Cover Letter
A cover letter is essentially an introduction. It provides you with the chance to market yourself to a potential employer. Keep in mind that your cover letter shouldn't be a restatement of your resume. Instead, your letter should highlight key points in your career and talk about why you are qualified for a position with their company.
Your cover letter should consist of 3 parts:
- An attention getter: Employers sift through hundreds of cover letters and resumes each day. Make yours stand out by opening with a paragraph that will grab their attention.
- Highlights of your qualifications: Be sure to include one or two short paragraphs that emphasize your accomplishments and why you are qualified for the position. Feel free to use bullets to call attention to specific details. Please remember – this should not be a summarization of your resume.
- Indicate follow-up: At the conclusion of your cover letter, you should explain how you plan to follow-up with the employer. Remember to always close by saying “thank you.”
SAMPLE COVER LETTERS
Marianne Boles
611 Smart Lane
Allen, VA 22222
February 1, 2007
Ms. Glenna Wright
Human Resources Manager
ACME Promotions
2000 Line Drive
Fairfax, VA 22030
Dear Ms. Wright:
I am writing to express my interest in the position of Vice President of Sales with your organization. As an accomplished sales leader with 15 years of experience, I have achieved seven-figure revenue growth, international market penetration and successful product launches for leading global corporations during my career.
In addition to my desire to join your team, you will find that I am a dedicated and driven professional whose recent accomplishments include:
- Dramatic expansion of customer base, leading to seven-figure revenue growth rates.
- Development of a 75-member dealer network across 30 countries in six continents.
- Attainment of 100 percent customer retention rate through expert relationship-building skills and a commitment to a service-first sales approach.
Your products are on the cutting edge of technology. I am excited by this technology and would be able to translate this excitement to a business benefit for your current and future clients. If you agree that my qualifications are a close fit to your needs, I would be delighted to meet with you personally to discuss strategies for expanding ACME Promotions' market presence.
I will follow-up with you next week to ensure that you received my resume and to answer any questions that you might have. In the meantime, you may reach me at 555-555-1111 or via e-mail at boles@grantham.edu. Thank you for your consideration.
Sincerely,
Marianne Boles
Enclosure
Daniel Patel
11099 Camille Drive, Apt. 4
Tempe, AZ 85287
602/555-1961
pateldan@tempnet.com
Nov. 15, 2000
Ms. JulieAnne Taylor
Art Director
The Kaplan Group
39 Mackes Ave.
San Francisco, CA 94112
Dear Ms. Taylor,
We live in a world where styles change constantly and fresh images are always in demand. Professionals in every field, especially graphic design, must be aware of these changes and possess the flexibility and imagination to stay ahead of the trends.
I know The Kaplan Group seeks only the brightest and most creative designers for its team. I also know that I have the training and ability it takes to produce compelling images for your web and print publications. My B.S. degree in graphic design and my internship experiences have taught me how to bring ideas to life on time and under budget.
The enclosed resume elaborates on the details of my skills and experience. And the accompanying portfolio shows how I've turned ideas into reality.
I'd appreciate the chance to meet with you to discuss how I could be a vital part of your operation. You may reach me at the above telephone number or e-mail address.
Thank you for your consideration. I look forward to talking with you.
Sincerely,
Daniel Patel
Enclosure
930 Highland Ave.
State College, PA 16801
Nov. 15, 2000
Mr. Gerard Berger
Manager of Human Resources
Allen Investments Inc.
1023 Collins Ave.
Philadelphia, PA 19122
Dear Mr. Berger:
I am applying for the position of client account coordinator, which was advertised Aug. 4 with the career services center at The Pennsylvania State University. The position seems to fit very well with my education, experience, and career interests.
According to the advertisement, your position requires excellent communication skills, computer literacy, and a B.S. degree in business, economics, or finance. I will be graduating from Penn State University this month with a B.S. degree in finance. My studies have included courses in computer science, management information systems, speech communications, and business writing. I understand the position also requires a candidate who is team- and detail-oriented, works well under pressure, and is able to deal with people in departments throughout the firm. These are skills I developed both in my course work and in my recent internship at Hunter & Katchur Finance Inc. in Boalsburg, Pa.
My background and goals seem to match your requirements well. I am confident that I can perform the job effectively, and I am excited about the idea of working for a dynamic, nationally recognized investment management firm.
If you would like to schedule an interview or otherwise discuss my interest in this position, please call me at 814/555-2468. I will be available at your convenience.
Thank you for your consideration.
Sincerely,
Amy Sherwood
Enclosure
