CAREER SERVICES PROGRAM
COVER LETTERS
Marketing yourself through letter communication is an important factor in connecting with people at companies to get a face-to face interview, or targeting companies in a specific industry. There are different types of letters that can aid you in your job search. A basic format that is easy to accomplish can help to get you the interview. Once you get the interview, the rest is up to you to sell yourself in person. The initial letter will get you in the selling mode. Think about what you want someone to know about YOU.
The basic format is as follows:
Opening paragraph: Answer the question, “why read me?”
§ Use a referral name if you have it
§ Write something creative
§ Demonstrate an outstanding accomplishment
§ Give specific industry or functional expertise
§ Give specific examples of how you achieved your “outstanding accomplishment” (ex: increased sales/savings; decreased expenses/cost savings)
Second paragraph: “Who, What, How”
§ Explain your recent experience, scope of responsibilities that emphasize the job you are applying for
§ Describe 2-3 relevant accomplishments, based on the knowledge of the company through the research you have done
Third paragraph: (optional) more “Who, What, How”
§ What other experience related to the job do you have?
Final paragraph: “When”
§ Action step….ask for the interview
§ Follow-up
Attached you will find some different types of letters.
A. Generic cover letter
B. Letter for ad response
C. Letter to a known company name
D. T letter (comparison of requirements listed / vs. your qualifications)
E. Target letter
F. Thank you letter
Letter A. Generic Cover Letter
Name
Address
emailaddress
phone number
Date
Company
Attention:
Address
Address
Dear name,
I have attached my resume which provides the overview of my experience, significant accomplishments and progression into a management role within the company name or organization (start year to end year).
Recently, while working with a Career Management group, I was asked to describe the “ideal” job and company. My statements are as follows:
“My ideal job will demand that I utilize my extensive knowledge and experience in forecasting, planning, purchasing, inventory management, computer systems and project management in a manufacturing company intent on improving business operations.”
My ideal company will embrace the philosophy of total quality management/continuous improvement and will encourage their personnel to pursue lifelong learning for enrichment and advancement.”
These statements sincerely reflect my objectives as I pursue opportunities in the job market. I am solution oriented. I demonstrate an extremely competent ability to develop creative solutions that comprehensively consider current and strategic elements of a problem / project / process improvement.
Given my experience, knowledge and natural tendencies, I believe my skills would be most effectively utilized in an organization that has embraced continuous improvement as a work ethic. The specific job title and compensation package are of secondary importance. My overriding goal is to find a position where I can feel that I contribute to creating a satisfying and rewarding work experience for all personnel. Finding a company that acknowledges individual’s ideas and consistently takes action to improve the total company’s performance would, I believe, provide me with the type of environment that fuels my internal motivation.
Thank you for your interest. Please let me know if there are positions and/or individuals I might contact to discuss career opportunities at company.
Sincerely,
Your typed name
Letter B. Letter for Ad Response
Name
Address
Phone Number / e-mail address
Date
Adressee
Adressee Title
Company
Address
Dear Sir/Madam,
I am extremely interested in being considered for the EXECUTIVE/PERSONAL ASSISTANT TO CHAIRMAN position listed on monster.com.
Unique Qualifiers:
*20 years Materials Management experience in a Class 3 Medical Device Manufacturing operation
*Current career objective to transition into an Executive Assistant role
The information contained in my résumé will validate that my skill sets are extremely well matched with the criteria noted in the job posting. Attention to detail, planning, organization, communication and problem solving skills of superior caliber were necessary to progress and succeed in the manner reflected in the résumé.
My ideal work preferences include the desire to be part of a “superstar” team. As Executive Assistant to the Chairman, I believe the opportunity exists to contribute in a manner that would help create the “superstar” team, thereby fulfilling this objective.
It is my hope that this cover letter and my résumé will pique your interest and prompt you to pursue learning more about me to establish if I am, indeed, the ideal candidate for this position.
Thank you for you consideration.
Your name
Letter C. Letter with Known Company Name
Name
Address
Phone Number / e-mail address
Date
Adressee
Adressee Title
Company
Address
Dear Mr/Mrs Addressee:
Your ad in the National Business Employment Weekly for a Training Director who could expand existing Human Resource Management Programs captured my attention.I have always been interested in _____company name ___because of its great reputation.
For the past fourteen years, I have had a proven track record with major Fortune 500 firms involving all phases of Human Resource Management. In my current position as _____________, my responsibilities range from _______________ to ______________, and _______________.
Some of my accomplishments mentioned in the attached resume are a particular match for your requirements:
§ Initiated _______
§ Developed _____________
§ Managed____________
§ Implemented _____________
§ I think you get the idea here………
I would appreciate the opportunity to further explore my background with you. I look forward to meeting wit you.
Sincerely,
Your name
Letter D. “T” Letter
Name
Address
Phone Number
e-mail address
Date
Adressee
Adressee Title
Company
Address
Dear Mr/Mrs Addressee:
Your recent ad for ___position title__captured my interest. The qualities you seek are well matched to my track record:
Mature, dynamic manager Enter your info on this side : example: Fifteen years experience as Production Manager
Results oriented Enter your info after each
Bachelor’s Degree Enter your info after each
Microsoft Word & Excel Even if you are not an exact match, write what you ARE qualified for or WORKING on….ex: currently working on certification, etc.
I am attaching my resume that shows my qualifications and experience in greater detail. I
look forward to discussing my credentials in a personal interview.
Sincerely,
Your name
Letter E. Target Letter
Name
Address
Phone Number
e-mail address
Date
Adressee
Adressee Title
Company
Address
Dear Mr/Mrs Addressee:
My research into __company name___ has prompted me to contact you, particularly in light of the fact that I am considering new career alternatives.
I have been impressed with the growth of ___company name_____. I can see how the results I produced at _______________ could be an asset to your continuous improvement vision of your customer-driven quality effort.
As __your position title___ at___your company name____, I was instrumental in __insert accomplishment(s) that is significant to continuous improvement___.
As you can see by the attached resume, my achievements have improved business. I feel I could make a significant contribution to __company name__’s growth and cost reduction efforts.
I will call your office next week to see when we can set up a mutually convenient meeting.
Sincerely,
Your name
Letter F. Thank You Letter
Name
Address
Phone Number
e-mail address
Date
Adressee
Adressee Title
Company
Address
Dear Mr/Mrs Addressee:
I appreciated the opportunity to meet with you today, to discuss the position of __________ at ___company name__. It was interesting to hear about the new contracts and the company’s long-term goals of process improvement. (or whatever you talked about, etc).
As I reflected on our discussion, I further considered how my experience and accomplishments match your current business needs. Some of the areas I believe I would have the greatest impact are:
§ Systems implementation: list what you did in this instance
§ Inventory Reduction: list your accomplishment
§ Usually two bullet points are sufficient…use your judgement
If you have further questions, feel free to contact me. I look forward to hearing from you joining your winning team.
Sincerely,
Your name
Submitted by: Paula Deluca - 1 - Printed: 09/26/05