Cover Letter Guide
What is a cover letter? A cover letter is a letter written to a prospective employer that accompanies a resume. Depending on the circumstances, the letter would explain your situation and would ask the recipient for some specific action, consideration, or response.
Seven Quick Tips for Writing a Superior Cover Letter
- Write to Someone in Particular
- Make Absolutely No Errors
- Personalize Your Content
- Present a Good Appearance
- Provide a Friendly Opening
- Target Your Skills and Experiences
- Close with an Action Statement
Cover Letter Guidelines
GENERAL INFORMATION: The cover letter or letter of application should highlight your qualifications and call attention to your resume.
FORMAT: Type your letter on 8 ½ by 11 inch good quality bond paper and mail it in a business envelope. Proofread for spelling. Address it to a specific person by name and title. Identify the specific position for which you are applying.
FIRST PARAGRAPH: In your initial paragraph, state why you are writing: your objective. Include the specific position or type of work for which you are applying, and how you learned of the opening (placement office, classified ad, friend, etc.). Use a compliment or specific knowledge about the company. This creates interest, and the reader is more likely to continue reading your letter. Tailor the letter to the organization. This reflects that you are genuinely interested in the job and you are not sending out form letters.
SECOND PARAGRAPH: Briefly explain why you are interested in the position, the organization, its products, or services. State how your academic background or experience makes you a qualified candidate for the position. If you have had some practical experience, point out your specific achievements or qualifications.
THIRD PARAGRAPH: Refer the reader to the enclosed resume or application which summarizes your qualifications, training, and experience as it relates to the position for which you are applying.
FOURTH PARAGRAPH: Indicate your desire for a personal interview and your flexibility as to the time and place. Repeat your phone number with area code in the cover letter and offer any assistance to help in a speedy response. Close your letter with a statement or question which will encourage a response, or take the initiative by indicating a day and date that you will contact the employer to set up a convenient time for a personal meeting.
Sample Cover Letter
2000 South Road
Salem, VA 24153
January 1, 2006
Mr. Richard Bright, President
Valley Serve Corporation
100 Main Street
Rocky Mount, VA 24151
Dear Mr. Bright:
I learned of Valley Serve’s need for an HVAC technician through Hall Associates Career Center at Virginia Western. This May, I will be graduating from Virginia Western and would like to pursue a career in HVAC with a company like yours.
My education and work experience would be an asset to Valley Serve. Major course work in this area has helped me gain an understanding of the needs of this position. My abilities and interest in the HVAC profession have been demonstrated inside and outside the classroom.
The position outline is a good match for my skills and knowledge. I am a responsible person who is concerned with performance and accountability and delivering excellent customer service. I have enclosed my resume for your consideration.
I would welcome an opportunity to discuss with you how I might help you fulfill your goals. I am available to meet with you at your convenience. You may reach me at my home number, (555) 555.5555, or by email at: xxxxx@email.vccs.edu. I look forward to hearing from you soon.
Sincerely,
Jane Rogers
Enclosure
Sources
Gallery of Best Resumes for People Without a Four-Year Degree, Second Edition
A special Collection of Quality Resumes by professional Resume Writers
Originally published as Gallery of Best Resumes for Two-Year Degree Graduates
1990, 2000 by David F. Noble
JIST Publishing, Inc., Indianapolis, IN
The Quick Resume & Cover Letter Book, Second Eition
Write and Use an Effective Resume in Only One Day
2000 by J. Michael Farr
JIST Publishing, Inc., Indianapolis, IN
Job Search Tools
Job Placement, 2005
Midlands Technical College
Columbia, SC