Sunday, 19th February, 2006
Cover Letters - Free Weekly Examples, Samples
Write effective resume cover letters. We will be adding free samples, examples, templates in various formats and career areas below each week.
Writing effective cover letters is critical to even getting an interview.
Cover Letter Do's and Don'ts:
Source: FSU Career Center
I. Do -
· follow rules of layout and format of a standard business letter
· slant letter toward what you can offer employers, not what you think
they should be offering you
· address, whenever possible, to an individual, along with his/her correct title
· spell, punctuate, and paragraph correctly
· write in your own words and in conversational language
· hand-sign, rather than type your signature
· print your letters on good quality paper
· be brief, concise and to the point
· close with a direct request for some sort of action (i.e., interview appointment)
· take advantage of any link to the employer that can put your foot in the door or give you an edge over the competition (for example, mentioning the name of someone you know in the organization)
II. Don't -
· use stiff language or phrasing
· be gimmicky in an attempt to be original or clever
· load with constant use of the word "I"
· be lofty in tone or indicate you will do the employer a great service by "considering" a position
· be excessively emphatic about your reliability, capacity for hard work or intelligence. This kind of self-appraisal is usually best understated. The appearance and tone of your letter and resume can say more about you than you can gracefully say about yourself.
Sample Cover Letter Outline -
Your Present Address
City, State, Zip Code
Date Of Writing
Ms. Persons Name
Title
Organization
Street Address
City, State, Zip Code
Dear Mr. Person name:
1st Paragraph . Tell why you are writing; name the position, field, or general career area about which you are asking. Tell how you heard of the opening or organization.
2nd Paragraph . Mention one or two of your qualifications you think would be of greatest interest to the organization, slanting your remarks to their point of view. Tell why you are particularly interested in the employer, location, or type of work. If you have had related experience or specialized training, be sure to point it out. Refer the reader to the enclosed application form, resume or the fact that the XYZ Career Placement Office has or will send full credentials to provide additional information concerning your background and interests.
3rd Paragraph . Close by making a request for an opportunity to visit the employer. Indicate that you will follow up with a phone call about the possibility of a meeting. If, instead of wanting an interview, your request is for further information concerning openings, it would be polite to enclose a self-addressed, stamped envelope. Make sure your closing is not vague, but makes a specific action from the reader likely. Thank the employer for his/her consideration of your application materials.
Sincerely,
( Handwritten Signature)
Type Your Name
