WINNING COVER LETTERS
TO GET YOU IN THE DOOR!
2008-2009
By Mercyhurst College Office of Career Services
I TRODUCTIO TO COVER LETTER WRITI G
A cover letter should accompany each resume that is mailed or emailed to a prospective employer. This short, well-written letter will add a personal touch to the application packet as well as direct the employer's attention to specifics concerning your qualifications for a particular position. While the resume is expected to be reproduced and contain the same information for each employer, the cover letter is a unique item of correspondence. It must be individually prepared and designed to indicate your interest in a particular position or organization and reasons why you should be considered as a viable candidate. In a very real sense it should be developed to sell your qualifications to an employer. After reading the letter, the employer should want to review your resume for more information. Keep in mind the following points when writing your cover letter: 1. Address your letter to a specific person using his or her name and title. There are numerous directories available in Career Services and websites that will give you this information. If necessary, call the company and ask for the name of the hiring person as discretely as possible. Avoid using Dear Sir/Madam or To Whom It May Concern. Type your letter and use the same quality paper you used for the resume. Avoid being humorous, cute or overbearing in the letter. Maintain a professional style of writing. Neatness and correct grammar are absolutely essential. Keep the tone of the letter positive. Avoid apologizing for lack of experience, poor grades, etc. Highlight the key experiences and achievements contained in the resume. Summarize or paraphrase the information in your resume enough to entice the reader to really want to take a much closer review. Be original. It's alright to use a model cover letter as a guide for help in developing a style of writing. However, a prospective employer can quickly spot a form cover letter and as a result may not give your application serious consideration.
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Review the following sample letters. Feel free to borrow phrases and format styles but avoid duplicating the sample. Be creative and develop a unique piece of correspondence.
413 Susquehanna Ave. Erie, PA 16508 April 21, 2009 Mr. Frank Bova District Superintendent Wattsburg Area School District 10782 Wattsburg Road Erie, PA 16509 Dear Mr. Bova: I am currently seeking an Elementary or Middle School teaching position and would greatly appreciate your taking time to consider my qualifications for a position within your school. I currently hold a Level I Instructional Certificate in the state of Pennsylvania for Elementary K-6 and am pursuing additional certification in the area of Middle School Social Studies. At the moment, I am employed at Our Lady of Mount Carmel School in Erie, Pennsylvania as a sixth grade teacher. I teach Social Studies, English, Religion, Current Events, Handwriting, and Art and have received exceptional evaluations from the current principal. I also have experience as a substitute teacher at St. Boniface School in Erie, Pennsylvania. At St. Boniface, I had the opportunity to teach in multiage elementary classrooms using differentiated instruction as well as teaching in the middle school and art classrooms. I am a graduate of Mercyhurst College in Erie, Pennsylvania with a Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education and a minor in Psychology. While at Mercyhurst, I was able to maintain a 3.9 GPA which awarded me a yearly spot on the Dean’s List, as well as initiation as a charter member of Kappa Delta Pi International Honor Society in Education. In addition to practicae experiences throughout my Education coursework, I have successfully completed two student teaching placements in urban schools and received excellent evaluations from both of my cooperating teachers and my college supervisor. I know that I am a qualified and devoted teacher – I hope that you will see me as the same. I want to share all that I know with students and encourage them to never stop learning. I am willing to assume the role of an educator and provide my students and academic community with the best opportunities to learn, grow, and experience as much as possible. Hopefully, as you peruse my resume, you will take the time to realize that education is something I have dedicated my life to and take very seriously. I urge you to strongly consider me for any teaching position that you have available. Do not hesitate to contact me as I look forward to hearing from you. Thank you for your time and consideration. Sincerely, (signature) Russell H.D. Sheehan
3410 Eliot Road Erie, PA 16508 February 6, 2009 Ms. Mary C. Holliday Director of Personnel The School District of the City of Erie 148 W. 21st. Street Erie, PA 16502 Dear Ms. Holliday: I am presently seeking an Elementary Education teaching position and would greatly appreciate your taking time to consider my qualifications for a position with the School District of the City of Erie. As my resume indicates, I will graduate from Mercyhurst College, Erie, PA with a dual major and certification in Elementary and Special Education in May 2009. During my four years at Mercyhurst College I have been able to maintain a 3.5 GPA while being exposed to a rigorous liberal arts curriculum which has developed my analytical thinking and oral/written communication skills. I successfully completed two student teaching placements, receiving excellent evaluations from the supervising faculty. The extensive experience I had in interacting with, guiding, and teaching students has provided me with the necessary background to become a productive member of a professional teaching faculty, such as that at the School District of the City of Erie. I am extremely interested in becoming highly involved as a teacher, mentor, and coach in your school district. I have known that I wanted to be a teacher for many years and now I feel I am ready to make a positive impact on the children I teach, the parents of those children and the programs I will be involved in both in and out of the classroom. I would welcome an opportunity to discuss your requirements, as well as my qualifications in the near future. I will contact your office the week of April 5, 2009 to discuss the possibility of a personal interview. Thank you for your time and consideration. Sincerely,
