Cover Letter Anatomy “A cover letter is to a resume as a book jacket is to a novel It introduces the author to the reader and provides a tantalizing overview of the contents that should make the reader want to dive right in.” Cover Letter Format Your Name Address Telephone Email Date (Month, Day, Year) Employer Name Title Company Name Address Dear Mr Smith Introduction Body habits Conclusion Introduction Your education, skills, experience, personal characteristics and/or work Closing Sincerely (Your Signature) Your Name Cover Letter Content Introduction The first paragraph describes why you are writing or states your objective Start off with an original opening statement Tell the reader where you found the advertisement and what position you are applying for Consider conducting some research on the company before writing the cover letter and include something you know about the company within the introduction or body of the letter You might want to add one sentence at the end of the introduction that relays your desire to work for the specific company Key to the introduction is to create interest and grab the reader’s attention Body The body of the letter provides essential information that the employer should know about you – skills, achievements, quantified statements about past accomplishments, experience, personality traits and/or work habits Choose the most relevant elements from your resume and highlight them Keep this paragraph clear and concise When writing about how you work or what kind of person you are, try to support your statements with examples This paragraph tells the employer why they should hire you over another candidate You can take the opportunity to tell the employer why you believe this job is the ideal match for your skill set You should provide tangible evidence of the potential contribution you could make if hired In other words, sell yourself Conclusion This paragraph closes the letter and can restate your interest in the position Employers appreciate candidate enthusiasm Provide the employer with your specific contact information and tell the reader when you will follow-up to confirm the receipt of your letter and resume Cover Letter Quick Tips                       Lend the cover letter your personality Address your letters to individuals – name and correct job title Name-drop early in your letter Establish your credibility in your field of choice by using industry –specific terms Proofread for spelling, grammar and format at least three times Keep it simple, clear and easy to read Ask somebody to read your cover letter and give you feedback Where possible, personalize your cover letter Where applicable, include the position competition number Letter should be no more than one page in length Customize each cover letter to the position being applied for Highlight relevant experience based on job being applied for Do not send out generic letters Take your time – draft, revise and rewrite Show enthusiasm and sincerity Be sure to spell the employer name and title correctly Do not short form words ie I’d or You’ve Do not overuse the word “I” Show your intent to follow-up at a later date Write from your strengths and not shortcomings – be positive Do not exaggerate your experiences Cover letter paper should be the same as resume paper Created by Faculty of Technology