Cover Letter

360UnitIletters.jd.ppt

BIS 360 Unit I
Employment Communication

Cover Letters

Common Employment Letters

Cover letter (solicited)

Introduces your resume

Used when applying applicant knows of specific job opening

Cover letter (unsolicited)

Introduces your resume

Used to “target” an employer, not specific position

Cover Letter Key Points

Use personal letterhead

12-pt. font

Use same font style as resume

Block format (recommended)

Must be error free

Keep it brief (3 paragraphs)

Cover Letter
Key Points cont.

Target skills and qualifications

Target those listed in advertisement for solicited cover letter

Include “enclosure” notation

Print on quality paper (same as resume)

Cover Letter – 1st Paragraph

First sentence

Refer to specific position and advertisement

Second sentence

Tell why you want to work for this company and/or

Show knowledge of company

Cover Letter – 2nd Paragraph

Focus on qualifications

Target duties/skills in advertisement

Discuss your experiences and educational qualifications

Cover Letter – 3rd Paragraph

Refer to your enclosed resume

Request an interview

Close with positive statement about yourself/your qualifications

Unsolicited Cover Letter
Differences in Content

First paragraph:

Begin by asking question to get reader’s attention or
State what your interest is regarding position with this company
Be as general (“marketing department”) or specific (“sales representative”) as you feel confident

Unsolicited Cover Letter
Differences in Content cont.

3rd paragraph - request they keep your resume on file for future reference

Avoid asking for interview when unsolicited