Job Application Letter (Cover letter)

Cover Letter: Purpose and Description A cover letter is a document sent with your resume to provide additional information on your skills and experience. Employers use cover letters as a way to screen applicants for available jobs and to determine which candidates they would like to interview. A cover letter typically provides detailed information on why you are qualified for the job you are applying for. Effective cover letters explain the reasons for your interest in the specific organization and identify your most relevant skills or experiences.

Elements of a Cover Letter Your Contact Information Name Address City, State, Zip Code Phone Number Email Address Date Employer Contact Information (if you have it) Name Title Company Address City, State, Zip Code

Elements of a Cover Letter 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. Middle Paragraph(s) 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. Include information on how you will follow-up.

Elements of a Cover Letter Closing Be positive Complimentary Close Respectfully yours, Signature Handwritten Signature (for a hard copy letter) Typed Signature (name) Enclosure (this is only added if you are sending something with the letter)

Curriculum Vitae (CV) Personal Details Education and Training Work Experience Personal Skills Language skills Computer skills Interests and other activities

Curriculum Vitae DOs keep your CV/résumé brief and concise: there is no need to go into a lot of detail about your education or employment history. try to keep your CV/résumé to one or two sides of A4 paper. use brief, informative sentences, short paragraphs, and standard English. use bold type or bullet points to highlight key information. proofread for spelling, grammar, or punctuation mistakes: many employers routinely discard CVs/résumés that contain this type of mistake. update your CV/résumé regularly as your situation changes.

Curriculum Vitae DON’Ts go into too much detail: employers are too busy to read rambling or unfocused CVs/résumés. leave gaps in your employment history: add a sentence or two explaining any periods that are not accounted for. use too many different fonts or typefaces: keep to one or two that are clear and easy to read. use inappropriate colours, graphics, or photos. name people as referees unless you’ve confirmed that they’re happy to provide a reference for you.

Composing a Cover Letter Part Content Example Opening Tell: 1) that you are applying for a job and 2) the source of your information I read about a job opening for an administrative assistant on the NetLives Web site. Focus Tell why you are suited for the job I am a recent graduate of EMP Secretarial School, and I was in the top of my class. I am looking for a challenging work environment like that at NetLives. Action Tell what you plan to do I will call you next Monday to discuss my enclosed resume. Closing Be positive I look forward to meeting with you soon.

Salutation Write to a specific person. Before you write try to find out the name. E.g. Dear Ms. Maroon Dear Mr Ping If you don’t know the gender, use the person’s full name or initial. E.g. Dear Lin Croft Dear D. Maxon If you don’t know the name, use the person’s title E.g. Dear Human Resource Specialist Dear Recruiter If you know only the address, use a generic salutation E.g. To whom it may concern Dear Sir or Madam

Complimentary closing Follow the closing with a comma, a space, and then your name. The list below present usual examples of complimentary closings: Sincerely, Sincerely yours, Regards, Best regards, Kind regards, Yours truly, Most sincerely, Respectfully, Respectfully yours, Thank you for your consideration,

Useful Language for Cover Letters I am applying for… I would like to express my interest in the position of… Please accept this letter as my application for the position of... I have extensive experience in … I believe that my background and experience would enable me to … In my capacity as…I was also responsible for… I have a particular enthusiasm for… I have always had a keen interest in … I have enclosed my resume… I look forward to… I look forward with enthusiasm to an opportunity for an interview. Thank you for your time and consideration

Sample Cover Letter John Donaldson 8 Sue Circle Smithtown, CA 08067 909-555-5555 john.donaldson@emailexample.com Date George Gilhooley XYZ Company 87 Delaware Road Hatfield, CA 08065 Dear Mr. Gilhooley, I am writing to apply for the programmer position advertised in the Times Union. As requested, I am enclosing a completed job application, my certification, my resume, and three references. The opportunity presented in this listing is very interesting, and I believe that my strong technical experience and education will make me a very competitive candidate for this position. The key strengths that I possess for success in this position include: I have successfully designed, developed, and supported live use applications I strive for continued excellence I provide exceptional contributions to customer service for all customers With a BS degree in Computer Programming, I have a full understanding of the full life cycle of a software development project. I also have experience in learning and excelling at new technologies as needed. Please see my resume for additional information on my experience. I can be reached anytime via email at john.donaldson@emailexample.com or my cell phone, 909-555-5555. Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to speaking with you about this employment opportunity. Sincerely, Signature (for hard copy letter) John Donaldson