• Purpose of the Cover Letter     

• Helpful Tips in preparing a Cover Letter       

• Guidelines to follow in writing the letter

• Sample Cover Letter            

• Helpful Links

• Cover Letter Worksheet 

• Cover Letter Basics
  from Quintessential Careers

A cover letter is used to:

• Introduce yourself and ask for consideration of your qualifications for a position with that organization.
• Summarize your qualifications for a particular position or for any position in that organization.
• Direct the employer's attention to something specific on your enclosed resume concerning your background and their needs.
• Communicate your interest in and enthusiasm for the position and that employer.
• Ask the employer for an interview.

• Your resume should be accompanied by a cover letter when mailed to prospective employers. 
• Type the cover letter on the same color and quality of paper that you used for your resume. 
• You should single space the letter and double space between the paragraphs. Your cover letter should be prepared individually for each employer. Ideally, you should research each employer and be able to note something unique about that organization or position. 
• Address your cover letter to a specific person and include their job title. If necessary, telephone the organization for the correct spelling of the contact person's name. 
• Personal characteristics such as reliable, dependable, strong work ethic can be included in the cover letter. You should, when possible, note evidence of these. Maintain a professional style of writing. Avoid clichés. Again, grammatical, punctuation, typographical, and spelling errors are inexcusable. 
• Keep the tone of the letter positive - Don't apologize for any deficiencies in your background. 

  
Your Street Address
City, State, Zip Code
Date of Letter

Individual's Name
Job Title
Name of Employer
Street Address
City, State, Zip Code
 
 

Dear Ms. or Mr. ______________:
 

State your reason for writing, the type position or career field for which you are applying and how you learned of the position or organization (newspaper, directory, friend, Career Service Office).  Refer the reader to the enclosed resume and ask for consideration of your qualifications for a position.

Summarize your qualifications and point out any achievements or skills that relate to this employer or position.  Explain why you want to work for this employer and/or in this career field by mentioning something about that organization or company's services, programs, products.  Express enthusiasm for the possibility of being employed there. 

Indicate your desire for a personal interview and offer information about how you may be contacted.  Repeat your phone number and note the time of day you may be reached.  Another approach is to mention that you will telephone to schedule an interview.  Thanking your reader for the time and consideration given to your application is also a good idea.

                                                                             Sincerely,
 

                                                                            (Handwritten Signature)
                                                                              Your Name Typed

Enclosure (Indicates resume is enclosed)

  
1212 Main Street
Anytown, PA  18888
(570) 288-6777
Current Date 
 

Mr. Ralph Thompson
Employment Director 
Owens-Illinois, Inc.
P.O. Box 111 
Pittston, PA  18671 
 

Dear Mr. Thompson: 
 

Recently, I spoke with Ms. Simpson in your Purchasing Department,  who suggested I contact you concerning employment opportunities with  Owens-Illinois.  I am very interested in pursuing a career in  management and would like to submit my qualifications for your review and consideration. 

My B.S. degree in Management from the University of Scranton has  prepared me for the realities of the business world by providing a blend of academic and practical experience.  While maintaining a 3.1 cumulative average in my studies, I was actively involved in various clubs and activities on and off campus.  In addition, part-time work during the past summers allowed me opportunities to gain first hand knowledge of business operations and management styles.  This combination of academic success and involvement is indicative of my high levels of motivation and achievement.  I am sure you will agree these are important qualities for managerial positions. 

Enclosed is my resume which outlines my training and experiences to date.  I would welcome an opportunity to discuss career possibilities and my qualifications in a personal interview and will call your office.  If necessary, I may be reached at (570) 288-6777. 

Thank you for your consideration.  I look forward to meeting you. 
 

Sincerely, 

Roger Phillips 

Enclosure 

LETTER WRITING HELP FOR JOB HUNTERS

Samples from NACE (National Association of Colleges and Employers)
Conservative / Formal Sample     Creative / Informal Sample

200 Letters for Job Hunters - Examples of job search letters