(signature) Ernest L. Page
918 Myrtle Street Erie, PA 16510 May 1, 2009 James Beam Director Adolescent Service Agency 505 Howe Street Erie, PA 16511 Dear Mr. Beam: I am interested in a Counselor position and would appreciate your taking time to review my qualifications for a position with the Adolescent Service Agency. The opportunity to become a member of your professional staff would fulfill my desire to assist in the rehabilitation of emotionally troubled adolescents. Currently, I am a senior Psychology major at Mercyhurst College in Erie, PA. Upon graduation in May 2009, I plan on remaining in Northwestern Pennsylvania and I am interested in pursuing my human service career with your agency. I am confident that my in-depth educational background and two supervised internships provided me with an insight into working with adolescents and their families. It is my personal desire to make a contribution to the Adolescent Service Agency, through my commitment towards my profession. Enclosed is a resume highlighting my coursework and work experience. In addition to those two areas, I also have been highly involved on campus as President of the Human Service Club and as a Volunteer for Erie's Big Brother/Big Sister Program. I would welcome an opportunity to meet with you or members of your staff to discuss further job requirements as well as my qualifications. I will contact your office the week of May 10, 2009 to discuss the possibility of a personal interview. Sincerely, (signature) Brent J. Miller Enclosure
429 Quincy Avenue Erie, PA 16510 March 14, 2009 Box G Times Publishing Company Erie, PA 16534-0001 Dear Sir/Madam: I am interested in the marketing position that you now have available and would appreciate your taking time to consider my qualifications for a position with your organization. As my resume reflects, I will graduate from Mercyhurst College, Erie, PA in May 2009 with a BA in Business with a concentration in Marketing. During my four years at Mercyhurst College, I was a member of the Mercyhurst College’s Honors Program. This rigorous academic program coupled with my marketing curriculum and practical experience has given me the skills necessary for a career with your company. In addition to my academic achievements, I feel my work experience has further prepared me for my career. I have learned to interact in business environments and to meet directly with the public. I am accustomed to making sound decisions, solving problems, and motivating others. I feel that my determination, commitment, and ability to learn quickly will be an asset to your organization. I would appreciate any time you would give this inquiry and if you are looking for someone with these abilities for a position available in the near future, I would welcome the opportunity to meet with you to discuss your requirements, as well as my qualifications in further detail. I may be contacted at (814) 867-8126 or by e-mail at dtome@hotmail.com to arrange a convenient day and time for a meeting. Thank you for your time and consideration. Sincerely, (signature) David D. Tome Enclosure
54 Owego Street Williamsport, PA 18407 February 3, 2009 Joan E. Davis Manager, College Relations American Management Systems, Inc. 1777 North Kent Street Arlington, VA 22209 Dear Ms. Davis: While researching various job opportunities in the computer career field, I came across literature on your company. I was impressed with the information I found, and, therefore, I am writing to you to express a sincere interest in obtaining a position as a Computer Programmer or Systems Analyst with American Management Systems. As I learned, AMS is one of the nation's leading firms in applying computer and systems engineering technology to solve complex management problems of large organizations. To maintain its leadership position, an organization must employ talented individuals to ensure its quality of service. As my resume indicates, I have maintained a perfect 4.0 GPA in Computer Systems and have work experience which I feel would contribute to your organization's continued success. I am a very dedicated and determined individual. I strive for excellence in whatever I encounter. When challenged with a task, I complete it to the best of my ability. I am very interested in American Management Systems and would greatly appreciate an opportunity to discuss job opportunities as well as my qualifications in a personal interview. You may contact me by calling (717) 282-3099 or by e-mailing me at dkless@hotmail.com. I am looking forward to meeting with you. Thank you for your time and consideration. Sincerely, (signature) Donald L. Klees Enclosure
