When mailing out your resume to a prospective employer, you always want to include an original cover letter. The cover letter is a business letter and, at bare minimum, is used to transmit your resume (or other documents, such as transcripts) to a prospective employer.

More importantly, a cover letter is a job search and networking tool. It gives you the opportunity to introduce yourself to an employer, express your interest in a position, offer the employer insight into your personality through your writing style, and impress the employer with your communication skills.

COVER LETTER FORMAT

Your Present Address
City, State, Zip Code
Date of Letter

Name
Title
Company/Organization
Street Address
City, State, Zip Code

Dear Mr./Ms. Last Name:

1st Paragraph “Why Am I Writing?” – Identify the position that you are applying for or the vocational interest area you are inquiring about.  Identify how you heard of the opening or organization.  Identify why you decided to contact the employer.

2nd Paragraph “Who Am I and Why Should You Hire Me? – Identify your skills, experiences and qualities that relate to the position (or interest area).  Highlight one or two of your strongest qualifications and explain how they relate to the needs of the employer.  Do not simply restate the facts that are on your resume (“Through my public relations internship at WWOW, I have developed selling and communication skills that are essential to the position of X,” sounds more informative than “I have worked in public relations as an intern”).  Explain why you are specifically interested in the employer and the type of work/location, etc.

3rd Paragraph “My Next Step?” – Refer the reader to the enclosed application, resume, vita, and/or status of other required documents.  Close the letter with a strong interest in pursuing the next step of an informational interview, an employment interview, and/or additional information or application.  Be assertive and state how you intend to follow up (“I will be calling you on ? date to see if an interview can be arranged” or “I will call you during the week of ? to arrange a convenient time to discuss career options”).  Clearly indicate whether you or the employer will follow up and what that next step will be.

Sincerely,

Handwritten Signature

 Typed Name

 

COVER LETTER TIPS

• Always address the letter to the person or department. Never use "To Whom It May Concern" or "Sir/Madam".
• Be sure to proofread and use proper grammar and punctuation.
• Cover letters should accompany your resume.
• Keep your letter to one page in length.
• When e-mailing your letter, the letter should be the body of the e-mail and you should also attach it a separate document.

COVER LETTER SAMPLES

Sample Cover Letter I

Sample Cover Letter II

Sample Cover Letter III

 

OTHER CORRESPONDENCE LETTERS

Many times you will be required to send additional letters of correspondence for networking or application purposes. You should also send a thank you correspondence after you have completed an interview or networking meeting.

Sample Letter of Application

Sample Letter of Inquiry

Sample Networking Letter

Sample Thank You Letter

NEED HELP?

If you need assistance writing a cover letter, please contact the Career Center to schedule an appointment, 706-737-1604.

If you need a cover letter critique, simply drop off your letter at the Career Center or e-mail the letter to a staff member. Letters will be returned within one business day.