Cover Letters
What is a cover letter? A cover letter serves as an introduction to your resume. There are two types. The first, a letter of application, is sent when there is an actual vacancy. The second, a letter of inquiry, is sent when you are inquiring about possible vacancies in your field. Cover letters should be individualized for each position that you are applying for, or inquiring about. They should be brief (one-page only).
What does the cover letter include?
- Your return address, the date, the name of the person you are writing to, the organization’s name and address.
- Your unique qualifications that relate to the job and how the employer can benefit by them.
- For a letter of application, a reference to the position to which you are applying and how you heard of it.
- For a letter of inquiry, a reference to the type of work that you are seeking.
- Both must have three parts to the letter - the opening, the body and the closing.
- Your name and your signature.
How do I prepare a cover letter?
- Use a heavy stock paper (minimum, 20 lb. weight) that matches the resume and envelope.
- Use a laser printer.
- Proofread carefully.
SAMPLE COVER LETTER
3 Anywhere Avenue
NY, NY 11111
Feb. 2, 2009
Ms. Betty Smith
Human Resources Director
Abel Direct
100 Nowhere Street
NY, NY 11111
Dear Ms. Smith:
Please consider my application for the sales assistant position that is currently open at Abel Direct. I am responding to your advertisement in the February 2 issue of Newsday.
Currently, I am interning at USA Mail Direct in Westbury, where I am responsible for cold-calling and assisting with the compilation of market research data. This experience, in addition to the courses that I have taken in my marketing program at Nassau Community College, has prepared me with the skills and knowledge necessary for a challenging career in direct marketing. Additionally, I have learned firsthand how to effectively handle customers and their demands through my part-time teller position at Brooklyn Bank. I have a very outgoing personality and possess outstanding persuasive and follow-up abilities.
I would appreciate the opportunity to speak with you further about this position. I will contact you at a later time to see if an interview can be arranged. Thank you.
Sincerely,
Jayne Freed
Enc.
Thank-you Letters
What is a thank-you letter?
A thank-you letter is a brief (one-page) letter sent out to an employer immediately following an interview. It serves as a reminder of the interview and lets the interviewer know that you are interested in the position.
What does the thank-you letter include?
- Your return address, the date, the name of the person you are writing to, the organization’s name and address.
- An expression of thanks for the interview.
- A restatement of your major qualifications for the job.
- Anything about your candidacy that you may have forgotten to discuss during the interview.
- Your name and signature. NOTE: Cover letters and thank-you letters may be sent via E-mail to employers
- Sample Cover Letter and Thank-You Letter
SAMPLE THANK-YOU LETTER
100 Somewhere Avenue
N.Y., N.Y. 11111
February 2, 2009
Mr. Philip Jones
Vice President
XYZ Management Incorporated
1212 Central Highway
NY, NY 11530
Dear Mr. Jones:
Thank you for meeting with me yesterday to discuss the management position that is currently vacant at your company. I am highly interested in this position and hope that you will consider me as a strong candidate for it.
You mentioned that you are looking for a candidate who has managed diverse functions and has handled many different operational tasks. Over the eight years that I have been in business management, I have been successful at handling staffing, training and supervision at a company with 100+ employees. I’ve had diverse experiences that have enabled me to develop innovative approaches to management in the areas of operations and records management, office automation, budget analysis and teambuilding. This background would be applicable to your current needs.
Additionally, I have planned and implemented twelve different management development programs for my current firm. These programs were launched in an effort to introduce new customer service initiatives to professional staff members.
I can provide the leadership and results that XYZ Management is looking for. I look forward to hearing from you.
Sincerely,
David Marks
