cover letter

Cover Letters

(Job Application Letters)-see pp. 426-431:

Things to keep in mind when writing a Cover Letter:

· Include the date and your address in the upper left

· Include the name, title, and address of the person to whom the letter is addressed, skip a line then,

· Include a formal salutation followed by a colon. Skip a line, then

· Begin the first paragraph. This should include

· The position for which you’re applying

· A statement of your desire to be hired for that position

· A brief outline of what’s to follow in the letter

· And may include how you found out about the position

· Include a paragraph stating your educational background, if appropriate to the position

· Include a paragraph highlighting your pertinent work history

· Include a concluding paragraph that:

· Refers to your resume that’s included

· Requests an interview (politely!)

· Includes contact information-phone or email

· Sign-off your letter, with a form of farewell (as in previous letters),

· Skip three spaces, and type your name

· Sign it in the space between the farewell and your name.

· Below this indicate that there’s an enclosure with the letter

You should keep your cover letter to one page. It should be free of spelling and grammatical errors. It should be easy to read, so use standard fonts and margins. In it you should be confident without being boastful. Be clear and to the point. Do not ramble.