A Successful Cover Letter Tells a Prospective Employer Who You Are, What You've Accomplished

Writing Guide for Cover Letters & Thank You Letters

Written & Compiled by Denise McConkey, Career Services, Oakland University, Rochester, MI

Contents Page

I. Purpose of Cover Letters and Thank You Letters 1

II. Cover Letters for Internships 2

III. Surefire Tips for Effective Cover Letters 2

IV. Tips for Winning Thank You Letters 2

V. Cover Letter Layout 3

VI. Sample Cover Letters 4-6

VII. Thank You Letter Layout 7

VIII. Sample Thank You Letters 8-9

I. Purpose of:

Cover Letters

A successful cover letter tells a prospective employer who you are, what you've accomplished, and why they should be interested in talking with you. It should be personal rather than mass generated, meaning that it should refer to a specific person at a specific company. When done right, a cover letter can encourage a prospective employer to read your resume and possibly even to contact you for an interview. You should not wait for the employer to get in touch with you, however. It usually takes a proactive response on your part to move the process forward to the next level and increase your odds of success. While a cover letter alone can't get you a job, it can definitely open doors for you.

Thank You Letters

Send a thank-you letter within twenty-four to forty-eight hours after an informational interview or a formal interview with a company representative, regardless of whether you would like to work for the company/organization. It is a simple acknowledgment of appreciation and it is not only polite, but also appropriate to say thank you. A thank you letter does several things:

· Helps you present yourself as an organized and thorough candidate

· Can leave a positive impression with an employer, therefore setting you apart from other candidates

· Remind the employer who you are

· Impress the employer with your courtesy and conscientiousness

· Convey to the employer that you sincerely appreciate his or her time and consideration

II. Cover letters for internships

When applying for an internship (paid or unpaid), the guidelines for writing a cover letter are essentially the same, although your reader's expectations are a little different. The employer won't expect you to have as much experience in the field, for example, so it's okay to talk more about your academic background and campus activities. Also, since an internship is an opportunity for you to get exposure to and learn hands-on skills in a particular field or industry, it is fine to discuss your career goals and your own need for experience - something you wouldn't necessarily do in a letter for a regular job.

III. Surefire Tips for Effective Cover Letters

· Tailor your letters as much as possible to the target employer and the industry as a whole.

· Talk more about what you can do for the employer/position rather than what the employer can do for you.

· Convey focused career goals.

· Don't say anything negative or anything that you don't back up with evidence.

· Always be honest, but not necessarily too modest.

· Cut to the chase - don't ramble.

· Talk about problems you've solved or past accomplishments in other positions.

· Make your letter visually appealing.

· Limit to one page in length including 3-4 targeted paragraphs (focused on the employer’s needs, not yours).

· Have others review your letter before sending it out. Many employers view the cover letter as an example of your written communication skills. Make sure it is also spell-checked and grammar-checked.

· Keep a record of all of the letters you send out along with a log of follow-up efforts.

IV. Tips for Winning Thank You Letters

· Act Fast - Plan to send your thank you letters within twenty-four to forty-eight hours after your interview.

· Make an Impression - Less than 4% of applicants send thank you notes. Use your letter as a way to stand out from the crowd and make a good impression.

· Personalized Thank You Letters - Should be written for each person within the company who interviewed you, even if you follow a similar format for each letter.

· Thank You Letter Basics - Thank you letters can be typed, emailed or handwritten, just make sure they are business-like in appearance. Include your interest in the position, relevant qualifications/skills, and a final thank you. If the employer is making a quick hiring decision and you need to get your letter out immediately, it is recommended that you send your thank you letter via email so you can reiterate your interest in the position sooner rather than later. If there is no sense of urgency, you may still consider a traditional letter printed on the same paper stock as your resume.

· Short and Simple - Keep your thank you letters short and simple. Use the letter as an opportunity to reiterate your interest in the job, your enthusiasm for the company and to sell yourself as the ideal candidate.

