The Cover Letter
How to write one
Cover Letter Purpose
Introduces why you are sending a resume Indicates your interest and availability for the position Highlights your skills and abilities related to the position Demonstrates your writing skills
Cover Letter Format
Use the same quality/color paper as your resume Make it one page only
Three or four paragraphs Introduction - indicate the position you are interested in Market yourself (in 1 or 2 paragraphs) Closing - Pave the way for an interview
SAMPLE FORMAT:
Rose Webber Green Valley Drive San Bruno, CA 94066 650 588-2774 January 27, 2004 Cathy Stefanki, Director of Human Resources 294 Green Valley Road Watsonville, CA 95076 Dear Ms. Stefanki: (or “RE: Manager Position #11165”) Introduction Paragraph_
Marketing Paragraph(s) Closing Paragraph
Sincerely, (Signature: leave 4 spaces) Rosy Chang Webber Encl.
Opening Paragraph
State position and where you learned about opportunity Examples: Enclosed is my resume for the ___ position My interest in your (position name) has prompted me to forward my resume.
Marketing Paragraph(s)
Indicate why you are interested in the employer and/or that type of work Emphasize your key skills/abilities (max. 5) related to the job Support your qualifications with specific brief examples
Marketing Example
I am capable of working in both team and individual environments. Though courses in my economics major I worked on eight major group projects and seven independent research assignments attaining grades of A or A-. In addition, my involvement with competitive soccer for the past six years also helped me to develop teamwork skills which contributed to my nomination as team captain at UCSC.
Closing Paragraph
Thank employer for consideration Restate your enthusiasm for working for the organization Ask for the interview:
I look forward to meeting with you in the near future to discuss the position.
Cover Letter Ending
“Yours truly,” or “Sincerely,” Leave four spaces for your signature
Be sure to sign the letter (hard copy) Or use script font (email)
Type your name (hard copy) “Encl.” or “Enclosures”
Below your name to indicate other documents are enclosed
Presenting your documents to the employer
Hard copy - staple all required documents together - cover letter on top Email - attach cover letter and resume as one word document Online - attach per stated requirements