| How to Write a Cover Letter |
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Set yourself apart from the rest of the job-hunting crowd with a well-written cover letter.
by Lauren Davis We all know cover letters can be a chore. The whole job application process would be a lot simpler if you could just send out dozens of resumes and wait for the company of your dreams to call. But cover letters are more than just another hoop to jump through on the path to gainful employment; they are an opportunity to impress potential employers with your enthusiasm, understanding of the company, and relevant skills. Let’s look at the cover letter section by section. The Header Although many cover letters are now sent via email, you may need to submit a hard copy of your cover letter and resume by snail mail. In that case, you will need to include a header on your cover letter. The header should include your name, address, and contact information, like so:
It should also include the date you sent the letter: February 6, 2008 And the name and address of the individual and company to whom you are sending it: The Daily Planet Perry White, Editor-in-Chief 1 International Plaza, Suite 1200 Metropolis, IL 62960 The Re: Line If you are emailing your resume and cover letter, write the name of the position you are applying for in the subject line. If you are writing a physical letter, create a subject line beneath the header: Re: Junior Reporter Position This ensures that your application reaches the correct person as quickly as possible. Dear “So-and-So” If possible, find the name of the person in charge of hiring and address your letter to that person by name. Address men as “Mr.” and women as “Ms.” Here our applicant would start his letter with: Dear Mr. White, Watch out for names that could be either male or female. If the hiring manager’s name is “Alex Smith,” for instance, go to the company’s website and see if they have photos of their employees. If you cannot find the name of the addressee, begin your letter with “Dear Sir/Madam.” The Introductory Paragraph In the first paragraph, let the reader know what position you are applying for and how you found it: I recently learned from Lonnie Lefkowitz, my journalism advisor at Metropolis University, that you currently have an opening for a junior reporter on your metro desk. I am very interested in this position with The Daily Planet, and believe that my education and background make me an ideal candidate for this position. Your Background and Experience In the second paragraph, highlight your relevant experience and skills, and explain how they connect to the position you are applying for: For the last four years, I have worked as a staff writer for Metropolis University’s award-winning paper, The Metropolitan, eventually working my way up to Features Editor. My article linking one of Met U’s academic societies to organized crime won the Arnold Cassidy Award for Excellence in Student Journalism. This past summer, I interned at The Metropolis Times and learned a great deal about professional reporting and the unique demands of reporting news and events in Metropolis. In addition to my journalism studies, I have done extensive coursework in biochemistry and engineering, which has given me a profound insight into Metropolis’s growing technology industry. Why You Want to Work There You may want to include some specific information as to why you want the position. It isn’t necessary, but it can go a long way toward demonstrating your enthusiasm for the position and the company, as well as show the reader that you’ve put some time and thought into the letter rather than just sent out a form letter: I am extremely interested in working for The Daily Planet, not only because of its reputation for journalistic excellence, but also because of its attention to nurturing young reporters. The Planet’s mentorship program would provide an ideal environment for me to grow as a reporter while learning from some of the best journalists in the industry. The Closer The final lines of your letter should be brief and simple. Mention your resume, say how you will follow up, and thank the reader: I would appreciate the opportunity to meet with you and further discuss the junior reporter position. Within the next week, I will contact you to confirm that you have received my letter and resume and to answer any questions about my qualifications. Thank you for your consideration. Sincerely, Clark Kent Once You're Done Proofread, proofread, proofread! Double check everything in your cover letter, from spelling and grammar to the name of the person you're sending it to. Better yet, get a friend or two to read it over to make sure it's as perfect as possible before sending it out. How to Write a Cover Letter [wikiHow] Want Your Letter to Stand Out? Here’s a Tip: Write It Yourself [The New York Times] Five Common Cover Letter Mistakes [Yahoo! HotJobs] Cover Letter Etiquette [Monster]
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