Job and Cover Letters
Your cover letter is your first chance to make an impression on a company when seeking a job. The purpose of the cover letter is to introduce you and your experience to the company and tell them why they should hire you. It is important to make sure your cover letter is clear and error-free before submitting the cover letter.
Contact Information
Make sure you include your contact information. Include your name, phone number, email address, physical address and a fax number (if available).
Research the Company
Researching the company you are interested in working for will help your cover letter stand out. Locate the specific person you want to send your cover letter to and address the letter to that company. Researching the company and the position you are applying for will also allow you to tailor your experiences to the specific job you are applying for.
Organization
Introduction
The purpose of the introduction paragraph is to introduce you to the company. The introduction paragraph should include:
- Which position you are applying for
- Why you are interested in the company/position
- Who referred you (if applicable)
Body
The body of your cover letter needs to highlight your qualifications. This paragraph should include:
- Qualifications
- Experiences
- Skills
Finish with a summary that relates your experience to the job you are seeking
Conclusion
This paragraph summarizes the letter. Make sure you include the following:
- Thank the reader
- Mention your resume again
- Request an interview
Works Cited/ Further Reading
"How to Write a Cover Letter." Trinity College. Web. 29 Mar. 2010.
<http://www.trincoll.edu/depts/career/guides/cover_ltr.shtml>.
Sims, B. R. (2009). Technical Communication. Dubuque: Kendall Hunt Publishing Company.
Writing Lab