· What You Didn't Say - If there was something that you wish you had mentioned during the interview, here's your chance to say it by including it in your thank you letter.

· Remember to Proofread - Spell check and proof your thank you letter before sending it. Then ask someone else to proof it for you. That way you will be sure it's perfect.

Page 2.

V. COVER LETTER LAYOUT

Your Address (Same as on your Resume)

City, State, ZIP

Date

Name of Contact Person

Title

Organization

Street Address

City, State ZIP

Dear (Contact Person’s Name):

Opening Paragraph: Why you are writing

· State why you are writing. Name the position or type of position for which you are applying

· Mention how you learned of the position

· Mention the name of any referring person

· Briefly describe why you are interested in this particular position

Body of the Letter: Sell yourself

· Introduce yourself

· Briefly describe the skills and/or experiences you possess that fit the requirements of the position

· If you have related experiences, mention your qualifications and achievements

· This is your chance to give the reader more insight as to who you are as a person. Do not repeat your resume. This is the time to mention personal qualities or special experiences and motivators.

Closing Paragraph: Request an interview

· Directly, but politely, indicate your desire to further discuss your qualifications in an interview

· Make it easy for the reader to contact you by providing your phone number(s), email, and the best time to reach you

· Thank the contact person for his or her time and consideration

Sincerely,

(4 spaces)

Your Signature

Your typed name

(2 spaces)

Enc(s).

Page 3.

VI. SAMPLE COVER LETTER-Possible Internship

Your Address
Your City, State, Zip Code

Date

Name
Title
Organization
Address
City, State, Zip Code

Dear Mr./Ms. Last Name:

I am writing in response to your advertisement in the Oakland Press for the Human Resource Development internship. I am very interested in the position and it fits my qualifications perfectly.

After completing a Bachelor of Science Degree in Human Resource Development from Oakland University in May, I enrolled in the Master of Training and Development program to further enhance my credentials in the field. Course highlights include: Instructional Design, Theoretical Foundations in Training and Development, Needs Assessment, Program Evaluation, and Program Administration in HR Settings.

Based on your description of the ideal candidate, I also offer:

· A solid educational foundation including the ability to lead and support interventions and processes associated with diagnosing individual and organizational performance problems. Opportunities to design and implement solutions as well as evaluate results.

· The ability to apply instructional design principles to the effective analysis, design, development, implementation, and evaluation of technology-based solutions.

· The knowledge and skills to effectively plan and conduct a comprehensive needs assessment.

If you agree that my credentials would be valuable to ABC Company, I would very much like to meet you in person to learn more about your HR support needs. Please feel free to call me at (insert number) or email at (insert email). Thank you for your consideration.

Sincerely,

Your Signature

Your Typed Name

Page 4.

VI. SAMPLE COVER LETTER – Networking Letter

456 College Hall
Rochester, MI 48309

February 16, 2005

Ms. Jane Doe
Partner-In-Charge
Big Public Accounting, Inc.
123 N. Michigan Ave.
Chicago, IL 12345

Ms. Doe:

Mr. Dave Zbecki, my accounting professor at Oakland University, suggested that I contact you. He informed me that Big Public Accounting is actively seeking to hire individuals for your Auditor Development Program.

I have more than two years of accounting experience, including interning as an Auditor last year with the Detroit office of Ernst & Young. I will be receiving my BBA this May from Oakland University, graduating Magna Cum Laude. I am confident that my combination of practical work experience and solid educational experience has prepared me for making an immediate contribution to Big Public Accounting. Having interned with a leading firm in the public accounting field, I understand the level of professionalism and communication required for long-term success in the field. My background and professional approach to business will provide your office with a highly productive Auditor upon completion of your Development Program.

Please call me at 248-555-1212 to arrange a convenient time when we may meet to further discuss my background in relation to your needs. I look forward to meeting you.

