2.  A cover letter is a business letter written to a prospective employer to express your interest in and qualifications for a position.  It accompanies your resume and serves as an introduction to your resume....

3.  Letter of application: applying for a specific, advertised opening  Letter of inquiry: expressing interest in an organization, but you are not certain if there are current openings

4.  Take the job posting and list the criteria the employer is looking for.  Then list the skills and experience you have.  Either address how your skills match the job in paragraph form or list the criteria and your qualifications.

5.  Your cover letter should complement, not duplicate your resume.  Expand on your resume and highlight your background as it relates to the job.

6.  Get right to the point and write short, targeted letters. Each letter should be one page, or less.  Each paragraph should contain three or four sentences, at most.

7.  If you can, address it to the individual responsible for hiring.  If need to, research online or make a phone call to find out who the hiring manager is.

8.  Keep them short and include in the email message.  Don't send as an attachment unless the employer specifically requests one.

9.  Then ask someone else to read your correspondence before you send it.  It's often easy not to notice mistakes in our own writing

10.  Of all your cover letters, so you know what you sent to whom.

11.  Your name & Info. City, State Zip Code Telephone Number Email Address Month, Day, Year  To Whom? Mr./Ms./Dr. Title Name of Organization and Address  Dear Mr./Ms./Dr. Last Name:  Opening paragraph: State why you are writing; how you learned of the organization or position, and basic information about yourself.  2nd paragraph: Tell why you are interested in the employer or type of work the employer does (Simply stating that you are interested does not tell why, and can sound like a form letter). Demonstrate that you know enough about the employer or position to relate your background to the employer or position. Mention specific qualifications which make you a good fit for the employer’s needs. This is an opportunity to explain in more detail relevant items in your resume. Refer to the fact that your resume is enclosed. Mention other enclosures if such are required to apply for a position.  3rd paragraph: Indicate that you would like the opportunity to interview for a position or to talk with the employer to learn more about their opportunities or hiring plans. State what you will do to follow up, such as telephone the employer within two weeks. If you will be in the employer’s location and could offer to schedule a visit, indicate when. State that you would be glad to provide the employer with any additional information needed. Thank the employer for her/his consideration.  Sincerely,  (Your handwritten signature)  Your name typed  Enclosure(s) (refers to resume, etc.)

12.  April 14, 2006  Your name  Your address  And other info.  Mr. William Jackson Employment Manager XXYYZZ Company 12345 Nowhere St. Whichever City, CA 92408  Dear Mr. Jackson:  From your company's web site I learned about your need for a sales representative for the (city name) areas. I am very interested in this position with (Company Name), and believe that my education and employment background are appropriate for the position.  While working toward my whichever (AA,BA) degree, I was employed as a sales representative with a small dairy foods firm. I increased my sales volume and profit margin appreciably while at Farmer’s Foods, and I would like to repeat that success in the pharmaceutical industry. I have a strong academic background in biology and marketing, and think that I could apply my combination of knowledge and experience to the health industry. I will complete my whichever degree in whatever field in (state the date if you want)mid-May and will be available to begin employment in early June.  Enclosed is a copy of my resume, which more fully details my qualifications for the position.  I look forward to talking with you regarding sales opportunities with Company’s name. Within the next week I will contact you to confirm that you received my email and resume and to answer any questions you may have.  Thank you for your consideration.  Sincerely,  (Your handwritten signature)  Your name typed  Enclosure(s) resume

13. Lauren Asp Student Employment Advisor lasp@aii.edu 858.598.1478 “Resourcefulness Workshop” Every Tuesday – South 306 @5-5:30 & Thursday – South 306 @12-12:30