Business Cover Letter: Tips and Examples
The preliminary application for a professional position generally
consists of two documents: a cover letter and a resume. This handout
describes the cover letter; the resume is described in a separate
Writing Center handout.
While the resume is a somewhat generic advertisement for yourself, the
cover letter allows you to tailor your application to each specific
job. Although the thrust of your various letters may remain the same,
with the assorted text-processing options available at RPI—options
that include find-and-replace and merging capabilities—there is really
no reason to have a single, generic cover letter.
Overview
Effective cover letters are constructed with close attention to:
* Purpose
* Audience
* Content
* Format
Purpose
Your cover letter and resume usually provide all the information which
a prospective employer will use to decide whether or not you will
reach the next phase in the application process: the interview.
While your goal is an interview and, ultimately, a job offer, the more
immediate purpose of your cover letter in some cases may simply be to
gain an attentive audience for your resume.
Audience
A cover letter provides, in a very real sense, an opportunity to let
your prospective employer hear your voice. It reflects your
personality, your attention to detail, your communication skills, your
enthusiasm, your intellect, and your specific interest in the company
to which you are sending the letter.
Therefore, c over letters should be tailored to each specific company
you are applying to. You should conduct enough research to know the
interests, needs, values, and goals of each company, and your letters
should reflect that knowledge.
Content
A cover letter should be addressed to the specific company and the
specific individual who will process your application. You can usually
find this through research or simply by calling the company to find
out who you should address your letter to.
The letter should name the position for which you are applying and
also make specific references to the company. Indicate your knowledge
of and interest in the work the company is currently doing, and your
qualification for the position. You want the reader to know:
* why you want to work at that specific company,
* why you fit with that company
* how you qualify for the position to which you applying.
In addition to tailoring your application to a specific job with a
specific company , the cover letter should also
highlight the most important and relevant accomplishments, skills, and
experience listed in your resume
point to the resume in some way (as detailed in the enclosed resume")
request specific follow up, such as an interview.
Format
A cover letter should be in paragraph form (save bulleted lists for
your resume) with a conversational, though formal, tone.
The first paragraph should be brief, perhaps two or three sentences,
stating
* what job you are applying for and how you learned about it
* any personal contacts you have in or with the company
* your general qualifications for the job.
The body of your letter should consist of one to three longer
paragraphs in which you expand upon your qualifications for the
position. Pick out the most relevant qualifications listed in your
resume and discuss them in detail, demonstrating how your background
and experience qualify you for the job. Be as specific as possible,
and refer the reader to your resume for additional details.
The concluding paragraph of your letter should request an interview
(or some other response, as appropriate). State where and when you can
be reached, and express your willingness to come to an interview or
supply further information. Close by thanking your reader for his or
her time and consideration.
Example: Cover Letter 1
34 Second Street
Troy, New York 12180
October 4, 2001
Ms. Gail Roberts
Recruiting Coordinator
Department DRR 1201
Database Corporation
Princeton, New Jersey 05876
Dear Ms. Roberts:
Your advertisement for software engineers in the January issue of the
IEEE Spectrum caught my attention. I was drawn to the ad by my strong
interest in both software design and Database.
I have worked with a CALMA system in developing VLSI circuits, and I
also have substantial experience in the design of interactive CAD
software. Because of this experience, I can make a direct and
immediate contribution to your department. I have enclosed a copy of
my resume, which details my qualifications and suggests how I might be
of service to Database.
I would like very much to meet with you to discuss your open positions
for software engineers. If you wish to arrange an interview, please
contact me at the above address or by telephone at (518) 271-9999.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely yours,
Joseph Smith
Example: Cover Letter 2
1234 15th Street
Troy, New York 12180
January 30, 2002
Mr. John M. Curtis
Recruiting Coordinator
HAL Corporation
55 Washington Avenue
New York, New York 10081
Dear Mr. Curtis:
As an experienced computer programmer who is presently pursuing a
master's degree in electrical engineering at Rensselaer Polytechnic
Institute, I am writing to request information about possible summer
employment opportunities with HAL. I am interested in a position that
will allow me to combine the talents I have developed in both computer
programming and electrical engineering. However, as you can see from
the attached resume, I have extensive experience in many related
fields, and I always enjoy new challenges.
I feel that it is important for me to maintain a practical, real-world
perspective while developing my academic abilities. I am proud of the
fact that I have financed my entire education through scholarships and
summer jobs related to my field of study. This work experience has
enhanced my appreciation for the education I am pursuing. I find that
I learn as much from my summer jobs as I do from my academic studies.
For example, during the summer of 1986, while working for IBM in Boca
Raton, Florida, I gained a great deal of practical experience in the
field of electronic circuit logic and driver design. When I returned
to school in the fall and took Computer Hardware Design, I found that
my experience with IBM had thoroughly prepared me for the subject.
Having said all this, I realize that your first consideration in
hiring an applicant must not be the potential educational experience
HAL can provide, but the skills and services the applicant has to
offer. I hope the experience and education described in my resume
suggest how I might be of service to HAL.
I welcome the opportunity to discuss with you how I might best assist
HAL in fulfilling its present corporate needs. I will be available for
employment from May 14 through August 31, 2002. Please let me know
what summer employment opportunities are available at HAL for someone
with my education, experience, and interests. You can reach me at the
above address or by phone at (518) 271-0000.
Thank you for your consideration.
Sincerely yours,
Joan Doe
National Association of Colleges and Employers
Also see
sample resume format
from The Eduers.com.
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