resume

COVERLETTER GUIDELINES, TIPS AND TEMPLATE

Name Remember: The purpose of Address your cover letter is to let the employer know City, State, Zip Code what position you are applying for and why the Phone Number employer should read your resume and select Email Address you for an interview.

Date

Name of Employer (if you have it) Title Company Address City, State, Zip Code

Dear Mr./Ms. Last Name (or Dear Hiring Manager),

First Paragraph: The first paragraph of your letter should include information on why you are writing. Mention the position you are applying for and where you found the job listing. Include the name of a mutual contact, if you have one. Include why you are excited about the organization or position.

Middle Paragraph: The next section of your cover letter should describe what you have to offer the employer. Mention specifically how your qualifications match the job you are applying for. Remember, you are interpreting your resume, not repeating it.

Final Paragraph: Conclude your cover letter by thanking the employer for considering you for the position. Show enthusiasm for the upcoming interview and/or how much you look forward to joining the organization. Include a reference to your resume as attachment. You should include information on how you will follow-up.

Respectfully Yours/Sincerely, Handwritten Signature (for a mailed letter) Typed Signature

http://jobsearch.about.com/od/coverlettersamples/a/coverformat.htm

(Your street address)

(Your city, ST and zip)

(Your phone #)

(Your email address - optional)

(Date)

(Name of Hiring Person)

(His/her Title)

(Name of Organization)

(His/her street address)

(His/her street address)

(His/her city, ST and zip)

Dear Mr./Mrs./Ms. (Name of Hiring Person),

Recently I learned through (website or person’s name) that (name of organization) is in need of a qualified and skilled (name of position) and I would like to be considered for the position.

As you will see on the attached resume, I graduated from Colorado Technical University in (Mo/Yr) with an (Bachelor of Science in …). I have exceptional (typing and communication) skills and the ability to (handle multiple responsibilities at once). I have a desire to contribute (list three qualifications) to a (list the department) team and am confident that my experience in (list an overview of your experience) will contribute to the success of the (name the department). (This paragraph should include one or two key qualities you have that match the job description. Look at the job description of the position you are applying for and base your content on those requirements. State how you will meet the needs of the employer.)

Thank you for your time and consideration. Please feel free to contact me should you have any questions or to schedule an interview. I look forward to the possibility of becoming a key member of the (name of organization) team!

Sincerely,

(Your Name)

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Important Cover Letter Information

· This letter should not be quoted word-for- word but should reflect your voice and professional style.

· Match the margins, font type and size with your professional resume.

· Remember, the purpose of your cover letter is to 1) state the job you are interested in,

2) state how you heard about the job, 3) name two or three qualities or experiences you have that set you above other candidates, 4) show the recruiter you are excited about working for the organization and would like an interview and, 5) thank the recruiter for his/her consideration.

· Always address the letter to a specific recruiter or department head. Search the company website or call the organization and ask for the HR Manager’s name if nothing is listed on the ad. Have them SPELL the name for you. If you absolutely can’t find a specific name, is it acceptable to write “Dear Hiring Manager”.

· If you have learned about the position from an employee of the company or a friend of the recruiter/hiring manager, mention that person by name in the first paragraph of the letter.

· When sending an electronic resume, you can either attach your cover letter using this format, or cut and paste the body of the letter in the body of an email starting with Dear… and ending with your signature. Remember – emails should be professional, formal and well written.

· Make sure you use proper grammar and excellent writing skills. Impress them!!!