Career Development Office. How to: Write Cover Letters

Transcription

1 Career Development Office Resource Guide How to: Write Cover Letters

2 contents 2. What is a Cover Letter 3. Structure of Correspondence 4. Guidelines 5. Example Cover Letters What is a cover letter A cover letter introduces you and your resume, explaining your reasons for writing and your qualifications for the position. The cover letter should be typed in business format and printed on the same color and quality of paper as your resume Structure of Correspondence Job-search correspondence typically includes the following components: Writer s return address Date Employer s name and address (inside address) Salutation Body (usually 3-4 paragraphs) Complimentary closing Writer s name and signature Enclosure notation (when appropriate) As when preparing your resume, there are several guidelines to consider when typing job-search correspondence: Use standard 8 ½ x 11-inch paper Use good quality stationery ( resume paper, which we can give you in the CDO), preferably the same type used for your resume 2

3 When ing your cover letter be sure to create and send a.pdf Be sure to proofread and correct all spelling and grammatical mistakes. Letters must be error-free. Do not rely on software spell-checks Use the same font style and size as your resume A well-written cover letter allows you to highlight your qualifications in a way that lets the employer know why you are the best candidate for the position. Generally, it is best to use simple and straightforward language in communicating your message. Be direct and concise. To be an effective advertisement introducing the qualities you are promoting in your resume, your letter should: capture the reader s attention, stress your potential value and benefit, and invite an in-depth reading of your resume. guidelines Always Target Your Message: Show how your skills and experience relate to the specific position. This is much more effective than a generic all-purpose cover letter. Highlight Your Accomplishments With Measurable Results: Show how your credentials match the requirements of the job. Incorporate information that reflects your knowledge of the organization, its industry and relevant issues. This is the perfect place to editorialize about the accomplishments cited in your resume. Show What You Have To Offer: Make sure you demonstrate how your skills, expertise and past accomplishments can benefit the employer. Make yourself more attractive by showing that you have something the employer can use, not by showing how the employer can help your career goals. 3

4 guidelines Use Standard Business Protocol: Write clearly and concisely and check spelling and grammar. When an employer is looking through a stack of highly qualified applicants, a simple typo can disqualify you. Select white or a light colored paper that matches your resume and envelope. Paragraph 1- Tell why you are writing. State how you found out about the organization/position. Mention any referrals. Paragraph 2- Refer to your enclosed resume. Highlight skills relevant to the organization/ position. Indicate how you can make a contribution. Send Your Letter To A Specific Person: Identify the person who is likely to make the hiring decisions. It may require resourcefulness and tenacity, but the benefits will outweigh the time and effort. You may need to make several phone calls to learn the contact s name, correct spelling and title. If you cannot find the person s name or if a group is making the decision, begin with Dear Recruiting Manager: 4

5 cover letter examples COVER LETTER EXAMPLE 1 IMA NEWGRAD 1234 Pomona Way Claremont, CA inewgrad@pomona.edu Current Date Liv Dawork Product Design Director Ingenious Toy Company 1 Andonly Way Job Town, CA Dear Ms. Dawork: I am writing to apply for the position of Product Design Assistant, which I learned about through the Career Development Office. Now a graduating senior at Pomona College, I am interested in the position because it offers the opportunity to use my graphics design background as well as the chance to put my skills to work in the toy manufacturing industry. As an intern for ABC Toys, I was able to hone my creative skills and learn some of the latest techniques for toy design. My internship also afforded me the opportunity to gain a great perspective on how the toy manufacturing industry functions. Additionally, I spent several summers working with children as a camp counselor, which provided me with tremendous insight into children's interests and activities. These experiences combined with my enthusiasm and ability to learn quickly make me an excellent match for the position. I would welcome the opportunity to put my skills and experience to work for Ingenious Toy Company and look forward to further discussing my qualifications with you in person. I can be reached at or by at inewgrad@pomona.edu. Thank you for your consideration. I look forward to hearing from you soon. Sincerely, Ima Newgrad Ima Newgrad 5

6 COVER LETTER EXAMPLE 2 EYEMA STAR 300 College Way Claremont, CA / estar@pomona.edu Current Date Hugh R. Hired Vice President, Long Division Wishes Granted Consulting 50 Raquetball Court Gettawork, CA Dear Mr. Hired: I am writing to apply for the position of Associate in your firm. As a graduating senior at Pomona College, I learned about your company through the Career Development Office. Enclosed is a copy of my resume. The Associate position interests me because it will allow me to use my math skills in a business environment. In addition, your firm's involvement in complex deals will enable me to learn more about this type of work. I bring you the following qualifications: A mathematics major with a 3.5 GPA. Two internships building mathematical models to forecast business expectations. Leadership experience in two different campus organizations. I am excited about the possibility of working for Wishes Granted Consulting. My education and experience are very compatible with the qualifications of the position. I would like to speak with you to tell you more about my qualifications. I will call you next week to arrange a time to talk. If you have any questions, you may reach me at 909/ or me at estar@pomona.edu Thank you for your consideration. I look forward to talking to you soon. Sincerely, Eyema Star Eyema Star 6

7 COVER LETTER EXAMPLE 3 SUE PER INTERN 300 College Blvd Claremont, CA sintern@pomona.edu Current Date Ivanna Hireyou Shelter Director Give-a-Care Shelter 1000 Welcome Home Way Residential City, CA Dear Ms. Hireyou: I am writing to apply for the Program Coordinator internship. I am a junior majoring in Sociology at Pomona College. I learned about the position through the Pomona College Internship Program. Enclosed is a copy of my resume. Your internship caught my eye because it offers an opportunity to work with homeless people in a positive and supportive manner. Also, the internship provides individuals the opportunity to get an inside look at how a non-profit organization operates. After two years of volunteering at the local homeless shelter, I am familiar with the general needs of and efforts made in an organization such as yours. As a result, I will be a benefit in assisting with shelter programming needs and am excited about the opportunity to learn about this area from the more structured standpoint of an internship. I am a quick learner and would enjoy the opportunity to contribute my hard work and enthusiasm to your organization. If you have any questions, you may contact me at in the daytime or in the evening. Thank you for your consideration. I look forward to meeting you for an interview. Sincerely, Sue Per Intern Sue Per Intern 7