Your cover letter will provide you with the opportunity to make a first contact with a potential employer. More specifically, it allows you to highlight your accomplishment and abilities so that you can present yourself as the ideal candidate. A well written cover letter will interest an employer in reviewing your resume. Sample cover letters are available in the Center for Career Development.
Other Tips:
The letter should be only one page.
The color of your cover letter should match your resume.
Cover Letters
When to Send a Cover Letter: A cover letter must always be enclosed with a resume. It is not professional to send a resume without a cover letter.
Return Address: Your return address and phone number should appear at the top right hand corner of the page, without your name.
Date: The date should appear two lines beneath the return address.
The employer: Always indicates the name of the employer and title before you send the letter. Follow this by the address.
The Salutation: The salutation will be two lines below the address of the employer. Always Begin with "Dear Mr. or Ms.". If you do not know the name of the individual to whom you are writing, find out.
First Section: Tell why you are writing; if responding to a job notice tell where you heard of the vacancy. If you are submitting an application, state this.
Second Section: Highlight some of the experience and skills which make you especially qualified for the position. Indicate why you want to work for this organization. Let them know that you did your research and are familiar with their organization.
Third Section: Close positively! Indicate that you are available for an interview and you look forward to meeting him/her and discussing the position further.
Last modified on: 2005-05-01 12:58:55 _co-aspen.nl.edu_
