Cover letter anatomy

Cover Letter Anatomy“A cover letter is to a resume as a book jacket is to a novel.. It introduces the author to the reader and provides a tantalizing overview of the contents that should

Cover Letter Anatomy

“A cover letter is to a resume as a book jacket is to a novel It introduces the author to the reader and provides a tantalizing overview of the contents that should make the reader want to dive right in.”

Cover Letter Format

Your Name

Address

Telephone

Email

Date (Month, Day, Year)

Employer Name

Title

Company Name

Address

Dear Mr Smith

Introduction Introduction

Body Your education, skills, experience, personal characteristics and/or work habits

Conclusion Closing

Sincerely

(Your Signature)

Your Name

Cover Letter Content

Introduction

The first paragraph describes why you are writing or states your objective Start off with

an original opening statement Tell the reader where you found the advertisement and what position you are applying for Consider conducting some research on the company before writing the cover letter and include something you know about the company within the introduction or body of the letter You might want to add one sentence at the end of the introduction that relays your desire to work for the specific company Key to the introduction is to create interest and grab the reader’s attention

Body

The body of the letter provides essential information that the employer should know about you – skills, achievements, quantified statements about past accomplishments, experience, personality traits and/or work habits Choose the most relevant elements from your resume and highlight them Keep this paragraph clear and concise When writing about how you work or what kind of person you are, try to support your statements with examples This paragraph tells the employer why they should hire you over another candidate You can take the opportunity to tell the employer why you believe this job is the ideal match for your skill set You should provide tangible evidence

of the potential contribution you could make if hired

In other words, sell yourself

Conclusion

This paragraph closes the letter and can restate your interest in the position Employers appreciate candidate enthusiasm Provide the employer with your specific contact information and tell the reader when you will follow-up to confirm the receipt of your letter and resume

Cover Letter Quick Tips

 Lend the cover letter your personality

 Address your letters to individuals – name and correct job title

 Name-drop early in your letter

 Establish your credibility in your field of choice by using industry –specific terms

 Proofread for spelling, grammar and format at least three times

 Keep it simple, clear and easy to read

 Ask somebody to read your cover letter and give you feedback

 Where possible, personalize your cover letter

 Where applicable, include the position competition number

 Letter should be no more than one page in length

 Customize each cover letter to the position being applied for

 Highlight relevant experience based on job being applied for

 Do not send out generic letters

 Take your time – draft, revise and rewrite

 Show enthusiasm and sincerity

 Be sure to spell the employer name and title correctly

 Do not short form words ie I’d or You’ve

 Do not overuse the word “I”

 Show your intent to follow-up at a later date

 Write from your strengths and not shortcomings – be positive

 Do not exaggerate your experiences

 Cover letter paper should be the same as resume paper

Created by Faculty of Technology