WRITING A COVER LETTER

WHAT IS A COVER LETTER?

• Highlights key points in your resume.

• Expresses your interest in a position.

• Shows off your qualifications to a prospective employer

PRE-COVER LETTER BUSINESS• If you have a company or employer in mind, do some

research regarding their policies and principles.

• Review websites to find about the company.

• Understand what qualifications the company is looking for and design your resume and cover letter to match your skill sets and background to the company’s needs

Make a list of reasons why you’re the ideal candidate.

*Note: most ads consist of a wish list of qualifications and employers know that it is unlikely that a candidate will meet each and every qualification on their list.

A FEW THINGS TO KEEP IN MIND• Do not over use “I” Instead, use the word “you” .

• Avoid writing more than one page.

• The point of the cover letter is to flesh out your resume’s selling points and not to repeat the same things that appear in your resume.

• Never state how you will benefit by working for the company. Stay focused on the company’s needs not yours.

• Avoid employing a boastful or bragging tone.

BEGINNING THE COVER LETTER• Address the resume cover letter to a specific person at the

company you’re applying to. You can usually find a name in the company’s publications or you can inquire by telephone .

• Immediately note the position that you are applying for and where you found out about it, including date of publication and page number when possible.

• State that you are interested in the position and qualified.

• End the introductory paragraph by providing the reasons why you are qualified, thus, forecasting the rest of the letter.

BODY PARAGRAPH(S)• Consider writing two paragraphs: education and experience.

• Refer employers to certain points in your resume.

• Emphasize your strongest qualifications.

• Show how these qualifications will benefit the company.

• Provide examples of your achievements that have benefited previous companies

• Be specific in your descriptions .

CLOSING PARAGRAPH• Ask for an interview.• Provide possible times and dates.• Include specific contact information: email address and

phone number.• Close actively. Tell them you will contact them in a few

days.• Be genuine and thank them for their time.