73 Snook Street Scranton, PA 18505 April 28, 2009 Charles Flanagan Vice-President Johnson Matthey, Inc. Nolte Drive Bradford, PA 25487 Dear Mr. Flanagan: I am seeking an entry-level management/sales position with your firm and would greatly appreciate your taking time to consider my qualifications for a position at Johnson Matthey Incorporated. As my resume indicates, I will graduate in May 2009 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Chemistry/Business. During my four years at Mercyhurst College, I have been able to include in my academic experience various computer and foreign language courses. Also, I have been able to obtain an excellent background in management/marketing through my practical experience and chemical research project. I developed an aptitude for international business through various courses in economics and international relations, independent international studies, and my propensity to learn foreign languages. In addition to my academic experience, I feel my work experience has further prepared me for my career. I have learned to interact in business environments and to accept challenging responsibilities. I am accustomed to making sound decisions, solving problems, and motivating others. I feel that my determination, commitment, and ability to learn quickly will be an asset to Johnson Matthey Incorporated. I would appreciate any time you would give this inquiry and if you are looking for someone with these abilities for a position available in the near future, I would welcome the opportunity to meet with you to discuss your requirements and my qualifications in further detail. Thank you for your time. I look forward to your reply. Sincerely, (signature) Helen E. Novak Enclosure
2847 Westminster Road Bethlehem, PA 18017 March 26, 2009 Mr. John Smith Director of Personnel Novak, Page & Crane 1200 Catasaqua Road Scranton, PA 18017 Dear Mr. Smith: I am seeking a Public Relations position and would greatly appreciate you taking time to consider my qualifications for a position with Novak, Page & Crane. As my resume reflects, I will graduate from Mercyhurst College, Erie, PA in May 2009 with a B.A. degree in Communication. While maintaining a 3.4 cumulative grade point average, I was actively involved in various clubs and activities. In addition, my academic and practical experience at Mercyhurst and part-time work during the past summers allowed me opportunities to gain first hand knowledge of a Public Relations department. I feel these experiences have helped enhance my knowledge of the public relations profession and together with my attitude of commitment, determination, and dedication have given me the foundation to build my public relations career at Novak, Page & Crane. If you are looking for someone with these abilities for a position available in the near future, I would welcome the opportunity to meet with you to discuss your requirements, as well as my qualifications in further detail. I may be contacted at (215) 867-8126 or ofinegan@yahoo.com to arrange a convenient day and time for a meeting. Thank you for your time. I shall look forward to your reply.
Sincerely, (signature) Owen T. Finegan Enclosure
344 Wheeler Avenue Erie, PA 16508 April 14, 2009 Mr. Jeffrey P. Lund Senior Staffing Representative Lord Corporation PO Box 2245R Morristown, NJ 07960-2245 Dear Mr. Lund: I am seeking a summer accounting position and would greatly appreciate your taking time to consider my qualifications for a position with Lord Corporation. As my resume reflects, I am a junior accounting major at Mercyhurst College in Erie, PA. In my three years at Mercyhurst College, I have been able to maintain a 3.3 grade point average and I am very enthusiastic about gaining practical experience in my area of study. I feel that my educational background and representative coursework provide an excellent foundation to build my career. I feel I am a determined, committed, and motivated individual who would have much to offer to your organization, but more importantly I welcome the opportunity to gain valuable experience working with Lord Corporation. If you are looking for someone with these educational qualifications and personal abilities for a position available in the summer, I would welcome the opportunity to meet with you to discuss your requirements and my qualifications in further detail. I may be contacted at (814)961-4000 or jkazda@mercyhurst.edu to arrange a convenient day and time for a meeting. Thank you for your time. Sincerely, (signature) Janice B. Kazda Enclosure
OFFER REJECTIO LETTER
413 Susquehanna Ave. Olyphant, PA 18447 May 12, 2009 Mr. Mark C. Williams Sr. Employment Specialist Erie Insurance Group Erie, PA 16501 Dear Mr. Williams: I wish to thank you and the agency of Erie Insurance Group for allowing me an opportunity to intern at the Erie Office. My experience proved to be both personally and professionally rewarding, due in large part to the excellent guidance and training I received from your staff. Although I appreciate your invitation to begin my accounting career with Erie Insurance Group, I must decline your generous offer. My decision was not an easy one, and was reached only after much deliberation and review of my career goals. The task was made more difficult by the very positive impressions of your firm that I developed as a result of my internship. Nevertheless, I have decided to accept a position in a government agency after graduation. Thank you for all your help and encouragement. Your personal interest in my career is deeply appreciated. Sincerely, (signature) Kathy Jo Matticks
THA K YOU LETTER FOR PHO E OR PERSO AL I TERVIEW
444 Pittston Avenue Erie, PA 16501 April 7, 2009 Brad B. Crane Vice President Penn Advertising Agency 111 Bird Drive Hackensack, NJ 0001 Dear Mr. Crane: Thank you for taking the time to meet with me on April 5, 2009 regarding the position of Account Executive with the Mr. Happy Advertising Agency. I would like to take this opportunity to express my appreciation regarding your compliment and interest in my summer experiences as an Assistant Account Executive. I am confident that I can successfully apply my background and creative skills to your organization's goals and objectives. Finally, I would like to assure you of my sincere desire and interest in becoming a member of your professional staff at the Mr. Happy Advertising Agency. Sincerely, (signature) Mark P. Murray
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