Cover Letters

Resumés & Cover Letters

Many employers will reject outright a resumé without a cover letter

A cover letter can sometimes be even more important than the resumé. It will actually “sell” the reader on the idea of reading your resumé so they will want to contact you for an interview. A cover letter should always accompany a resumé and should always be individualized to the employer you are sending it to.

An effective cover letter:

Is tailored to a specific position in a specific organization (matches your qualifications with the requirements of the job).
Shows why the employer should read your resumé.
Demonstrates your knowledge of the hiring organization and the job.
States how you heard about the opening, whether through a person, job listing, ad, etc.
Is straightforward, businesslike, and positive.
Is typed neatly, error free and on good quality paper.
Is usually no more than one page.
Is addressed to a specific person. Avoid using “Dear Sir” or “To Whom It May Concern.” If you are unsure to whom it is addressed, use “Dear Hiring Manager,” “Dear Manager,” “Dear Human Resources Manager,” or “Dear Recruiter.”

Cover letters can be used to inquire about job openings or apply for known vacancies. They should always be specifically tailored to respond to a particular company and/or job vacancy. This means you will need to create a different cover letter for each job you seek. To personalize your letters, research information about the business and obtain the name of the person to whom you are writing.

Cover letters should usually consist of three paragraphs, as outlined below.

The Opening - State the position you are applying for and how you learned of the job.

The Body - Highlight your main qualifications, the skills and experiences that relate to the job (refer to, but don't repeat your resumé).

The Closing - Request an interview and suggest a time for your follow-up call or contact.

SAMPLE 1

2100 E. Elm Street
Hickory, NC 28602
April 1, 2007

Ms. Barbara Moore
Human Resources Director
Metropolitan Hospital
Winston-Salem, NC

Dear Ms. Moore:

Please consider this letter of application and resumé for the position of clinical laboratory assistant you advertised in Sunday's Triad Times.

I am graduating from Catawba Valley Community College on June 6, 2007, and will be available for full-time employment immediately. As my resumé indicates, I have completed my Associate Degree in Health Information Technology and have hospital experience. I feel that my education, experience and skills qualify me for the position you advertised.

I would appreciate an opportunity to meet with you to discuss my qualifications and the position, and would like to call soon for an appointment.

Thank you for your time and consideration.

Sincerely,

Jean R. Henry

Jean R. Henry

Enclosure

SAMPLE 2

532 City of Oaks Ave.
Raleigh, NC 27602
July 14, 2007

Mr. Ben Stewart
Regional Manager, First In Food, Inc.
222 Peabody Industrial Park
Raleigh, North Carolina 26702

Dear Mr. Stewart:

I was excited to learn that your company plans to open ten new restaurants in this area by the end of next year. Your restaurants have always been a favorite of mine. A mutual acquaintance, Mary Walters, told me you are interested in hiring managers with proven organizational abilities, a willingness to learn, and a high level of commitment to the company’s goals. I have these qualifications and have enclosed my resume for your review.

With two years’ experience working in restaurant management and a recent Associate Degree in Business Administration, I have obtained the skills and knowledge required to succeed at First In Food, Inc. In my previous position, I led our team in winning “Restaurant of the Year” for two consecutive years. We also maintained the lowest employee turnover rate and increased sales by 25%.

I look forward to meeting you, learning more about your expansion in this area, and discussing my qualifications with you at your earliest convenience. I can be reached at 555-3456.

Sincerely,

Mitch Stevens

Mitch Stevens

Enclosure

After submitting your cover letter and resumé, be sure to follow up and schedule an appointment.