HOW TO WRITE A COVER LETTER

FORMATTING OUTLINE

Your NameYour AddressCity, State, Zip

Date

(Ms. or Mr.) Personnel ManagerName of CompanyCompany AddressCity, State, Zip

RE: (regarding line is optional, but helps as a quick header)

Dear (Ms/ Mr. or Hiring Manager):

GAIN ATTENTION: Your opening paragraph should grab the hiring manager’s attention. Tell the employer what position you’re applying for, and where/when you found the job listed. Then include one or two lines that lead into your suitability for the position and/or explain why you’re interested in the company.

ROUSE INTEREST: Your middle paragraphs should rouse the manager’s interest by explaining

what makes you special: your accomplishments, relevant experiences, value you bring to the organization, etc. Give details of your background that will show the reader why one should consider you as a candidate (consider using bullets to highlight at least 3 qualifications you have that are relevant to the job). If you are responding to a job posting, be sure to mention any relevant skills or qualifications that that the job listing says are important.

TAKE ACTION: In your closing paragraph ask the hiring manager to call you for an interview, and mention that you would like to follow up. Include your phone number and when you intend to touch base for an interview. You may also list your dates of availability.

Respectfully,

[Your Signature]

Cut and paste this section from your résumé so that your cover letter & résumé look like a pair.

Type your name here

SAMPLE COVER LETTER

PAT PERFECTOne Pluperfect Way, Anytown, TX. 12345

(111)222-3333 ~ PPerfect@internetserver.com

April 10, 2013

Office ManagerListen Up, Inc.55 NowHiring WayAnytown, US. 12345

Re: Job code 5678 from the Blabbermouth

Ms. Joboffer:

I would like to apply for your Office Receptionist position, which I saw advertised April 1, 2013, in the

Blabbermouth. I have three years of experience in customer service, including working in a fast-paced

environment with multiple phone lines and a large staff.

I am familiar with most telephone systems, fax machines, email, plus both Apple and Microsoft

operating systems.

I have hands-on experience with Quickbooks, Microsoft Word, Excel, and appointment scheduling

software.

I also have experience as a bill collector. If the need arises, I would be happy to make collection

calls or field difficult or awkward inquiries.

Enclosed is my resume for your review. I am enthusiastic about exploring opportunities with Listen Up,

Inc., and look forward to meeting you. You can reach me at (111) 222-3333. Thank you for your time

and consideration, and I will contact you within the next few days to answer any questions and schedule

an interview at your convenience.

Respectfully,

Pat PerfectPat Perfect

Résumé Enclosed

SAMPLE COVER LETTER – To use for hidden/unadvertised positions.

The hidden job market is really just another name for a proactive job search. If you're waiting by the phone for hiring managers and recruiters to contact you after posting your résumé on one or two online job boards - it will likely be a very long wait! Take into account that you, along with thousands of other candidates are using these same obvious sources.

I'm not saying that you shouldn't use Career Wings or other common online job boards, just don't make them the foundation of your search. Check them out every once in a while or set-up an automatic search agent so the job boards will send you an email each time a new posting that matches your search criteria becomes available.

So how can you proactively take control of the job search process? Target a specific organization you want to work for, and if the position you desire isn’t currently posted, send them a proactive cover letter asking if they would consider you for a future position. Every company experiences turnover, so just because the position you want isn’t available now, doesn’t mean that it won’t be available soon.

Below is a sample cover letter that a student studying International Business could use when searching for internship opportunities with targeted employers. Modify the text to fit your situation.

Dear Ms. Joboffer,

I would like to express my interest in securing an international business internship at COMPANY NAME. I am currently in my _____ year at the University of North Florida Coggin College of Business and am interested in a position that will use my skills in _____and _____. I am passionate about _________ and my goal is to enhance my career in the ______ industry through an internship with your company.

Please note that I have both relevant education and experience… Elaborate on the value you can add to this company. Remember to note any relevant qualifications, flexibility, leadership and decision making experience, and IB related skills such as: fluency in multiple languages, global perspective, multicultural/international experiences, networks in foreign countries, etc.

It is very important for me to associate theory and practice, and serving your company would be a great way to both expand my skills and have a rewarding experience related to international business. Enclosed is my résumé for your review. I am enthusiastic about exploring opportunities with COMPANY NAME and look forward to meeting you. I can be reached at 904-123-4567 or via email at student@ospreys.unf.edu. Thank you for your time and consideration.

Sincerely,NAME

Source material: https://www.localjobnetwork.com/a/t-pssssti-have-a-secret--the-hidden-job-market-isnt-really-hidden-au-long,-john-e.-articles-a2392.html