the prospective employer

Cover Letter Tips  Address letter to an individual not a company  Keep letter to one page  Customize the letter for each position  Do not repeat the resume, highlight it!  Research: Review websites, brochures, etc.  Plan the letter prior to writing

October 26, 2010 Phillip A. Levy ABC Company 4201 East Street Romeoville, IL Dear Mr. Levy: OPENING / INTRODUCTION BODY CLOSING Sincerely, Jane Doe Opening / Introduction: Reference previous conversation, if any. Mention company name, job title, etc. – customize. How you heard about the job. Why you are interested in the job. Body: Connect the job qualifications/experiences to your background (work, education, etc) – be specific. Mention any related experience or specialized training. Show that you have researched the company. Closing: State the action you expect from the recipient and/or the action you will take. Offer specific time frames for the action. Thank the reader for his/her time and consideration.

Phillip A. Levy ABC Company 4201 East Street Romeoville, IL Dear Mr. Levy: I am applying for the position of Department Manager which was advertised in the Chicago Tribune. Having recently completed my Associate Degree in Management and Supervision, I am seeking a position in… As you can see from my resume, I bring significant skills from my previous work experience. I have gained experience in inventory control, purchasing and customer service. I have also developed excellent time management… Thank you for your time and consideration in reviewing my resume. I believe my qualities could be a good match for your management position. Please feel free to contact me at your convenience to discuss this position. I may be contacted Sincerely, Jane Doe Enclosure What job you are applying to and how you learned about it. Any personal contacts you have in or with the company. Your general qualifications for the job.

Expand upon your qualifications. Discuss your most relevant qualifications in detail. Refer the reader to your resume for additional details. Phillip A. Levy ABC Company 4201 East Street Romeoville, IL Dear Mr. Levy: I am applying for the position of Department Manager which was advertised in the Chicago Tribune. Having recently completed my Associate Degree in Management and Supervision, I am seeking a position in… As you can see from my resume, I bring significant skills from my previous work experience. I have gained experience in inventory control, purchasing and customer service. I have also developed excellent time management… Thank you for your time and consideration in reviewing my resume. I believe my qualities could be a good match for your management position. Please feel free to contact me at your convenience to discuss this position. I may be contacted… Sincerely, Jane Doe Enclosure

Phillip A. Levy ABC Company 4201 East Street Romeoville, IL Dear Mr. Levy: I am applying for the position of Department Manager which was advertised in the Chicago Tribune. Having recently completed my Associate Degree in Management and Supervision, I am seeking a position in… As you can see from my resume, I bring significant skills from my previous work experience. I have gained experience in inventory control, purchasing and customer service. I have also developed excellent time management… Thank you for your time and consideration in reviewing my resume. I believe my qualities could be a good match for your management position. Please feel free to contact me at your convenience to discuss this position. I may be contacted… Sincerely, Jane Doe Enclosure Close by thanking your reader for his or her time and consideration. State where and when you can be reached, and express your willingness to come to an interview or supply further information.

Cover Letter Formatting Microsoft Word 1” margins on all sides Choose font and font size (Times 12) Avoid fancy type or difficult to read styles Limit to one page Check spelling, punctuation, grammar and word usage (ask a friend)

For more information and sample cover letters, please visit: or contact Career Services at: Campus Center Phone: (815)