Writing a Cover Letter

Since “selling yourself” is one key to getting an employer’s attention, you need to keep yourself in the employer’s eye. Either in person in an interview or through your letters.

When you send a resume, include a cover letter. This letter should be brief and businesslike. Type in block letter format. If possible, the letter should be addressed to a specific person. Print on the same paper as the resume. Use 100 % cotton paper.

Cover letter must be an “original”- not a copy or a form letter. –If you send a copy or form letter, it looks like you’re mailing out hundreds of resumes and don’t care enough to take the time to give one company your personal attention.

If you have a friend or acquaintance in the company where you are applying-and that person is willing to put in a good word for you- mention that person’s name in the letter.

A few days after you send your letter and resume, make a follow-up phone call to the person you sent it to. That’s a good personal touch.

Things to Remember when Writing Your Cover Letter Keep a copy of any cover letter you send. Make sure the date on the letter is accurate, so you can plan how long to wait before taking your next step. It is acceptable to call the company 3 to 5 days after you send your resume and cover letter.

64 Juniper Court Clearwater, FL April 27, 2006 Ms. Elizabeth A. Perez Executive Director Briarwood Day Care Center 1882 Briarwood Lane Clearwater, FL Dear Ms. Perez: Please consider me to fill your advertised position of educational assistant working with pre- school children. I have enclosed my resume for your review. I am presently working toward a degree in Behavioral Psychology, with anticipated graduation in June I have volunteered in Head Start programs and provided services at the Ohatchee School. I now volunteer part-time, learning the needs of hearing impaired children. My career goal is to establish a day care program within a large corporation so that employees can spend more time with their children. I would appreciate the opportunity to tell you more about my qualifications. I can be reach at Thank you for your consideration. Sincerely, Margaret Centybear Enclosure

64 Juniper Court Clearwater, FL April 27, 2006 Ms. Elizabeth A. Perez Executive Director Briarwood Day Care Center 1882 Briarwood Lane Clearwater, FL Dear Ms. Perez: Please consider me to fill your advertised position of educational assistant working with pre- school children. I have enclosed my resume for your review. I am presently working toward a degree in Behavioral Psychology, with anticipated graduation in June I have volunteered in Head Start programs and provided services at the Ohatchee School. I now volunteer part-time, learning the needs of hearing impaired children. My career goal is to establish a day care program within a large corporation so that employees can spend more time with their children. I would appreciate the opportunity to tell you more about my qualifications. I can be reach at Thank you for your consideration. Sincerely, Margaret Centybear Enclosure

Thank You Letter A few days after an interview, write to thank the interviewer for taking the time to see you.