Cover Letter Guide

A cover letter is a one-page typed letter with three goals:

  1. To introduce yourself to an employer
  2. To briefly describe your skills and work experience
  3. To ask the employer for an interview or a job

A cover letter is mailed with the resume to a potential employer and is the first document the employer sees.

The cover letter should be formatted in Block Business Letter Format. See the attached example for correct spacing.

When writing the cover letter, use the job hunt three-punch attack:

  1. State the job you are applying for
  2. Grab the attention of audience
  3. State the reason you are writing the letter (position applying for)
  4. Source of referral, if any
  5. Include your interest in the position and/or company
  6. Flatter your audience by including company information found through research
  7. End the paragraph with a persuasive statement about why you are qualified or why you are the ideal candidate
  8. State your education, skills and experience
  9. Demonstrate why you are qualified for the job
  10. Emphasize what you can contribute to the organization
  11. Give concrete examples of your skills and experience
  12. Highlight information found on the resume, but do not simply repeat your entire resume
  13. Can be 1-2 paragraphs
  14. Say something positive and ask for an interview
  15. Reiterate your interest in the position
  16. Say something positive about their company
  17. State your appreciation of the employer’s consideration
  18. Include your intentions for follow-up
  19. Phone number/e-mail and best way to contact you

Cover Letter Tips:

  • Keep your writing style simple and direct
  • Present yourself in a positive and honest manner
  • Proofread!!!
  • Use the same paper and same font as resume
  • One page in length

SAMPLE COVER LETTER

1234 Pine Lake Road

Lincoln, NE 68516

Current Date

(4 to 7 returns)

Kaylea Dunn

Olsson Associates

1111 Lincoln Mall Suite 111

Lincoln, NE 68508

Dear Ms. Dunn,

I recently saw your advertisement for a receptionist on your website. Please accept this as my letter of application.

I am a junior at Lincoln Southwest High School. I have completed classes in Computer Applications, Oral Communications, and second year Spanish. I take differentiated classes in math, science, and English and maintain a 3.8 GPA. I am currently employed at Hy-Vee, where I have learned excellent customer service skills and to work in a fast paced environment. I am a dependable person by always getting to work on time and assisting the customer to the best of my ability. I have learned excellent leadership skills being involved in Theatre, Choir, Girl Scouts, and Key Club.

As you can see, my skills and experience would fit well with Olsson Associates, and I am confident that I would be an asset to your organization. You have an excellent reputation and I would be honored to be a part of your team. Please contact me for an interview. My home phone number is (402)-421-1234. Thank you for your consideration.

Sincerely,

(4 returns)

Jane Smith

Enclosures:Resume

References

Application