Cover Letter

You have a beautiful resume. It states what you are looking for You have a beautiful resume. It states what you are looking for. What else can you do to let an employer know why he/she should hire you?

Use a cover letter.

A cover letter is a business style letter that you include with your resume (put it on top of your resume—cover it!)

The purpose of your cover letter is to get the reader’s attention, introduce yourself, explain why you want the position you are seeking.

Use it to point out and emphasize areas where you meet the needs of the employer.

Name Address City, State Zip Phone Number email Date Employer Name Address (or email address or fax number)   Re: Job title of job for which you are responding Dear Sir or Madam: Please accept the enclosed resume (and application) for the _______________ position advertised on/in/at ______________________________. Brief explanation of how you qualify for the job. More detailed information about your knowledge and skills and how they specifically pertain to the job as described in the ad (or however you heard about it). This paragraph should be your longest paragraph. I would welcome the opportunity to talk with you about the _________ job. I love working in _______________. You can reach me at ________________ to schedule an appointment. Thank you. Sincerely, Your Name (This is where you will sign your name if you are sending a letter.) Your Name Jordan Smith 635 Cypress Ave. Ontario, CA, 91777 909-555-5551 jordansmith@email.com September 30, 2017 Mr. Felix San Bernardino County Band 909-xxx-xxxx Re: Band Assistant for San Bernardino County Band Dear Mr. Felix: Please accept the enclosed resume for the Band Assistant position posted at Woodcrest Jr. High on the Music Bulletin Board. I am a highly motivated and dedicated student with strong communication and interpersonal skills. As a student I have been extensively involved in my school community in various events, including band activities and sports carnivals. I have assisted our music teachers to organize music, made copies of music, and clean up the band room. In addition, I was the most successful fund raiser for the band last year. I sold 1,000 chocolate bars! I am aware that you will receive a large number of applications for this job, and I would welcome the opportunity to talk with you about the band assistant job. You can reach me at 909-555-5551 to schedule an appointment. Thank you. Sincerely, Jordan Smith

Writing the letter in three paragraphs is a good way to make sure you cover everything. Explain why you are writing the letter. Paragraph 2 Point out how your skills and experience will benefit the company/group where you want to work. Paragraph 3 Conclude with next step. Provide contact information.

Explain why you are writing the letter. Paragraph 1 Explain why you are writing the letter. Please accept the enclosed resume for the Band Assistant position posted at Woodcrest Jr. High on the Music Bulletin Board. I am a highly motivated and dedicated student with strong communication and interpersonal skills. As a student I have been extensively involved in my school community in various events, including band activities and sports carnivals.

Paragraph 2 Point out how your skills and experience will benefit the place where you want to work. I have assisted our music teachers to organize music, made copies of music, and clean up the band room. In addition, I was the most successful fund raiser for the band last year. I sold 1,000 chocolate bars!

Paragraph 3 Conclude with next step. Provide contact information. I am aware that you will receive a large number of applications for this job, and I would welcome the opportunity to talk with you about the band assistant job. You can reach me at 909-555-5551 to schedule an appointment. Thank you.

Close on a positive note, noting how the person can reach you Close on a positive note, noting how the person can reach you. Repeat your phone number, even if it is in your letterhead.

Don’t forget to sign your letter! If you are emailing the letter and attaching your resume, use a formal closing and type your name.

Attach your resume in pdf format to preserve your formatting and allow the recipient to see the letter the way you designed it!