Why Do I Need a Cover Letter?
In some cases, you don't. However, if you are mailing or FAXing a resume, you should send a cover letter. It refers your application materials to the correct person or department. It clarifies your job interests. It provides specific reasons for the employer's attention. And it is a personal introduction of yourself.
You usually do not need a cover letter if you are delivering a resume in person or via e-mail. In both cases the same information is delivered, respectively, face-to-face or in your e-mail itself. Of course, if the employer requests a letter, send it.
The cover letter is especially effective when you send it to the right person. If necessary, call the business to get the name and title of the person to whom the resume should be sent. In the case of a blind ad, use a title only, e.g., "Personnel Director", "Hiring Manager", etc.
Cover Letter Guidelines
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Your address City, State, Zip Date Company Contact (Name) Title Company Address City, State , Zip
Dear Mr./Ms./Dr. Name or Title: Paragraph 1 (Explain the purpose of your letter and the position for which you are applying. Introduce yourself and indicate where, how or from whom you learned about the position/company. Name the company to avoid the form letter "look".) Paragraph 2 (Detail your relevant background and specific skills that this employer will view as important to the position for which you are applying. Do not simply repeat what is on your resume. Elaborate and emphasize significant information regarding experience, education, tools, techniques, activities and interests.) Paragraph 3 (Make reference to your enclosed resume and/or other application materials. Ask for an interview appointment. Either let the employer know you will be contacting the company directly or ask the employer to contact you. Give your phone number and available times.) Your Typed Name |
Cover Letter Sample
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1234 SW 5th Ave. Tualatin OR 97062 April 1, 2008 Ignatius M. DeBoss Human Resources Manager ACME Product Specialties Inc. 10101 SW Pine St. Portland OR 97204
Dear Mr. DeBoss: Recently, I read your advertisement in the Oregononian for Marketing Communications Specialist. I am a recent graduate from Portland Community College with an AAS in Marketing and a Certificate in Technical and Professional Writing. The training and skills I have acquired, coupled with my Cooperative Education work experience, enable me to meet the qualifications of this position. I have been interested in ACME Product Specialties for some time and am excited to hear about this opening. As an avid bird watcher, I am familiar with several of your products, having used them to pursue my hobby. In my Cooperative Education work experience, I developed media kits, organized special promotional events and created web pages for the Desert Road Company here in Portland. I am sure that I could make a valuable contribution to your company. I look forward to meeting with you personally to discuss my qualifications. I will call next week to schedule an appointment. Thank you for your time and consideration.
Cordially,  William E. Coyote enc |
Other Kinds of Letters and Tools
While the cover letter, resume and application are the typical tool set for a job seeker, other application materials may be used. The Query Letter is written to gather information about job openings and application procedures. The Application Letter is a cover letter that lists specific qualifications that relate to specific job requirements. (Obviously, a good job description is needed to help you write this kind of letter.)
Depending on your field, you may be able to use other, non-traditional application materials. A Portfolio is required in many fields that focus on visual presentation , i.e., graphic design, drafting, printing technologies, etc. But other job seekers may also want to develop a portfolio that includes descriptions of job-related projects, customer/client testimonials, awards, tool lists, writing samples, and any other materials that can show an employer what the job seeker can do. Other approaches may include creating web pages, brochures and other documents that highlight your skills and abilities.
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