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(Download Free Cover Letter Guide at Bottom of the Page!)

 

Cover Letter Tips:

Cover Letter Writing

  • Cover letters are used when sending your resume via e-mail or regular mail. Sample job letters can be found below.  Also, see the Interview Section of this website for more sample letters to thank the job interviewer.  Employers may also provide a box for you to attach or copy of a cover letter to their on-line application form.
  • Use 8 ½ x 11 stationery 20-25 lb weight paper or look for paper labeled “resume paper” at your office supply store. Use good quality white or off-white resume paper for the cover letter (envelope should match resume paper).
  • Have plenty of toner in your cartridge so your printing is dark enough. Don’t use draft print or economy mode printing and use a laser printer. If you don’t have the right type of printer, go to a local Kinko's of similar place to have them printed for you. Your local library, campus Career Center, or computer center at your college may also have laser printers that you can utilize.
  • Design your own conservative letterhead or include your name address and phone number after your signature. Include your cell phone number if you have one. Have a professional sounding message on your answering machine or voice mail. Also, don’t use your work phone number especially if your employer has caller ID, and they don’t know you are job searching.
  • The cover letter should be geared towards the job you are looking for.
  • Address the letter to a person if possible and use their job title. If you have are not able to determine who to send the letter to, use Dear Ladies and Gentlemen or Dear Hiring Manager or Dear Human Resource Manager.
  • If you are sending a resume and letter after filing out a job application on the company's website, state in your letter that you have completed the online job application.
  • Use Sincerely yours, or Sincerely for the closing.
  • Keep your letter short with about three or four short paragraphs.
  • It is a good idea to use a few bullets to highlight your experience and abilities within your letter.  A cover letter is a good place to put your personality characteristics or qualities that you possess and that are directly related to the job you are seeking.
  • Enclose your resume and if requested, attach your job application, list of references and college transcripts.
  • Check your spelling, punctuation and letter format.  Do not use white out, eraser or correction tape.
  • Type your envelope or mailing label instead of using ink. This is not the time to cut corners!
  • There are many books and resources regarding cover letter writing so take a look at a few as they will be very helpful.

Addressing Salary Requirements:

Some job advertisements ask you to include your salary requirements.   You may want to state in your cover letter that your salary is negotiable or you may state that you are seeking a position in the range of $28,000-$32,000/year depending on the job responsibilities and benefits. Research salaries in your field to make sure you are not asking too much or too little. Most employers ask you for your salary requirement because they want to determine if you are in their salary range. See Salary Negotiations on this website regarding how to address this issue further.

Cover Letter Template:


Date


(Mr. Ms. Mrs., Dr.). If you don’t know if the female person is married, use Ms.  Verify if the person is a Mr. or Ms. for unusual names or names that can be used by both males and females.

Mr. First Name Last Name

Title
Name of Organization
Inside Address
City, State   Zip Code

Dear Mr. Mrs. or Ms. Last Name:

Mention the position you are applying for and where you saw the job advertised and/or who referred you. State your interest in the job and working for the company. Include a comment about the company to show them you have some knowledge about the company.

Highlight your related work experience, education and special achievements using a bulleted format. Include related job skills and abilities. This section should tell the employer how you fit the job and meet their needs mentioned in the job posting.

Mention that your resume and application (if requested by employer) are enclosed along with names of references (if requested by employer), or letters of reference (if requested by employer). Restate your interest in the job and organization and in obtaining an interview. Ask if they have any questions, they may call you. Tell them you look forward to hearing from them or you may let them know that you will be follow-up on a certain date.

Sincerely,


Your First and Last Name
Your address
Your phone number

Enclosures

Cover Letter Example:


November 20, 2007 


Ms. Melissa Rodgers
Office Manager
ABC Billing
135 West Orange St.
Richmond, TX 34334

Dear Ms. Rodgers:

I am applying for the Accounts Payable Clerk position advertised in the Dallas Press. I am very interested in working for ABC Billing, a local leader in billing services. I recently read about your new state of the art facilities and your company’s rapid growth, and I would like to be a part of your team.

I recently graduated from Dallas Technical College with an Associate of Arts degree in Accounting. While attending college, I worked part-time for the past two years as an Accounts Payable Assistant for Quick Billing Services. My strong work ethic, organizational, customer service and accounts payable skills would enable me to carry out the responsibilities of this position.

I am enclosing my resume for your review. I am very interested in learning more about this position and your company. If you need any additional information or have any questions, please let me know. I look forward to hearing from you soon.

Sincerely,


Britney Roberts
1000 Spears Way
Shores, TX 98999
(444) 444-4444

Enclosures

E-Mails:

How do you know when it is OK to e-mail letters to employers? First, if the employer uses e-mail as a way for you to send your resume, then it would be OK to follow-up with employers via e-mail. Second, if employers are sending you e-mails to set up interviews or to send you job information, then it is OK to send letters via e-mail. If you are making cold calls or follow-up calls and just can’t get through to the person or don’t get return phone calls, then you could send a brief e-mail letter.

Wait a couple of days after sending the e-mail to see if you get a response. If you don’t get a response, call the company and let them know you are following up on an e-mail you sent. Persistence is sometimes the key to a successful job hunt. Take a hint if you are not getting a response. Try networking with another person in the company.

E-mail Tips:

  • Use the same format and guidelines for formal cover letters except don’t include their address. Start the e-mail with Dear Mr. or Ms. (insert last name)
  • Complete the subject line (Interview Follow-up, etc.)
  • Do not use the high importance e-mail mark emoticons (smiley faces, etc.)
  • Check you e-mail daily and respond to employers within 24 hours.
  • If you are away from you e-mail, you probably should set up an automated e-mail response to let them know you are away until (date) and will reply upon your return and/or include where they can contact you while you are away.
  • If you put your e-mail address on your resume or job application, check your e-mail daily. Your e-mail address should be professional or generic like your name@. Don’t use e-mails addresses like sassybettylynn@. Save the cute names for corresponding with your friends.

Cover Letter Samples and Guide:


Download FREE Cover Letter Samples and Job Search Guide from the U.S. Department of Labor.

Resumes, Applications and Cover Letters