Cover Letters - General Info

Like your resume, a cover letter should be clear and to the point. A cover letter will allow you to focus on specific aspects of your experience as they apply to a particular employer or position. A cover letter also emphasizes why you would be a valuable addition to an organization and why you would be suited for a particular position. A cover letter should include the following:

1. Inside name, address, e-mail.

2. Date the correspondence.

3. Address the letter to a specific person in an organization.

4. State your purpose in writing. If you are responding to an ad, indicate the source. If you are writing because you were referred by someone that the person reading the letter knows, indicate this up front.

5. If you are responding to an ad, respond directly to the requirements listed in the ad, and why you are suited for the position.

6. Although you will want to indicate why you are interested in the position, it is most important to indicate the ways in which you would be an asset to the organization.

7. Make sure to ask for an interview. The purpose of the resume and letter is to secure an interview. Let the reader of the letter know that you are available to interview. Leave the burden of responsibility for scheduling an interview up to you. It is suggested that you indicate a time when you will contact the employer to schedule an interview. A way to do this would be to indicate, "I will be contacting you in ____ days to schedule a mutually convenient time to meet."

8. If possible, type your letter on paper similar to that of your resume. Again, make sure to carefully proofread any correspondence that you send.

9. Keep careful records of the positions for which you have applied. Maintain copies of your correspondence, with dates indicated as to when you will follow-up with an employer.