Sincerely,

Tracy Q. Graduate

Page 5.

VI. SAMPLE COVER LETTER – Application Letter

1245 Candlewood Lane

Rochester, MI 48076

April 17, 2005

Janice Smith

Smith Marketing Associates

125 Smith Blvd.

Rochester, MI 48095

Dear Ms. Smith:

I read about the position of Marketing Associate with great interest. In your advertisement you mention that you’re looking for a candidate with excellent writing and public speaking skills as well as the ability to plan workshops. My writing skills and career-related experiences make me well qualified for the position.

As sociology major, I’ve written 20 tem papers over the past four years and have consistently received excellent grades and comments on my writing style. I also write articles for the university newspaper and have been editor for the past year. In terms of public speaking experience, as an intern for the Career Service office on campus, I’ve conducted information sessions to students interested in obtaining career related experience. I’m also a tour guide for the Admission Office on campus. I’m excited at the thought of using similar skills for the Marketing Associate position.

Enclosed is my resume for your review. I look forward to talking with you in detail about the position.

Sincerely,

Jane Doe

Page 6.

VII. THANK YOU LETTER LAYOUT

Your Address

Date

(Use specific individual's name and title)
Employer's Address

Dear ______________:

First paragraph. Thank the interviewer for meeting with you. Express your enthusiasm about gaining employment in the organization.

Second paragraph. Reiterate your qualifications for and continuing interest in the position. Include any personal skills you forgot to mention during your interview or anything about the position or company that was of particular interest. Emphasize a specific skill or accomplishment that would make you an asset as an employee.

Closing paragraph(s). Briefly thank the interviewer again for consideration. Express confidence in your ability to perform well in the organization. State that you look forward to hearing from the interviewer.

Sincerely,

(Signature)

Your name (typed)

Page 7.

VII. SAMPLE THANK YOU LETTER

Your Address
Your City, State, Zip Code
Your Phone Number

Date

Name
Title
Organization
Address
City, State, Zip Code

Dear Mr./Ms. Last Name:

I want to thank you for interviewing me yesterday for the associate engineer position. I enjoyed meeting you and learning more about your research and design work.

My enthusiasm for the position and my interest in working for ABC organization were strengthened as a result of the interview. I believe my education and cooperative experiences fit nicely with the job requirements, and I am sure that I will make a significant contribution to the organization over time.

I want to reiterate my strong interest in the position and in working with you and your staff. You provide the kind of opportunity I seek. Please feel free to contact me at (insert number) or (insert email) if I can provide you with any additional information.

Sincerely,

Your Signature

Your Typed Name

Page 8.

VIII. SAMPLE THANK-YOU LETTER Cont.

1234 West Fifth Street
Pontiac, MI 83725

June 15, 20005

Mr. Howard Smith
Personnel Manager
Modern Advertising, Inc.
5555 Michigan Avenue
Chicago, Illinois 60611

Dear Mr. Smith:

Thank you for the opportunity to interview with you on Thursday, June 14, to discuss the position of copywriter at Modern Advertising, Inc. I was impressed with the enthusiasm you displayed for Modern Advertising’s future and the helpfulness of your office personnel. Learning about Modern’s present media campaign for the Houston Sausage Company was exciting and demonstrated your creative approach to advertising. Modern Advertising is a company with which I wish to be associated.

Your description of the special qualifications needed for this position was especially interesting. My ability to work under pressure and meet tight deadlines has already been proven in the advertising position I held with the Columbia Missourian. As I stated at our meeting, I enjoy the challenge of a competitive environment in which success is based on achievement.

I would also like to mention that since our meeting, I have received the College Reporter’s Award for an article of mine published in the Columbia Missourian. This is my first national award, and I am quite encouraged by this approval of my work.

Again, thank you for considering me for the position of copywriter. I look forward to hearing from you soon.

Sincerely,

Lisa Martin

Page 9.