Resume-Resources

How to Write a Cover Letter

Typically, the cover letter accompanies a resume and allows you, the applicant, to specifically address your skills, education and experience as they relate to the job you are applying for. Cover letters should be no longer than one page in length and written in business-style. The cover letter serves as an introduction as to why you are applying and gives a detailed description of your background. A cover letter provides the employer with a first impression, and if well written, will stimulate further interest in your resume and application. Guidelines

1. Make each letter specific to the job.

2. Indicate the position for which you are applying.

3. Keep to one page.

4. Write in business format.

5. Avoid a “mass produced” appearance.

6. Highlight relevant skills, experience, education and accomplishments as they relate to the specific job.

7. Be positive and never include negative information about your current position or employer.

8. Proof for spelling, typing or grammatical errors.

9. Be clear and concise in your communication.

10. Close letter with information on where and when you can be reached.

11. Keep a copy of each cover letter sent to track which positions you applied for.

The guidelines here apply to both hard copy correspondence and e-mail. 

Main differences between e-mail and hard copy correspondence:

• Format: your signature block (address, etc.) goes below your name in e-mail, while it goes at the top of the page on hard copy.
• E-mail requires a subject line logical to the recipient. E-mail subject lines can make or break whether your e-mail is opened and read. Hard copy can have a subject line too, but it's on the letter (after recipient's address block and before "Dear...," and it's seen after the letter is opened.
• Signature: Of course you won't have a handwritten signature on e-mail, but don't forget this on hard copy.

All cover letters should:

Explain why you are sending a resume.
Don't send a resume without a cover letter.
Don't make the reader guess what you are asking for; be specific: Do you want a summer internship opportunity, or a permanent position at graduation; are you inquiring about future employment possibilities?

Tell specifically how you learned about the position or the organization — a flyer posted in your department, a web site, a family friend who works at the organization. It is appropriate to mention the name of someone who suggested that you write.

Convince the reader to look at your resume.
The cover letter will be seen first.                                                                                          
Therefore, it must be very well written and targeted to that employer.

Call attention to elements of your background — education, leadership, experience — that are relevant to a position you are seeking. Be as specific as possible, using examples.

Reflect your attitude, personality, motivation, enthusiasm, and communication skills.

Provide or refer to any information specifically requested in a job advertisement that might not be covered in your resume, such as availability date, or reference to an attached writing sample.

Here is a sample e-mail cover letter.


August 3, 2010(Date)

Employer's name(if no name was given,then use a title.eg Head, Human Resource etc)
Employer's addy

Employer's e-mail addy

Salutation(e.g Dear Sir)

From your company's web site I learned about your need for a sales representative for the Lagos, Abuja, and Kano areas. I am very interested in this position with _______(company's name), and believe that my education and employment background are appropriate for the position.

While working toward my master’s degree, I was employed as a sales representative with a _________ firm.  I increased my sales volume and profit margin appreciably while at _______, and I would like to repeat that success in the __________ industry.  I have a strong academic background in ________ and ________, and think that I could apply my combination of knowledge and experience to the _________ industry. I will complete my master's degree in marketing in mid-May and will be available to begin employment in early June.(This last sentence is optional)

Enclosed is a copy of my resume, which more fully details my qualifications for the position.

I look forward to talking with you regarding sales opportunities with _________(company's name). Within the next week I will contact you to confirm that you received my email and resume and to answer any questions you may have.

Thank you for your consideration.

Sincerely,

Your name
Your addy
Your phone number
Email addy

Resume attached as MS Word document (assuming company web site instructed applicants to do this).