COVER LETTER

A COVER LETTER IS AN INTRODUCTION TO YOUR RESUME.

U No resume should be mailed without a cover letter.

U Use personal salutation to vice president of personnel or human resources, or specific name of executive elsewhere in the company. If no name is known, address to "personnel officer.” Do not use a generic cover letter.

U If sending a copy to hiring department manager, refer to this action in a letter to personnel or human resource officer.

U Use paper that matches resume (good bond paper). Use front side only.

U Include telephone numbers in return address.

U Sign your name legibly and large enough to be easily read. Black ink is preferred.

U Keep copies of all correspondence.

U Follow-up on resumes sent within 3-5 days by telephone.

U When faxing a resume and cover letter, call to see if person received them. An original copy may also be mailed with a reference to the fax.

U Keep cover letter short and to-the-point in three to five paragraphs.

FORMATTING TIPS:

Ë Return mailing address and date at the top of page: left, centered, or right justified.

Ë Name of person and institution three spaces below the date and flush with left margin.

Ë Single space body of the letter. Double space between paragraphs.

Ë Paragraphs may begin at the left margin or five spaces to the right.

Ë Type the complimentary close two lines below the last line of the letter.

Ë Type your name four spaces below the complimentary close.

Ë Sign your name to the cover letter above your typed name.

Ë Type any enclosure two spaces below your typed name.

LETTER CONTENT:

PARAGRAPH # 1 (ASK): Introduce yourself and let the employer know why you are writing and possibly how you heard of the position or organization. Give your current status as a student or an employee. Especially mention any person the reader might know who also knows you, recommended that you contact the recipient, knows your skills, or can speak positively for you.

PARAGRAPH # 2 (SELL): Sell yourself. Mention one or two qualifications you think would be of greatest interest to the employer, addressing your remarks to his point of view. Draw attention to your strongest points, but do not rewrite your resume in this paragraph. You must convince the reader that you have something to offer of benefit. What can you do for the employer? Why should this person take his/her time to speak with you? Why are you qualified? How are you a good candidate for the position?

PARAGRAPH # 3 (ACTION): A "call for action." Make sure your closing statement is positive and makes a request for specific action from the reader. Tell the reader what you are going to do to follow-up your letter. Close your sale. If writing to a local employer, the third paragraph should ask for an interview and say you will call within the next three to four days to set an appointment time. If you are writing to an out-of-town employer: "I plan to visit Atlanta during the week of November 7-14 and will welcome the chance to meet with you personally." Show appreciation to the reader for his time and consideration.